IN SO many sporting events it is regarded as an advantage to be competing on your home ground.
At Globe Derby tomorrow night, South Australian reinsmen Wayne Hill and Ryan Hryhorec are hoping the theory will be proven correct.
Hill and Hryhorec’s desire for an extra edge stems from their engagement in the Australian Drivers’ Championship.
In its third year, the tournament sees representatives from each state contest six heats with the title of Australian Champion to be decided on points.
Performances throughout the series will also be taken into consideration when determining who will represent Australia in next year’s World Driving Championship to be conducted in Canada.
“It will be nice to see a home state win,” Hill declared. “Hopefully having a bit more knowledge of the horses in the series will help.
“A lot of it comes down to the luck of the draws, but Ryan and I will be happy to take any advantage we can get over the interstaters.”
Despite being co-hosts, Hill and Hryhorec haven’t been dealt any favours in the draw, with both receiving their share of wide and second row gates.
Hryhorec has fared slightly better on barrier numbers, however, Hill appears to hold the advantage as far as the stock he will partner.
“I think Ryan has come out of the draws and allotments better,” Hill said. “But I’ll be out there to do the best I can.”
Acknowledging the Championship is an opportunity to enjoy a night’s racing with his peers, Hryhorec was also quick to admit the competitive nature is alive and thriving.
“I’m really looking forward to the series,” Hryhorec said. “It will be great to compete against the best from interstate and have a bit of fun in the process.
“While the fun is a major part of it, that competitiveness in each of us will soon come out as well.”
Click here for tomorrow night’s Australian Drivers’ Championship fields https://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=GD221016
