18 January 2024 | HRSA Media
FRESH from registering a personal milestone earlier this week, leading reinsman Wayne Hill has set his sights on two targets in 2024.
The first is to improve on his personal best record in the sulky.
In what was a huge 2023 for Hill, he registered his highest tally of 205 wins – 145 in South Australia and 60 as a regular visitor to Mildura.
Hill’s racing feats saw him finish sixth on the Australian premiership for victories, but falls to 37th on prizemoney!
“Getting 200 wins was something I wanted to do,” Hill said. “It’s not an easy feat, but I was thrilled to get there.
“A few years ago I got close with 195, so it has been something I’ve wanted to achieve.”
Away from the track, Hill plans to marry his “best friend” Samantha Pascoe.
During the second half of the year Hill ‘popped the question’ to Pascoe, who responded with a resounding “Yes”.
“Sam made my year when she said ‘yes’ to my proposal,” Hill said. “Our engagement party was in November, so we’re planning for the wedding to be in the same month this year.”
As for his latest highlight, Hill made his 2000th journey to the winners’ circle after scoring with Matador in Port Pirie on Tuesday night.
“It was good to get there,” Hill said. “I knew I wasn’t far off, and after I drove three winners on Sunday night, I had a look to see exactly how close I was.
“I had a reasonable book of drives in Port Pirie, so I was quietly confident of my chances.
“Things couldn’t have worked out better with Matador, especially after the two main dangers galloped.”
Breaking his maiden with Ima Gigi at Globe Derby on July 20, 1999, Hill has amazingly notched 1700 of his 2000 wins during the past decade!
“I was probably too blazé and wild when I was younger,” Hill said. “But in the last 10 or so years I’ve been quite focused
“There is nothing better out on the track than getting a winner for the trainers and owners who put their faith in you.
“I’m happy driving each winner regardless of where it is or what kind of race is on offer and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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