Sunday afternoon’s Carrick Cup program will be the third last in Tasmania for concession driver Liam Older as he prepares to move back to Victoria.
Older, who grew up in Tasmania, moved to Victoria to further his career in the sulky.
He finished fifth in the 2024 Concession Drivers Premiership, but returned to Tasmania after two and a half years in May 2025 due to personal circumstances, going on to finish third on the junior drivers' title last season.
“It was always the plan to go back,” said Older.
“Obviously, I have good opportunities and support here, which made the decision a little bit tough. But I contested the Young Guns (Junior Driver Series at Melton on 31 December), and they are the bigger nights to be a part of, and that certainly got me keen again."
Older will move to the Goulburn Valley region in Victoria, where he will spend his time between two stables around his driving commitments.
“I will be working for Craig Turnbull and Rebecca Bartley, so I will be spending half the week at each stable."
Older will partner Mighty Jolt in Sunday afternoon’s $20,000 Page Transport Carrick Cup (2698m).
The Michael Laugher-trained seven-year-old gelding won first-up in Tasmania since arriving from Queensland, in Hobart on 28 February, when claiming the Light Harness Tasmania Cup, scoring by a half-head in a 56.8s last half mile at the end of 2579m.
He was driven on that occasion by Jack Laugher, who indicated post-race the connections are aiming the pacer at the upcoming Easter Cup, with Older believing the pacer is a strong chance in this week’s Carrick feature.
“I think I have a live chance in the Cup, which is good.
“He did a good job in Hobart, and I think being off the front row this week helps. It seems like he steps pretty quickly.
The pacer has won three of five of his standing start races, and has led the last three times he has started from the front row.
Betting opened on the race earlier in the week, with Mighty Jolt opening as the $3.30 favourite.
Custom Harley, who is dropping back from a heat of the Group 1 Tasmania Cup, and the in-form Photo First, who has won his last five and is having his first standing start try, share the second line of betting at $4.80.
Imperial Laz, who has not missed a place in seven starts this season, is the only other runner in single figures at $5.00.
The nine-race card commences at 14:17, with the first seven races televised on Sky Racing 2 and the final two races, including the Cup, on Sky Racing 1.
