The 81-year-old Dummett gears up first-starter My Justice in the opening race, the TAB Long May We Play Maiden Pace, 2200m.

Oliver Chet was the last pacer he had to the races at Ararat on April 10, 2004.

His last win was with Une Dine at Bacchus Marsh in early 2003. David Murphy had that drive and the Dunnstown reinsman will again be in the cart for Dummett on Friday.

Dummett said work and other commitments at the time had taken him away from a hands-on involvement in harness racing, which for many years had been a family affair.

He said he had been drawn back with a need for something to do after the death of his wife Helen last year and with support of fellow trainer Lindsay Rogers had been able to get My Justice, which he bred, qualified and to the races.

While it has not been all clear sailing for Dummett with My Justice, he has been determined and able to overcome a few hiccups along the way - enough to persuade him to take out his trainer's licence again.

My Justice goes to the races without an official trial, but it was not for the want of trying.

Dummett said he had planned to trial the five-year-old at Maryborough, but his float had jumped off his tow bar on a back road.

He said fortunately the tow chains remained attached.

Dummett said he was in trouble for a while until a young woman had arrived on the scene and helped him get back on the road.