By Duane Ranger (courtesy of Redcliffe Paceway)
Dual Group One winning reinsman, Doug Hewitt, has trained and driven his first Redcliffe Paceway winner.
The 30-year-old New South Wales native, who relocated to Queensland in mid-January, broke his duck at ‘The Triangle’ after 5-year-old Somebeachsomewhere mare, Frozen Jewel, won the third race – a NR44-48 Pace, by two metres. She was the $2.40 favourite.
It was Hewitt’s fourth training success since he took out his licence late last year. He’s now had 26 starts as a trainer. Since day one he has worked under the tutorship of Bathurst harness racing legend – Dad, Bernie.
His first victory came via Mach Assassin, on December 20 last year on his hometown track of Bathurst. He only had two starts as a trainer in 2023, but has since conditioned Infinity Beach and Alta Equus, who both won at Albion Park on February 9 and 23 respectively.
In the bike, Hewitt has reined 285 winners from 2,284 drives since 2009-2010. He’s also placed 562 times and banked $2.5m in purses – the majority coming from his two Group One triumphs via Ripp in the Gold Chalice Final at Bathurst and the same horse in APG 3yo colts and geldings final at Menangle. Both were in 2022.
Hewitt has also nailed a Group Two, two Group Threes, and a Listed Classic.
“It’s a nice felling to win a race at Redcliffe, because my family has come up here and raced on the track for many years. There are a lot of turns and short straights, but I really enjoy driving there. It’s good to break my Redcliffe duck just a month or so after coming up here,” Hewitt said.
“The mare travelled well throughout and won quite well. I was delighted with her win,” he added.
He said he got Frozen Jewel from his father, who trained her to four wins, including a personal best 1:59 mile rate win at Parkes on October 28, 2022. On Wednesday the brown mare went 1:59.9.
Frozen Jewel is owned by W. E, and J. E. Loader, and was bred by the Brooklyn Lodge Aberdeen Pty Ltd in New South Wales.
“I think she can win a few more races, but she’s no superstar. She’s a nice bread and butter horse,” said Hewitt.
He said the most promising pacer at Plainland stable would be the 5-year-old Mach Three seven-win gelding ($66,297), Mach Assassin.
“I’ve got a soft spot for him. Hopefully, he can do a job here. Dad has had him since he first trialled back in 2021 (March 8).
Hewitt said he’s now here to stay. The move north follows his older sister (by one year) Gemma, who relocated to the Sunshine State in late 2021. He works a team of 18 of to 20 at Forrest Hill, less than a kilometre from his Plainland stables in the Lockyer Valley
“Gemma played a part in me wanting to relocate here, but my wife, Casey (nee Owen), has been here for over a year, and we wanted to set up our team here in Queensland in time for all the Sales. We made that decision late last year.
“I’m also here do ‘breakies’ (break-ins) and am getting a bit of work there as well. We rent at Forrest Hill and the people there are wonderful. We love training out of there, and will stay here until we can save to get our own place,” Hewitt said.
The Hewitts have an eight-month-old daughter named Tilly, who is number one above horses and law.
“I hope she follows her mother’s footsteps into law one day rather than horses, but she will make up her own mind. Be good if she did though – a be a safer superannuation plan,” he joked.
Hewitt grew up around horses in Bathurst. His father Bernie is a nine-time Group One winning trainer, and he and his wife had three children – Jason, a horseman and farmer in Bathurst, then Gemma, and Doug.
“It’s great to have Gemma up here on the Gold Coast, and who knows Mum and Dad could retire here on day as well. That would be ideal because I know Dad loves campaigning horses up here. Who knows what will happen as the years go on, but both Casey and Gemma and I love it here.
“I actually met Casey when she was helping out the Alchins, and then when she was working for Wayne Graham, who is like a second Dad to her. Casey is a very astute horsewoman in her own right. It’s so good to have her knowledge as well, but she’s a busy Mum and lawyer first,” Hewitt said.
Hewitt could have easily made it in rugby league as well. As a teenager he was contracted to the Penrith Panthers. He starred in the then Holden Cup as a halfback in the Under-20’s competition and was touted as a future NRL star
However, he was plagued by injuries and after many attempts to revive his career, Hewitt was forced to give up on his rugby league dream in 2016.
That was when he moved back to Bathurst and joined his family at their Georges Plains training establishment. His harness racing career has never looked back.
“Queensland is where our future lies. I hope there a lot more Redcliffe winners now that I’ve broken my duck,” Hewitt said.
“Queensland has given us a new lease in life and me and my young family are keen to tear into it,” he added..
