Harness racing participant Georgia Hayward is back in Tasmania after a recent five-year stint in Victoria, but her time back may be short-lived.
The 23-year-old will soon embark on a short stint in New South Wales, which could see her based there for the foreseeable future.
“I really enjoyed my time in Victoria. I have learnt so much with my time away,” said Hayward.
“I worked for Kerryn Manning for eight months and learnt how to look after horses, and then I was at Andy Gath’s for four years, and he taught me how to train, and he helped me get my trainers license and is the biggest helper in my career, and he helped push me into the sport, and then I spent three or four months with Geoff Webster, and it was a good learning experience.
“I had been away for five years and wanted to return and spend some time with the family. My brother has got two kids that I have missed out on,” the driver explained.
“I’m going to head up to Sydney and help Michael Stanley and his dad while Michael takes a team up to Queensland in a few week’s time. I will head up and see how it goes.
“I’m currently back home and working at the local bakery, which my relatives own. I needed some work when I came back and have slotted back in, and I’m also helping at my mum’s hairdressing business.
“Wayne (Yole) offered me regular drives, but now I’m back, it’s nice to be going around every week.
Yole has given her two drives on Friday night’s Launceston card with Rocks Roy in race three and Ozzie Major in race five.
“I’m one for one on Ozzie Major, so I’m glad to be back on him.
“He was placed a few starts ago, and he will be in the mix if he does bring his best form,” the driver said about the pacer’s chances.
“He will need some luck from the draw,” Hayward said about Rocks Roy when asked about his prospects.
Friday’s Launceston card commences at 17:24, and racegoers are reminded about the expected extra traffic in the city of Launceston. Hawthorn and Adelaide are playing an AFL match at York Park on Friday evening.
