Amy Rees
With her favourite quote “you only get out what you put in”, Gemma Hewitt’s hard work was certainly rewarded at Bathurst on Wednesday night, when she had her first two race drives and won them both!
“It is just a dream come true”
Gemma Hewitt
Growing up in the Harness Racing Industry, Gemma was bitten by the bug early. Her father Bernie has just secured consecutive training premierships at the Bathurst Harness Racing Club and Gemma herself is no stranger to success.
Having trained horses for a few years now, the 28-year-old has almost notched up 150 victories with her team. Looking to expand her skillset, Gemma decided recently to give driving a go and see how it worked out.
“The plan was to just get my licence and have a bit of fun,” she said.
“I’m not sure if I’ll drive all the time or not but I would like to just drive my own now and then.”
Well, it’s fair to say that any uncertainty Gemma was feeling has vanished, with her first night in the sulky done and dusted and the results couldn’t have been better!
With two drives heading into Wednesday night, here’s what Gemma had to say about her runners.
Gemma’s first drive of the night was aboard Kash Us Back, a horse who she bred, owns and also trains. Falling very ill as a younger horse, the gelding nearly died. Gemma spent what ever was needed to ensure that ‘Kash’ survived, expecting that if he did, he wouldn’t race. Making a full and unexpected recovery, Kash has gone on and had a very successful racing career, with Gemma driving him to his 13th victory on Wednesday.
“It is just a dream come true to have had my first drive on Kash let alone to win it. He is just incredible. I saved his life when he got sick 3 years ago and he knows it. It’s amazing the bond we share and the power of love. I say to myself everyday how lucky I am to have a beautiful horse like him.”