DESPITE his proven success in harness racing Bathurst horseman Nathan Turnbull would be the first to admit that he has been overshadowed by his younger sister Amanda, who is now recognised as being in the top echelon of trainer-drivers across Australasia.
When he left school, the eldest son of champion horseman Steve Turnbull was immediately propelled into the role as stable foreman at Radiant Lodge as the family were riding high on the back of the success of their then star gelding Smooth Satin, who won a plethora of feature races, including the Inter Dominion and Miracle Mile at the famed Harold Park.
In the years following, Nathan followed a checkered path that saw him take a complete break from the sport and shortly after returning to the fold, he suffered a nasty and debilitating broken leg.
Turnbull trains his team out of The Lagoon and has met with good success with his best-performed pacer being metropolitan winner Power Of Red.
Tonight, at his home track of Bathurst, Nathan gets his chance to add another feature race win to his record when he drives exciting prospect Allset in the $16,700 Bedwells Feed Barn Star Trek Final.
He is driving the gelding for sister Amanda, who qualified three horses for the final.
Amanda will drive race favourite Bundoran while her stable foreman, Isobel Ross takes the drive on Wattlebank Lass.
In fact, the Turnbull family appear to have a stranglehold on the Star Trek with Steve qualifying two runners and Josh one.
“Amanda asked me if I would drive Allset for her and I never hesitated,” said Nathan.
“I went over and had a drive on him in trackwork and he gave me a great feel, I think he is the makings of a very nice horse.
“The horse Amanda is driving is going to be very hard to beat but Allset has the better draw so I should be in front of Bundoran from the start and hopefully I can steal a break on them.
“The Star Trek is a race I would love to win.
“I have a couple racing later in the night and think that Red Envy is going well enough to win.
“She is having her second run for David and Chrissy Ford from Dubbo and her first-up fourth impressed me.”
HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY