Gavin will certainly be on our minds

MEMORIES of arguably the finest horseman produced in the southern hemisphere will come rushing back during the weekend.

While there are some who possess equal prowess around the globe, it is widely agreed there would be none better than Gavin Lang, who lost his battle with cancer in April 2020.

Born in 1958 and spending his early years at his parents’ farm, Lang was always destined for a life in harness racing, learning to drive at the tender age of six before gaining his official licence at 16.

In what was the launching pad of a remarkable career, Lang registered his initial win with Pensive Dream in Kilmore on June 2, 1975, with his maiden metropolitan success coming behind Wilrose at the Ascot Vale Showgrounds on March 23, 1977.

Renowned for his cool, calm and collective driving style – earning him the moniker Ice Man – Lang notched his first century season in 1984, a feat he achieved 35 times, including 19 consecutive tons between the 1990/2000 and 2018/19 seasons.

Also dubbed ‘Group One Gavin’, Lang captured “around 150” top shelf events.

Victoria’s leading driver seven times, Lang also secured four national premierships and two Harness Racing Weekly Vin Knight Medals.

Lang’s achievements also include being the first driver in the southern hemisphere to reach 4000 wins and is one of only two drivers to pass the 6000-win barrier.

One of the last horses Lang trained – Like A Wildfire – will make his Grand Circuit debut on Saturday night.

Prepared by record-breaking horsewoman Emma Stewart, Like A Wildfire is engaged in The Blacks A Fake at Albion Park.

Originally set to remain in Victoria, Like A Wildfire made a last-minute trip to the Sunshine State for the Group One.

The son of Big Jim clinched the interstate trip with his triumph at Tabcorp Park Melton last week.

“He wasn’t originally part of our Queensland team, but his form pretty much forced out hand,” Stewart said.

“He’s won his three starts this time in, and quite easily too, so he’s earned a shot at a big one.

“Over the years he drove plenty of winners for us and Gavin will certainly be on our minds as this horse goes around at the highest level.”