While Easter is a busy time across all three Tasmanian racing codes, it’s especially hectic in harness racing with 17 races over two days.
The state’s only dual code harness and greyhound meeting for the year is in Hobart on Good Friday in the twilight zone, comprising eight greyhounds and seven harness races.
Ethan Arnott, an 18-year-old novice claiming driver, has five drives in Hobart and a couple in Launceston on Saturday night. He has recently found success with the Chris Howlett stable, which is responsible for three of his drives in Hobart.
“With my junior driver claim, Chris put me on one day with Moneys No Issue, and they must’ve thought I went okay, as I keep getting the opportunities,” Arnott said.
“My claim is really helping at this stage, which is what you need as a junior driver.”
Three of Arnott’s eight career wins have been with Moneys No Issue, including last start in Hobart on 25 March. The pair will team up in the Typeface Pace (2090m) for the 56 to 60-rated pacers.
“It’s a bit trickier race than it was last week, with a couple that go okay, and he hasn’t drawn great. Hopefully, they go a bit silly up front, and he will be hitting the line well.”
Former New Zealand pacer, Shes Allaboutluv, has won two of her three starts since arriving in the state for the Howlett stable. Arnott has the drive on her in the opening race, a no more than four-lifetime-win event (2090m).
“She was really impressive at her last few starts, particularly the most recent, where she found the top. If that happens again, hopefully we can get the same result.”
Arnott thinks his best chance of a winner on Friday may also be for Howlett, with Everything But The in the Woodlands Stud Your Genetic Edge Pace (2090m).
“It looks like a very winnable race, and if we can find a good spot in speed, I think we will be going very close.”
Arnott had his first race drive in October 2024 and now works full-time in the industry, assisting trainer/driver Todd Rattray when he isn’t in the sulky on the weekend.
“You strive to be involved on the good horses in the better races, and I’m really appreciative to all the trainers are giving me a go.”
Friday’s dual-code meeting, jointly run by the Tasmanian Trotting Club and Hobart Greyhound Racing Club, will have plenty of family fun off the track. The meeting has been brought forward from the original schedule, with the first race between the two codes now scheduled for 16:59.
