"After many years of following and helping me around the harness racing tracks of Wales, five years ago Gareth Wyn flew to the USA on his own to chase his dream of driving harness horses full time.

On reaching America he found work with a top trainer and driver, Ray Schnittker and showed that he had a talent for driving whilst working out the youngsters at the barn, as well as being a hard worker.

His day would start at 5am in the morning and included mucking out his 4 horses and then jogging numerous 2yr olds.

Mid-day he would be off racing to Monticello to paddock maybe 2 horses, 5pm he'd arrive back at Goshen to drop off 2 and pick up 3 maybe, then after a trip of 45mins down to the Meadowlands to paddock 1 or 2, he'd arrive home at his hotel room perhaps at 11pm or even 12pm.

That was a typical day for Gaz jnr but it proved to Ray Schnittker that he had dedication to the job.

Giving Gaz the occassional drive at the races only convinced Ray that 'this kid from Wales has a great future' .

Gareth drove his first stakes winner at the Goshen Historic Track, Orange County on July 3. 2008.

Gareth jnr who works for the Ray Schnittker stable fills in for his boss on occasions and does extremely well, also winning at Yonkers raceway Saturday evening on Ideal Michael in 1.53.4.

Gareth jr said:"It's a great feeling when you win a race but when I won on All My Rowdy Friends in the 2yr old stakes race it was a bit more special.

"Ray has learnt me a lot and gives me oppurtunities to drive some good horses so I feel I can repay him someway by driving some winners for him."

Gareth, born and brought up in Penparcau, used to help me work and race horses since he was a toddler but moved to Goshen five years ago where he started working in the Schnittker stable. He has steadily impressed in his driving career winning the Max A Brewer Award for Best Young Driver 2007 at Monticello Raceway.

This year however is a busy one for the stable as they countdown to the 'Hambletonian' the biggest trotting race in the world for they have the favourite for this prestigous race the 3yr old Deweycheatamandhowe.

Still unbeaten in 12 races , 10 as a 2yr old Just under a $1million dollars in earnings and 2 recent wins as a 3yr old his preparations have been going smoothly. Come 3 August 2008 there hopefully will be celebrations in Goshen , Orange County and perhaps a little one in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion."

Article written by Gareth Dowse.