But last Thursday at Menangle Paceway, that’s exactly what I did, in a double-seat sulky, around 10 laps of the new world-class track.

And you, too, can share my experience, with the prize of being taken around the track on opening day on June 29, up for grabs.

Complete the coupon on Page 6 and drop it in the box at Menangle Paceway on opening day to have a chance of winning.

My ride around the track came with the help of Menangle harness racing trainer Peter Morris.

I must admit, as I approached Peter’s stables, I had a few anxious moments about the fear of the unknown.

Peter soon calmed my nerves by telling me it would be very safe, as I pulled on my safety vest and was kitted out with a helmet.

But the horse, a five-year-old mare, must have sensed how I was feeling and did what I felt like doing just as I was about to jump on the buggy – it relieved itself straight in front of my eyes – not a great start!

Peter didn’t exactly instill much confidence in me when he told me it would be his son that would be sitting in the seat next to me in control of the horse.

I said ‘‘Hang on mate, wait a minute, what do you mean your son?’’ as Peter didn’t look very old himself.

Peter didn’t ease my fears much when he said that I should start worrying only if his son Robert, who would be driving, said, ‘‘Geez, I’ve never seen the horse do that before’’.

Thankfully, he laughed when he said it.

Then 16-year-old Robert greeted me and told me to jump on the sulky. After a few seconds on track, I knew I was in safe hands.

He showed maturity beyond his years and I suppose you have to in the racing industry – he had his head firmly screwed on. Now, Robert realised this was the first time I had been this close to a horse.

We started on the track with a slow trot and my confidence grew.

I felt like singing along with the birds in the sky – until about the third lap when Robert whistled for the horse to go faster.

I gripped the handles tighter as we sped up. By the fourth lap I felt as if I’d been born around horses, such was my confidence in the young driver.

I asked him how he thought I went during the 10 laps when we had finished.

‘‘You’re a man of steel,’’ he said. ‘‘You should go for your licence.’’

On that thought, maybe I will, so look out for a challenge match Geoff Corrigan.