Personal milestone 16 years in the making

DEPENDING on your perspective, it took anywhere between 10 months and 16 years to achieve the feat, but Robbie Morris has finally registered a particular personal milestone.

Almost a year ago Harness Racing New South Wales’ media started the timer by publishing articles stating Morris was closing in on his 2000th win.

The only problem was Morris’ tally was sitting in the 1870s at the time!

Copping a “fair bit of crap” from his mates as a result, Morris jokingly pointed out the countdown began on January 4, 2008…it’s just nobody knew about it!

“Yeah, people started taking the piss out of me after those articles,” Morris said. “I’ve had comments like ‘geez, it’s taking you a while to get those 10 wins’ or ‘how long does it take to drive your 2000th win?’

“I was surprised when I read it given I hadn’t gotten to 1900 yet and it has been a long running joke on me, but it’s not my fault they went the early crow.

“If you want to go right back, I started the countdown to 2000 wins in 2008 when I got my first winner.”

Breaking his maiden at his first drive by scoring with Jayefkay in Penrith, Morris notched his 2000th win thanks to Parallel’s success in Newcastle last night.

Trained by Morris’ wife, KerryAnn, Parallel covered the mile in 1:55.3 as Flare Up and Peter Forsberg filled the placings.

“He got the right run from the pole and was able to make the most of it,” Morris said. “To get a milestone win trained by KerryAnn adds the moment.”

Continuing a family tradition within the industry which started with his great grandfather Colin (Dar) McCall, Morris’ tally includes nine Group Ones and a dozen Group Twos.

“I’ve been lucky to win quite a few good races such as the Breeders’ Challenge and the Gold Chalice in Bathurst,” Morris said. “My biggest win would be the Len Smith Mile with The Black Prince in 2021.

“Although there are other races worth more in prizemoney these days, the Inter Dominion is the race I’d like to win.

“It’s everyone’s dream to win the Inter Dominion as it remains the pinnacle given what it takes to get through the three heats and Final in a fortnight and be at your best at the end.”