Don’t try and tell top trainer Ryan Hryhorec that harness racing has no future in South Australia.
Hryhorec has backed harness racing to survive, and prosper, with the development of a new training complex just outside the town of Two Wells, about 40km north of Adelaide.
In the space of 12 months, Hryhorec and his partner Kerri (Stauwer) have transformed 75 acres of bare land into a magnificent harness training base.
A feat achieved while the trainer was still successfully preparing his team at his previous stables at Angle Vale, owned and previously used by Geoff Webster.
Hyrhorec, also a champion driver, has been South Australia’s top trainer since going out full-time in the 2013/2014 season when he prepared 66 winners. In subsequent seasons, he has prepared 81 winners, then 88, and this season he again heads the premiership with 63 winners and still more than two months of the season remaining.
The new property has yards for 26 horses, a stabling area for four horses, a wash down bay plus a large shed, 26m by 12m, which houses all the gear, bikes, room to harness up plus most importantly a white board which is the trainer’s ‘Bible’ with all the information needed for every horse.
At the back of the property is a training track, just under 900 metres in circumference, with a five-metre incline in the home straight.
“Yes, things could better, everyone would love more prizemoney,” Hryhorec said, “but if you work hard it is possible to make a living.
“Harness racing is my life, I love it, and I believe in its future. If I didn’t I would not have invested in this property. With that, I also have to thank my partner Kerry who supports and encourages me to be the best I can. Without her, this wouldn’t be possible.”
Hryhorec said a number of friends had helped with the building of the training complex.
“I really want to thank Michael Winning. He worked day and night to build all the facilities. Michael is great at what he does and we weren’t always easy to work for as plans changed numerous times but he made sure that we got what we wanted.
“I was here as often as I could but still had to train horses at my old placed as well.”
Hryhorec said he was fortunate to have all yards filled at present.
“I have been fortunate to have many great owners – Frank Borg and Greg Baker are just two – but I really have to thank (Victorian owner) Paul Brumby who has been a wonderful supporter of my stable for many years. He always has between six to 10 horses with me at any one time. His support has been invaluable and I thank him for his support. Again, without him, this new complex would not have been possible.
“To make my property work I will need to have a constant turnover of horses and I’m always on the lookout for new additions.
“Horses reach their mark and have to be moved on, while others, such as Glenferrie Bunter, are entitled to go interstate to have a chance at the bigger stakemoney.”
Hryhorec revealed he also did pre-training of thoroughbreds.
“It started a few years ago and it something which is not too time-consuming. I never had more than four at any time but it helps supplement my income.”
Hryhorec is proud of his new complex.
“It is everything I wanted and I’m pleased that the winners are still coming.
“It took me a little while to work out the training regime to suit the new track but I think we are on the right track now.”
A typical day for Hryhorec starts when his alarm goes off at 5am.
It is up check and work the horses with the team finished by about 11am, then complete chores around the property, update work schedules, another check of the horses, then three days a week off to the races, and that doesn’t include any interstate Victorian ventures to try and pick up bonuses.
“It’s a busy lifestyle but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” the trainer said.
All made a bit easier on his magnificent new training complex.
