Ryan Backhouse has moved back to Tasmania. Photo by Peter Staples
Ryan Backhouse has returned home to Tasmania.
He explained that the strong prize money and a timely vacancy following Liam Older’s departure motivated his return.
"I’m back for now. The money is so good down here, so I thought I would come back and give it a go as I felt it was the right time to come back, as Liam Older had left, and I felt someone had to fill his spot," said Backhouse.
“I had been talking to Liam about it, and his plan was to always go back to Victoria when his personal circumstances changed.
“I enjoyed my time in Victoria. It was a different experience compared to here, that’s for sure.
Backhouse is currently working with the Tammy Langley stable and will be driving at both meetings this weekend.
“I thought No Nukes Skipper, and Kenya were my best drives in Hobart (on Friday), but my best drive overall for the weekend is Vincent The Third in Launceston on Sunday afternoon,” said the driver.
Meanwhile, Tasmanian-owned pacer Max Delight is a $12 chance for Friday’s $1.25 million slot race, The Nullarbor (2536m) at Perth’s Gloucester Park.
The Maxfield family from Tasmania’s north-west coast secured a slot in the race, and have elected for the horse they own to represent them.
Max Delight, who won the 2019 Tasmanian Derby, is trained in Sydney by David Aiken.
Star Tasmanian pacer Triedtotellya was scratched prior to nomination time after not settling into his new surroundings after flying to WA last week.
Trainer-driver Rohan Hillier said the pacer will have a hit out on Friday, and then a decision will be made on whether the pacer will contest next week’s $300,000 Fremantle Cup.
