Georgie Bolton from the HRNZ Education team caught up with Korbyn Newman about his Harness Racing career and goals.
How did you get involved in Harness Racing?
I have always loved watching the races. In the last year of school I decided to do work experience one day a week at Brendon Hill’s and from my first day I was hooked.
What does a typical day for Korbyn Newman look like?
I have recently just moved from Paul Courts stable back to Brendon Hills. I wake up roughly just before 6. I have some breakfast and then head to the stables. We start off by feeding them and then we get into working the team in the morning. The afternoon is full of the usual farm jobs and we always bring in the race horses in the afternoon to give them a brush.
Do you have a favourite horse?
At the moment it would have to be a two year old colt called ‘Richie’ who’s a wee character or a 3 year old filly who is a real grump most of the time but we seem to get along great.
What do you love about the industry?
What I love most about the industry is that it is a real tight knit community and everyone knows everyone. I love how there is always something new to learn about the horses- you never seem to know everything and it keeps it interesting.
What are your hobbies outside of racing?
My life is fairly busy with work and races but outside of the horses I play rugby for Oxford Seniors. I would love to keep moving up the grades in rugby. That is pretty much me- horses and rugby.
Do you have any ambition to travel?
I’d love to travel in the future. I was lucky enough that Mum and Dad took me away overseas a few times as a young kid but I would love to travel some more, especially with the horses.
What do you enjoy about working with the horses?
I just love the horses, especially when you build those special relationships with the horses. They are the reason that makes me want to get up in the morning and get to work.
Is there anybody who has influenced you so far in your career?
Brendon Hill, who I did my work experience for and I’m currently working for, was my pathway into the industry so I am hugely appreciative of that. Paul and Graham Court, who I used to work for, have also been a huge influence. They were really good in helping me get my trials licence and taught me a lot in my time at their stables. Simon McMullan has probably been the biggest influence on my career so far and has been so good to me sharing his knowledge.
Is there anybody you admire in the harness racing industry?
It’s hard to go past Dexter, Blair and Ricky as I want to be a driver. They are some of the best so it’s hard not to look at them and just admire what they have all achieved. The two trainers I have worked for have both been great horseman so if I keep learning off them I will be sorted!
What are your goals for the future in the Harness Racing industry?
I want to get my Junior Drivers licence in the new season, I want to get as many drives as possible for experience and land as may winners as I can.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
