Star South Australian reinswomen Danielle Hill is delighted to have been chosen to represent South Australia in the 2015 Australian Drivers Championship to be held in Launceston, Tasmania on Sunday, November 15
“I drove in Tassie in a Young Drivers Championship and just loved it down there,” Hill said.
Hill and Ryan Hyrhorec have been chosen to represent South Australia with South Australia’s leading driver of 2014-15 David Harding unavailable as he recovers from injury.
“It is going to be a wonderful challenge to compete against the best drivers from around Australia,” she said. “You look at the names and it will be an honour to compete in a series with them.
“It will be both daunting and exciting.”
Hill, 31, said she had loved competing in four Australian Young Drivers Series around Australia, one of which she won in 2009 at the Gold Coast in Queensland, but said this would be another step up.
The star reinswoman said she thrived on challenges and testing herself and this would be an ultimate experience.
Hill, a brilliant driver early in her career, was involved in an horrific fall at Globe Derby Park in 2010 when she lost an eye but has fought back and last season drove a career-best 135 wins in a season. Already this season she is leading the drivers’ table with 22 wins.
“I expect a lot of myself when I drive, and I am hard on myself, so I work hard and put in the effort.”
In the young driver series Hill competed against the likes of star New Zealand reinsman Dexter Dunn and Australia’s driving wizard Amanda Turnbull but said this series would top those series.
Established in 2014 with the inaugural Championships being held in Adelaide, the series is contested by nominated representatives from each of the six state controlling bodies for harness racing in Australia.
Two drivers from each state (12 drivers in total) will contest six races for points to decide the winning driver.
South Australia’s other representative Ryan Hryhorec drove in the inaugural series in Adelaide.
“I finished out the back last year, hopefully I can be more competitive this time,” Hryhorec said.
“It is a great honour to represent your state and I’m looking forward to it.
“I actually drove in a young drivers series in Tassie, back in 1996 I think, so it will be good to go back.”
Harness Racing Australia chief executive officer Andrew Kelly said he was delighted that Launceston would host the 2015 event.
“In only its second year, the Australian Driving Championship has already succeeded in filling an important industry role – bringing together the best drivers from each state to compete for the title of Australian Driving Champion,” he said.
“One of the things I particularly like about this concept is the opportunity for owners and trainers to meet and interact with the best drivers in Australia.
“These conversations allow participants to pick up hints or even tips about how a horse might be driven in future, tinkering with gear or just a general chat.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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