TOM Pay was born into a strong harness racing family, and as such he was always going to know his way around standardbreds.
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But his rise through the ranks has been rapid, capped by his selection as one of 10 young drivers to take part in the 2016 Rising Star series.
Pay and Bathurst's Mitch Turnbull will represent the Western Districts in the 10-heat series, which will see them drive at Young, Bathurst, Penrith, Newcastle and Menangle
"To be able to get picked in this series in my first full year is a pretty big thrill. I'm really looking forward to it," he said at Dubbo Paceway on Friday night.
"I don't know my exact number of winners, but it would be close to 10 I suppose and that is probably better than I thought I might go.
"I wouldn't have got this opportunity without everyone that has helped me and given me a drive on their horses. It's easy to drive dad's horses and get experience but other people have put me on as well and I have to thank them for that."
Dad, of course, is Dubbo trainer Mick Pay - the man 17-year-old Tom names as his greatest influence in the sport.
Mick admits great pride in watching his son make his way in a sport that has become a way of life for the family over multiple generations.
"The best thing about Tom is that he will sit and listen, he takes everything in," Mick said.
"He's still got a lot to learn obviously but it's a big thing for him to get an opportunity like this, especially with Mitch Turnbull as well, because they are as thick as thieves and spend a lot of time with each other."
The Rising Stars series gives junior drivers from all parts of the state the chance to spend a week together building friendships while enjoying the competition on the track.
As a group they will meet with the chairman of stewards Graham Loch for an information session and will also undertake some media training with media manager Greg Hayes.
The Rising Stars will also get the opportunity to attend a game of football and will be attending the second day of the HRNSW Conference on Saturday, June 25 before competing at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Alabar Breeders Challenge Day the following day.
HRNSW CEO John Dumesny wished all of the selected drivers the best of luck
"When you look back at this series over the years, so many of our top drivers in New South Wales competed in this series at some stage," Dumesny said.
"It also gives these young drivers a chance to meet one another and build friendships that will last a lifetime, a lot of planning goes into the Rising Stars series and I am sure they will enjoy all of the activities that have been scheduled."