Emotions high as late horseman remembered

EMOTIONS were running high early in the evening and again later on the card at Albion Park last night.

Enjoying as training double, Darren Weeks dedicated the wins to his father, Des, who passed away last Tuesday.

A prominent horseman during the 1970s and ‘80s, Des prepared numerous handy types including Shuttle Drive, Gary Golfer and Daltons Choice.

He also partnered Scientific to win a 1986 Inter Dominion heat at Albion Park.

Hampered by dementia in recent years the 80-year-old is survived by his children Darren, Alison, Michelle and Christine and his grandchildren Josh, Ethan, Fletcher and Ella.

“Dad had dementia and had been crook for a while and in the end his body shut down,” Weeks said.

“He is the reason I’m in harness racing.”

Weeks paid tribute to his father after The Bus broke a long drought from the winners’ circle.

Driven by concession reinsman Ben Battle, The Bus led throughout to account for Corey William and So Kool Master in 1:57.2 over 2138 metres.

The son of Art Major registered his first victory since August 2019.

“Has been racing well without luck and just needed things to go his way which they finally did,” Weeks said. “The draw helped him and he got the job done.

“The first thing I thought of when he crossed the line was my father….it was pretty emotional.”

Weeks then completed his double when injury-plagued pacer Major Cam caused a minor upset with Kylie Rasmussen in the cart.

After travelling two-back along the pegs, the son of Art Major finished stoutly along the inside to score by a half-neck from Glenferrie Hood, with Dark Energy two-and-a-half metres away third.

“This bloke has plenty of ability, he’s really fast and strong, but there has always just been some sort of issue with him which has restricted him,” Weeks said.

“At one stage he bowed a tendon and was retired but after having plenty of time off was tried again.

“As long as he can stay sound he should win a few more at Albion Park.”