Ash makes her own headlines

17 June 2021

IT may be a little daunting to be the older sister of one of the state’s most talented reinsmen but 25-year-old Ashley Hart is comfortable in her skin and is justly proud of her brother Cameron, who has been taking all before him this season.

The siblings, who hail from Junee, were destined to make a name for themselves in the sport, given their family background with their grandmother being a member of the famous Harpley family of Welcome Advice fame and their uncle Trevor White recognised as one of the most astute trainers in country New South Wales.

So, it came as no surprise that Ashley landed a winning treble at Canberra on Monday night, the second time she has achieved the feat in the past two seasons.

Her first treble was for the Craig Cross stable at Newcastle.

Two of Ash’s winners on Monday night were trained by David Waite while her other victory was aboard Conrod Kenze, which is trained by hard-working Coolamon Harness Racing Club President Peter Dennis.

“The competition is so strong right now,” said Ashley.

“It does not matter where I am driving, I know I have to be at my best against all the talented drivers.

“To bag another treble was just awesome.”

It would have been a little nostalgic for Ashley to drive a winner for Peter and Wendy Dennis as she grew up just 40 minutes away from them.

But she found it most rewarding to provide David Waite with two of his three winners at Canberra.

“David has been a massive supporter of Cam’s ever since he moved down to Sydney and through that association, he has become a great family friend,” she said.

“With Cam committed to driving at Bankstown, I was just grateful to be able to drive for Dave and I was very excited to land a double for him.

“David does a really good job with his team, and it is always a pleasure to drive his horses.”

Cameron is back to drive four horses for David tonight while Ashley heads to Penrith for just the one drive, aboard long-shot Flyin Circles in Race 4.

“The gelding I am driving is first-up from a spell and is against a handy field so he will need some luck in the run,” said Ashley.