David Hewitt and Message Bank victorious in the 2025 Bathurst Gold Crown Final. Photo by Loveridge Digital
GOULBURN trainer-driver David Hewitt has been involved in harness racing for his entire life, and since gaining his licence in 1983 he has prepared more than 800 winners.
But as a reinsman, the 65-year-old had to wait until last Saturday night to secure his first Group 1 winner courtesy of Message Bank proving far superior in the $150,000 Bathurst Gold Crown.
Hewitt joined his younger brother Bernie on the Gold Crown honour roll and added a second Group 1 victory to his tally as a trainer, previously taking out the 2019 Breeders Challenge Final with Rockin Marty which was driven by his son Brad.
Hewitt’s tactics on Saturday night were nothing short of daring as he fired Message Bank off the arm from gate six to wrest the lead away from race favourite Rewatch with consummate ease.
From there, Hewitt was able to dictate terms, securing an easy 30.7 second quarter before ramping things up to run a 55.2s last half and fighting off some late challengers to score a comfortable win.
After the race, Hewitt was full of praise for his horse, highlighting what the gelding has been able to achieve in a short space of time and was thankful to breeder-owner Ross Angove for giving him the opportunity to train the youngster.
“It was a great thrill and something I will never forget,” the ever-humble Hewitt said.
“I have always thought this horse had the ability to contest better races but he has just been a bit of a slow learner.
“Every time we have asked him for more in his preparations he has stepped up to the mark and bringing him to the races has made a horse of him, that’s for sure.
“The outcome is so fantastic for Ross and our stable.”
Hewitt went close to making it a Group 1 double when talented filly Sparkling Sea was narrowly beaten in the Gold Tiara.
Message Bank and Sparkling Sea have now been sent to the spelling paddock and will not be seen again until after the winter with the rich Breeders Challenge series being their next assignments.
“Both of them have done a great job considering neither had been away from our Goulburn base before the Crown and I feel they will come back even better from the break,” said Hewitt.
