The Louth Park 19-year-old has a rich family heritage in the sport, with both of his grandfathers spending years in the gig.

And it appears the trainer-driver has a bright future ahead of him, after receiving the Matthew Jenkins Memorial Encouragement Award in Newcastle last week.

“Both my pops did it,” he said.

“I think I’ve just always done it and probably always will.

“And I am really happy to get the award.

“I have only been driving for about 18 months, I guess I started late.”

Carmody was recognised for his participation in the sport, which included representing the Hunter region at the Rising Star Series in July.

The Rising Star Series selects 10 drivers under the age of 23, one from Western Australia and nine from NSW, to race at four premier meets around NSW.

The “rising stars” raced at Penrith, Harold Park, Newcastle and Menangle tracks. And although Carmody didn’t worry his fellow drivers, it was enough to sway the judges before the last Tuesday’s Caduceus Club lunch where the encouragement award was presented.

The apprentice carpenter, who had more than 50 races this season, sent his apologies to the Caduceus Club as he was unable to get time off work to attend the lunch.

“Ross (Gigg, Newcastle Harness Racing Club chief executive officer) asked me if I could come down on Tuesday so I thought I would be getting something,” he said.

“ But I couldn’t get time off work. I’m a full time carpenter and I do the horses as a bit of a hobby, and I help out around here as much as I can.”