17 July 2019 | Paul Courts
LOOK out fellas – the Queen is back to defend her throne!
After five “frustrating” months on the sidelines, Dani Hill has been given the all clear to return to the sulky.
As such the inspirational reinswoman will make her long awaited return at Globe Derby on Saturday night.
Hill has been sidelined since being involved in a horrific fall during the South Australia Derby at the same venue on February 9.
As the field approached the bell, Im Sir Blake, which had been over racing, choked down, crashing to the track which saw Major Exclusive and Culture King also tumble while Perfect Major’s driver, Gavin Lang, was dislodged from the sulky.
Hitting the ground hard, Hill – who was partnering Im Sir Blake – was then squashed by Major Exclusive before Culture King ran into the pair catapulting reinsman Paul Cavallaro 10 metres into the air.
Hill suffered a broken tibial plateau fracture which required 12 pins, two plates and a screw to hold the ligament onto knee cap.
Before her absence Hill’s remarkable start to the season had her perched on top of the drivers’ premiership.
Such was her devastating form, Hill registered 82 from just 285 drives.
Hill was so far in front of her rivals, it took until June 8 for Wayne Hill to overtake his sister.
Since then, Ken Rogers has claimed the lead with 98 wins to Wayne’s 95, with Hill remaining in third position.
But the wannabe Kings better prepare themselves as the Queen of the Paceway resumes her campaign to retain her crown.
Wayne was already weary of his sister’s likely return to the top the day the claimed the premiership lead.
“Dani could be back in a little over a month and still has six weeks left in the season,” Wayne said. “Given how good she is she can drive three winners a meeting and win the premiership.”
Admitting to being “excited and nervous”, Hill is a strong chance of scoring first-up after being booked to drive the favourite in the opening event on the card.
Hill will partner Saab Magic, which has won his last five starts when driven by Rogers for Hill’s partner, David Harding.
“I’m very excited but also mighty nervous,” Hill said. “Saab Magic is a wonderful horse to come back with, but I’m on a bit of a hiding to nowhere.
“Being the favourite I’m expected to win and if I don’t David won’t be happy!”
Outside of her nerves, Hill is positive her body – particularly her leg – is ready for the rigors of driving.
“I’ve spent so much time in the gym and am very confident in myself,” Hill said. “I’ve been in the cart for a few weeks and have felt different in the cart.
“The idea behind the gym is to create muscle to support injury and add extra strength, which I’ve also noticed.
“I have put a fair bit of work into being ready to drive again.”
While fending off her brother and Rogers on the premiership is something Hill would love to achieve, she has set a smaller personal milestone as her initial goal.
“I was on 98 wins overall when I got injured, so I’d like to get two wins to reach the century,” Hill said. “After that I will see if I can deal with the pesky boys.”
Hill’s Globe Derby Drives:
R1 – Saab Magic
R3 – Indiana Dreaming
R5 – Thisexcusebetterbeit
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