Young lion chasing bragging rights over old lion

ALTHOUGH mainly in jest, bragging rights between father and son can become quite competitive.

Beginning with wrestling matches when the boy is a toddler, the mano-a-mano clashes pretty much never stop…such as my 23-year-old son Tobey who still can’t beat me in an arm-wrestle at 53!

Overall it’s a bonding trait between the old lion and his cub.

While having a chat with Jason Kittel about him reaching a milestone this week, the talented young reinsman made it obvious – he likes beating his father, Symon.

In fact, one of the concession driver’s goals within harness racing is to beat his father home as often as possible, while one day surpassing the elder statesman’s win tally.

“Dad and I drove in the same race last night, neither of us won, but he finished last,” Kittel said. “We both drove a horse for his Dad (Trevor), but I chose the one I thought was going better.

“I’ve got to make Dad understand the new-and-improved model is out!”

As for the longer term win tally, Kittel worked towards that by notching his 100th victory by partnering Childers Road to victory in 1:58.7 over 1800 metres at Globe Derby.

Enjoying the run of the race behind the leader, Childers Road finished strongly along the sprint lane to score from Emrites and Flyin Tommy.

“I was aware once I hit 99 the century was coming up next as my Mum (Melanie) and girlfriend (Emilia Shea) had been keeping track,” Kittel said. “It was the horse’s 30th win, plus mum and I own it , so it all added to the occasion.

“Now that 100 is done, I’ve got to work on the next 100 so I can pass Dad.

“Ultimately I’d like to drive at least one winner more than my old man so I can always have that on him.

“Away from that personal motivation, I just want to concentrate on my next race to drive as well as I can for the trainers and owners who give me the opportunity to drive their horse.”