Harness racing has always been the most family orientated code of the equine species so it stands to reason young Mitchell Ford would follow the family tradition.
Mitchell has been contesting in all the pony trot races that the Tasmanian Pacing Club has reintroduced to its schedule this season and last Sunday night he showed why he will more than likely follow in the footsteps of his brother Nathan and father Scott.
Scott has long been regarded as one of the most talented reinsmen the state has produced and his eldest son Nathan has already proven himself to be a top class driver.
Now Mitchell has signalled he could be the next to follow suit.
The 11-year-old grade six student at Brighton Primary School was driving his pony Toughen Up and gave the front marker a 190-metre start but he still managed to guide his trusty steed to victory.
The TPC has scheduled two pony trot races at each of its Sunday meetings through to the end of March and the driver who accrues the most points will be declared the winner.
There are eight young drivers registered to take part in the season=-long series.
The TPC also will hold a pony trot Cup event on Tasmania Cup night on December 20.
Peter Staples