Where there's a Will, there's a Nathan in the driving ranks

By Jordan Gerrans

Eagle-eyed Queensland harness racing punters would be forgiven for thinking they had been seeing double at the races over the last few months.

The Mount Hallen-based Nathan Rothwell has proven to be a driver and trainer on the rise in the Sunshine State over the last couple of seasons.

Waiting in the wings to join Nathan in the driving ranks was his identical twin brother, Will Rothwell.

Nathan was granted his driving licence back in 2021 while Will – who is the younger of the twins – was working through his trial drives to be approved for his maiden race day appearance.

Will had his first race drive late last year and as the calendar has ticked over to 2025, he is chasing his breakthrough victory.

The 22-year-old Will would have liked to be driving in races much earlier than he eventually did but was held up getting standing start trials to gain his licence.

“It is been good and I would love to be getting a few more opportunities,” Will said.

“It was a relief to finally get out there, but definitely a thrill, as well.

“I am glad I finally got my licence.

“It has been everything I thought it would be, being out there driving, and I cannot wait to get a few more drives and driving some winners.

“My brother has given me plenty of advice on everything.”

Nathan has shown he is one of the promising reinsman in the Sunshine State, driving home 81 winners last campaign and boasts 129 total victories on his resume.

He has also collected 26 triumphs in the training ranks.

Nathan celebrated one of his biggest wins of his career last year when he was the victorious Trot Rods reinsman alongside Shannon Price’s Hold Onto Ya Bling.

Nathan as the trainer has provided brother Will with the majority of his race day opportunities so far in his short career.

He has gone closer to landing a first victory on a few occasions, registering four minor placings so far.

Will has struck up a close bond with gelding Tommy Bligh – who the Rothwell family own – and after running third aboard him last-start, he is hopeful they are nearing a win.

“He is a nice, little consistent horse really,” Will said.

“He pops up every now and again for a win. He is an honest horse.

“I am sure he is not far away from a win – he is due at this stage. I am really happy with him.”

Originally hailing from the Sunshine Coast, the brothers relocated to Warragul in Victoria a few years ago to further their knowledge and skills in the harness code by completing a Certificate IV in Racing (Harness Race Driver) at Community College Gippsland.

They decided to study in Victoria before opening their own barn back home in Queensland.

They have four in work at Mount Hallen.

Group 1-winning conditioner Donny Smith has also been a big help to Will’s driving growth, handing him opportunities on veteran pacer Katacha Man.

“Donny is very good and he is understanding, he is very good with younger drivers,” Will said.

“He is happy to give them a go as they are coming through the ranks.”