Having been raised in a harness racing environment it was almost inevitable that Ben Richardson would find his way into the industry.
AT UBET Park Hobart last Sunday night Richardson trained his first winner when Wasonie Snake delivered the goods.
Wasonie Snake led from the pole position and after James Austin slowed the tempo midrace to sneak a modest quarter it ensured the gelding would have enough in hand to stave off the challengers in the home straight.
He hit the line with three-quarters-of-a-length to spare from Ektoras with Sign of Oro almost five metres astern.
Richardson, 37, learnt much of his craft from his mother, Jan, who has been training for over 30 years but has usually restricted her Lower Barrington stable to no more than one horse at any one time.
Richardson's father, Wayne, worked for many years as curator at the Devonport Showgrounds for the local harness and greyhound clubs.
Richardson moved to Hobart about 10 years ago and is currently employed by Betfair Tasmanian.
"The job and harness racing are a good mix as I often work the late afternoon or night shift and finish somewhere between 11.00 pm and 2.00 am so that allows me to work horses in the morning," Richardson said.
Richardson has been licensed for almost two years but he hasn't taken a lot of horses to the races.
His first runner was the four-year-old mare Wozniacki about twelve months ago but after eight unplaced efforts Richardson relinquished the lease in January.
Her replacement was an unraced two-year-old by Tiz A Masterpiece from Seduce that was purchased from Lyndon and Gail Menegon.
"He is still a long way from being ready to trial, but I saw enough in him to purchase his half-brother, Wasonie Snake, when he was advertised in May."
"Wasonie Snake was impressive winning at Launceston as a 3YO rating 2:01.3 for 2200 metres and he beat some handy types including Ektoras,Cardinal Art and Robyn Scherbotsky," Richardson added.
Wasonie Snake has experienced a variety of racing environments in the last three months with Richardson.
"I have a 25 hectare property at Richmond where he (Wasonie Snake) does his jog work."
"On fast work days it's off to Brighton or New Norfolk," said Richardson.
Richardson also is dabbling in the breeding side of harness racing.
"I have acquired a granddaughter of Draw Card named Arnwood and she is due to have a Mister Feelgood foal in late September."
Draw Card, owned by the Rattray family, was Tasmanian Broodmare Of The Year from 2004 to 2006 and her winners included King Carey, Queen Carey, Faithful Sally, Bettor Draw and Divas Delight.
"It is an exciting to be breeding from a mare with strong links to the Rattray family," he said.
Peter Staples