Ferguson Chasing State Honours
8 March, 2017
Harness
Micheal Ferguson says personal pride and state honours are on the line when the Garrards Young Drivers Concession Challenge resumes in April.
Ferguson holds sway over his contempories, but with one round of heats remaining he has Lauren Jones and Bailey McDonough snapping at his heels.
Ferguson climbed to the top of the leader board after driving two of the four heat winners in series two, combining with Raffaello and Falling Starzzz.
Raffaello, prepared by Peter Kimberley, was sent out at double figure odds, but finished too strongly after being in a prominent position in running.
Ashleigh Markham’s Falling Starzzz also escaped the attention of punters, but fell in after Ferguson went forward and dictated terms in front.
The Garrards Young Drivers Concession Challenge was the brainchild of Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s Harness Driving Coach, Trevor Warwick.
Warwick, who is one of four West Australians to drive more than 2000 winners, said the initiative was designed to boost the profile and exposure of young drivers.
“There are not a lot of opportunities for junior drivers and this is a chance to give young men and women the chance to get their name out in the marketplace,” Warwick said.
“At this stage of their career when they are new to the sport it could just be the boost and confidence they need to improve.
“It gives exposure to drivers with lower profiles and an opportunity to associate with trainers that they might otherwise get.
“The link and partnership they gain can lead to repeat drives and that can only be a confidence boost for many of them.”
Ferguson said he can’t wait to renew his battle when the final round of the Garrards Young Drivers Concession Challenge gets underway in April.
Bunbury will stage the opening leg on April 22 and then move to Pinjarra on April 24, Northam on May 2 and back to Pinjarra again on May 8.
“Now that it’s getting close my competitive instincts are kicking in,” Ferguson said.
“I haven’t been this close before so it would be great to take it out.
“The winner also gets to represent WA so that is another incentive.”
The 2017 Garrards Young Drivers Champion will don the black and gold silks for Western Australia in the New South Wales Rising Star Series later in the year.
Ferguson is the son of Brian Ferguson who came to WA from New Zealand as a stable hand for Ross Oliveri almost 30 years ago.
The 19-year-old has driven over a 100 winners, the first in 2013 when he combined with the Gary Hall Sr-trained Yougottawanna.
He is hoping to join Kristy Sheehy (2014-2015) and Stuart McDonald (2016) as previous winners on the Garrards honour roll.
Julio Santarelli