The youngster is carrying on her family’s long-standing tradition in the sport, with her grandfather and father both having been accomplished reinsmen, with the family’s legacy well-established.
Dad Craig is the third son of Tony “AD“ Turnbull, who wrote his name into history with Hondo Grattan, winning the Inter Dominion in successive years, a Miracle Mile and Australian Horse of the Year during a storied career during the 1970s.
Fast-forward half a century and his granddaughter is ensuring that the Turnbull name remains synonymous with trotting, closing out a milestone victory down at Wagga Harness Racing Club.
First to cross the finish line with a stunning mile rate of 1:54, it proved to be a proud day for the whole family as she teamed up with Rocky Rocks, trained by father Craig on what proved to be a day to remember in NSW.
The talented competitor honed her craft coming up through the ranks in pony club and was even named in the top four of eventing riders in Australia across six consecutive years during her formative days.
These experiences in the saddle provided Abbey with the springboard to success in the world of harness racing and she has more than proved her level of aptitude in that regard since then.
Pacing for Pink co-ordinator Margaret Watson, 83, expressed her delight at seeing the rising star tally up her second century of wins on the track.
“Abbey is a beautiful young lady, who gives her all for the industry,” she told The News.
“She is a wonderful ambassador and role model who does a lot at the Shepparton Harness Racing club - every young person should look up to Abbey.
“Her grandfather was a huge figure in harness racing and was in his 90s when he passed away, he’d be very proud of Abbey.
“I’ve long been in awe of the Turnbull family and what they have been able to achieve.”
Taking to social media, Pacing for Pink posted a tribute to Turnbull for her achievements.
“Congratulations to the beautiful Abbey Turnbull who reached a fabulous milestone at Wagga last Friday chalking up 200 career winning drives,” they wrote.
“It was a great day for our Pacing for Pink team with George Lee scoring a driving double as did Brad Hewitt.
“Tasmyn Potter, Nathan Jack, Jackson Painting and Liam Older also saluted.
“However the day belonged to one popular and talented young lady Abbey Turnbull when she teamed with Rocky Rocks, trained by her Dad Craig to blitz the field with a mile rate of 1:54 to salute and chalk a memorable milestone.
“Abbey leads an extremely busy lifestyle and is a magnificent ambassador for Harness Racing in general, always willing to do what is asked of her.”
The charity, which hosts an annual Pink Race Day fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation at Shepparton Harness Racing Club also highlighted Turnbull’s selfless work away from the track in assisting the initiative.
“Pacing for Pink is so proud to have Abbey as part of the Pacing for Pink team each year in May,” they wrote.
“Best wishes Abbey as you make your way to the 300 mark.”
You can learn more about Pacing for Pink’s annual fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation on the charity’s social media pages.
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