Racing: Limits left in dust for those with disabilities

John Wolk races around the track with driver Tim Vince. Photo / Richard Robinson.

One racing dream completed, one to come. That was how John Wolk felt after ticking one horse racing experience off his wish list at Alexandra Park this week.

Wolk, the editor of Without Limits magazine, enjoyed a spin behind pacer Thaitanic in a specially adapted dual sulky as part of the countdown to the Without Limits race night at Alexandra Park on January 28.

The evening will bring together organisations and charities who assist those with disabilities, and one of the highlights of the night will be a series of dual sulky races.

They will pit 16 members of the various organisations against each other racing for $5000.

But while Wolk loved his first-ever drive behind a horse yesterday he is aiming for a new first on January 28.

"I want to commentate at least one of the races," he beams.

"When I realised at 13 I was going to be in a wheelchair I looked at career options and one I was interested in was broadcasting.

"As it turned out I ended up in journalism but my mother always said to me broadcasting could be a fit because I had a good voice. "And, of course, you can do it sitting down.

"Back then it was a bold aim because people in wheelchairs were often told they have very limited employment options." So Wolk is looking to make his broadcasting debut on the Without Limits night.

"That would be a real buzz but commentating does look pretty tough, those guys are really good.

"Still, I'll give it a go and it will be a huge night. It should be a lot of fun."

As for the sensation of driving on the racetrack behind a 500kg horse?

"Now that is a blast. It is hard to believe how strong they are."

Auckland Trotting Club CEO Graeme Running said the Without Limits night was just part of the club's responsibilities to its community.

"Sure, we are a business but we are also very much part of the community and to be able to use Alexandra Park to raise awareness of these organisations is extremely important to us."