What do harness racing, cycling, football and cricket all have in common?
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On the surface, not a lot, but they are all sports that Launceston’s Ethan Arnott has taken part in and achieved at least some success in.
Most recently, Arnott was honoured with Launceston Pacing Club and Carrick Park Pacing Club’s encouragement award, earning him a week-long stay at a Victorian stable of his choice.
The 17-year-old has driven four winners from limited opportunities after following his father, Andrew, into the sport.
“It’s a weird buzz, you never know going into the night or going up to the gate if you’ve got a winner, but it’s really exciting to have a horse that you like, and if it wins for you, it’s a great buzz,” Ethan said.
“I’m very grateful for the trainers and owners that have helped me get to where I am, and I’m very appreciative to win this award, and I look forward to heading over to Victoria to see what I can learn.”
Cricket sits atop Arnott’s list of priorities.
He’s regularly picked in South Launceston’s first-grade side, and is a member of Cricket Tasmania’s high-performance pathway program.
The St Patrick’s College student also made his senior football debut for South Launceston earlier this year.
“The main goal for cricket would be under-19s nationals, but it’s a very far step away,” he said.
“Apart from that, just making some decent A-grade runs, and hopefully winning the flag would be amazing.
“As for footy, I enjoy having two hours’ worth of footy, just running around with my mates. I’ve been at South since under-12s and enjoyed every minute of it.”
So, where did cycling come into all of this?
Arnott described it as a “little hobby for six months”, but in that time, he won the 2020 under-15 Burnie Wheel.
“I love watching the Tour de France, with Richie Porte, Michael Matthews and a few other Australian cyclists,” he said.
“One day, I just got into road cycling and then did a bit of track cycling as well. I enjoyed it while I was doing it, but cricket and footy took over, and I had to make up my mind.”
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