Former harness racing driver Josh Aiken has transitioned from the racetrack to a new role as a youth worker, blending his passion for horses with helping young individuals. Aiken, known for his success in the sport, has shifted his focus to guiding and mentoring youths while keeping his connection to the equine world alive.
During his prime, Aiken achieved over 500 wins, including an impressive 10 at Group 1 level. Notably, he steered Hectorjayjay to victory in the 2017 Group 1 Blacks A Fake, showcasing his talent and skill in harness racing. Despite stepping back from competitive driving, Aiken’s love for horses remains a significant part of his life.
Nowadays, harness racing is more of a hobby for Aiken as he dedicates most of his time to his work with young people. He has transformed his family’s training stables into a place where children can stay and experience farm life, incorporating the therapeutic nature of horses into his youth work.
Working with children is a family tradition for Aiken, with his parents having informally mentored several young talents in the industry. Aiken finds his current role immensely rewarding, providing a unique opportunity for urban kids to connect with nature and animals in a farm setting.
Despite his career shift, Aiken still maintains ties to the racing world by training a couple of racehorses, including Maoris Mac, a talented young trotting mare. Aiken’s partnership with owner John McHugh has been fruitful, with Maoris Mac securing significant wins and promising performances in high-stakes races.
Maoris Mac’s recent achievements include a notable victory in the $75,000 3YO Trotting Fillies’ Nutrien Sales final at Melton, setting the stage for a potential clash with top competitors like Keayang Zahara. Aiken’s strategic approach and optimism for Maoris Mac’s future races highlight his commitment to nurturing the next generation of harness racing talent.
Looking ahead, Aiken aims to guide Maoris Mac towards prestigious events like the Group 1 Macarthur Mile at Menangle, envisioning a bright future for the talented mare in the competitive racing circuit. With experienced hands like Aiken’s at the helm, Maoris Mac’s journey exemplifies the enduring spirit and passion within the harness racing community.
🔗 Reddit Discussions
- US tourist’s visa under review after backlash to viral wombat video (SMH Article)
- The box of nothing and some other takeaways (not the food kind)
- Notes from Triple H’s Takeover: IYH Conference Call – Discusses the NWA women’s show, fan’s ruining shows by being critical, call-ups being misused and more..