HRNZ MARKETING
On the right Track – 10 Minutes with Tristan Larsen – Georgie Bolton from the HRNZ Education team caught up with Tristan Larsen about this Harness Racing career and goals.
How did you get involved in Harness Racing?
I was born and bred into the industry. My Mum and Dad, Michelle and Kirk Larsen are trainers in Southland and my first memories are of sitting in the cart with Dad when I was about six years old holding the reins and pretending to drive.
What does a typical day for Tristan Larsen look like?
I am currently still going to school at Southland Boys High. Im probably no superstar at school but I enjoy my sports! My alarm goes off at 5am every morning and I head down to the stables to do the boxes, help Dad gear up and drive two or three horses. I then race back into the house to get ready for school and catch the bus by 7.50am. I normally spend Saturdays at the races or playing rugby and Sunday is my day off to hang out with my friends.
Was there ever any chance of you doing anything other than horses?
No I think it was always going to be horses! However if I had to pick a trade I would be a Chef. I make a pretty good homemade fish and chips and won an achievement award at school for cooking.
Are there any moments so far that stand out for you?
When James Butt won his first race. He is a pretty special horse to me; we brought him at the sales. I broke him in and worked with him and he won in my race colours which was pretty cool. I also love watching the yearling sales and somehow I persuaded Mum and Dad into getting a trotter. Later on down the track if the cheque book is looking ok I would like to get into buying from the yearling sales.
Do you have a favourite horse?
Tolkien is my favourite horse. He is the one we brought from the sales and the first trotter that I have worked with from day one. Tolkien or Terry as we call him has a lot of character and is a real thinker which keeps me on my toes. We seem to get along well together and I enjoy working with him.
What do you love about the industry?
I love the great people that you get to meet and work with. I also love the excitement and satisfaction you get when a horse you are involved with wins.
What are your hobbies outside of racing?
Although I am pretty busy with the horses. I play rugby for school which I really enjoy. I also like to play golf with my cousins. I love watching racing and follow a lot of the racing in Australia as well!
Do you have any ambition to travel?
Although it can get abit cold I love living in Southland. At some stage I would like to work in a few different stables to better my knowledge and maybe even work in Australia.
Is there anybody who has influenced you so far in your career?
Yes my Mum and Dad have taught me everything I know about horses. They have given me so many opportunities with the horses that I am so grateful for. I admire Dexter and he is somebody I would like to model my driving on. I also admire the greats in the game like Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen as one day I would love to be a trainer myself.
What are your goals for the future?
I have already been fortunate enough to have had some workout drives for some of our owners; the Duffy family, Gordon Smith and Melinda Lowe and the Veint family had faith in me to put me on their trotter Top notch eagle which I was very grateful for. I can’t wait until I get my juniors. I just want to keep improving my skills as a horseman and hopefully win as many races as possible. It would be great to get on some of the junior driver trips and then eventually I want to progress into becoming a trainer.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
