Junior driver Nathan Weightman has been granted the drive aboard champion pacer Smoken Up as he leads out the Bendigo Pacing Cup field on Saturday night.
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Weightman earned the invitation on the back of winning the recent Harness Racing Training Centre Bendigo Central Victorian Concession Driver Series.
It’s the second year in a row that Smoken Up’s trainer Lance Justice has offered the opportunity to one of the up-and-coming stars of the driving ranks.
Justice said Smoken Up has been placed back into light work and will be in fine fettle for his guest appearance at the Bendigo Pacing Cup.
“He’s in good nick and has missed his racing”, Justice said.
“He will enjoy getting back out there in front of a great crowd.”
It is anticipated that Smoken Up will be presented to the public in a “meet-and-greet” session on Cup night, before appearing in the parade ring prior to the Bendigo Cup.
He’ll lead out the Cup field and then work during the pre-race warm-up with Weightman aboard.
“This will be a great opportunity for harness enthusiasts to see one of the recent greats of harness racing in the flesh once again,” BHRC’s Brendan Baker said.
“What a great thrill it will be for one lucky junior driver to be able to boast on his driving resume that he once drove Smoken Up at the Bendigo Cup.
“Special thanks must go to Lance (Justice) for offering this wonderful opportunity. He is always willing to do what he can to promote our industry, and this is just another example.”