Episode 288: Brad Hewitt

John Tapp Racing

Great to catch up with a young horseman who has already made his mark as a trainer and driver at the top level. Brad begins by pointing out the many advantages of being based at Goulburn.

He reflects on the tutelage he received from his late grandfather Tom Hewitt, one of the most respected horsemen of his generation.

Brad talks of the influence Tom had on his sons- David, Bernie and Mark, all highly successful in their own right. He says his Aunt Jenna, the only girl in the Hewitt family wasn’t allowed to drive in races.

The young horseman talks of the trotting genes to be found on the maternal side of his family.

Brad says his brothers have also chosen harness racing as their preferred livelihood- Sam as a trainer and breaker, Scott as a trainer and farrier. Sister Jess also gets a mention.

The thirty year old looks back on the thrill of his first winning drive and his handful of winners at historic Harold Park.

Brad pays tribute to the special horses who’ve helped to launch his career. He speaks with great reverence of his all time favourite Spare Me Days.

He speaks of his great friendship with Canberra Raiders skipper Jarrod Croker, an avid harness racing fan.

For the trots punters Brad highlights a couple of promising young horses in his stable.

He talks of his only Gr 1 winning drive to date. It was Rockin’ Marty in a Breeders Challenge Final. The horse was trained by his father David.

Brad says his partner Milly had no interest in horses when they met but quickly adapted. He and Milly are the proud parents of Ruby who’s almost two and William who arrived only a few weeks ago.