One of the more select clubs in harness racing in New Zealand is the 1000 wins driver club which is about to get another new inductee in Clark Barron.

The modest Southlander has been a quiet achiever on the New Zealand scene since he first started driving in the 1980/1981 season.

A member of the renown Barron clan from Southland, Clark didn't go from school straight into harness racing, prefering instead to get a trade qualification behind him first.

"I had four years doing a builders apprenticeship with Ray Harper before I got into harness racing full time."

"During that four years I use to go and help out at the weekends at Maurice and Val Skinners."

" They were really good to me and thats where I learnt the basics of the game," Clark told Harnesslink today.

At age twenty one, Clark went to work for his father full time and appreciates the help his dad gave him in getting established.

" I got plenty of drives for dad so that certainly helped in getting my name out there."

" I drove my first winner at just my third start on Free Trouble at Forbury Park and what made it even more special was I beat one of my idols at the time in Peter Jones," Clark said. 

Clark was full of praise for the part Michael House had played in his development.

" I worked for Michael for two years and learnt so much while I was there."

"Michael let me go south as often as I wanted to keep up all my contacts so he was great to work for," Clark said.

Clark was quick to name the two best horses he had been associated with in his career to date.

"Prince Rashard was the best colt or gelding that I have driven, he was just so tough."

"On the mares side Lento would be number one just in front of Raksdeal," Clark said.

Clark was quick to acknowledge the support of his wife and daughter throughout his career.

" Jackie has been so supportive over the years and our daughter Allie has been as well."

"Allie is a bit like me in that she is getting a physio qualification at the moment but it wouldn't surprise me if she ended up working with horses," Clark said.

While two other members of the 1000 wins drivers club in Ken Barron and Robert Cameron started their careers in Southland, Clark will be the first to be based there when he actually reaches the milestone in the next week or two.

Clark deserves all the accolades that come his way and hopefully that 1000th win won't be far away.

Harnesslink Media