Bigeni boys ready for Menangle blitz

HARNESS racing is widely-known for – even proud of – having a family orientated nature, with passion for the sport passed down through generations.

In so many ways, training and driving standardbreds becomes a way of life within the clan.

In fact, it’s fair to say ‘a family that trains together, stays together’.

This couldn’t be more prevalent than the Bigeni family.

Beginning in Malta with Simon six decades ago, the love of horses has been passed on to Simon junior, who now prepares a boutique stable with his sons Jake, 23, Klayton, 20, and 16-year-old Mason.

“May Dad started it all in Malta before he even moved to Australia, which he did at 19,” Simon junior said. “His first here was named Lucky Simon, which was driven by Kevin Newman and won a Sires’ Stake Final at Harold Park.

“I started helping out when I was about six and started track work when I was about eight.

“I stepped away for personal reasons, but it was always in my blood and I wanted to get back into it.

“Then my kids started showing an interest, so we got back into it.

“Dad is battling Parkinson disease, so can no longer physically help, but he is my first call when I’m trying to work something out with a horse.

“We all work full-time jobs and put in with the horses to keep the team going.”

Having worked their way through the fantastic foundation of the Mini Trots, the Bigeni Boys have shown talent in the cart, with the elder two making their way into the winners’ circle in recent weeks.

In what has the potential to be a Bigeni blitz, the trio have drives at Club Menangle tomorrow, with Simon junior also having three starters.

The potential for a major highlight is Mason having a solid chance to break his maiden in the fifth event.

Recently gaining employment with trainer Chris Judd, Mason will partner the Judd-prepared Western Style, which is among the chances from barrier five in a wide open affair.

Mason’s opposition in the 1609-metre encounter includes Klayton, who is set to take the reins behind the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained Sweet Strike.

First-up since finishing third at Club Menangle on May 16, Sweet Strike will begin from gate nine.

Klayton will then battle for bragging rights with Jake in the following event, with each driving for their father.

Klayton and Jacqueline Rose have drawn the pole, with Jake and D J Rock to come from five.

“Rose has the draw to hopefully get a handy trial,” Simon junior said. “She has a mind of her own as to whether she wants to go or not, so hopefully she decides she wants to.

“D J is a sit and sprint type, so he’d be better suited if they go hard up front, giving him the chance to come from behind.”

Earlier on the card Klayton will drive Madazalways from gate 10 for his father.

“He has been a good old bread and butter horse which goes around week in and week out and gives his best,” Simon junior said. “He has won 14 races for us and I believe he still has some in him.”

From the old to the new, Simon junior will debut Warrawee Way Back, which has drawn the pole over a mile.

Warrawee Way Backwas an eye-catching second in a recent Penrith trial when driven by Jake, who will partner the two-year-old again.

“I’ve had him for about a month and he trialled well,” Simon junior said. “This is his first start and his first time on the big Menangle track, so it will be a learning experience.

“Fingers crossed he can take it all in…we’ll have to wait and see how we go.”