Industry welfare role a change of pace for Hill

An “office job” certainly wouldn’t seem to be the natural habitat of champion South Australian harness racing reinswoman Danielle Hill.

But it’s hard to imagine anyone better qualified to fill the role of her State’s first harness racing Welfare and Pathways Officer.

With almost 2300 wins and the past seven SA driving premierships to her name, Hill is making a successful recovery from back surgery two months ago.

She will be out of the sulky for at least 12 months and Harness Racing SA said it was thrilled to announce her appointment to start in the new role tomorrow (Sept 5).

HRSA CEO Dean Elliott said the position was a broad role focussed on both participant and equine welfare.

“The foundation of our strategic plan is to increase horse population year on year,” Elliott said.

“With that growth comes added responsibilities. Central to this for HRSA is a desire to further develop equine and human welfare programs, and employment opportunities for those looking to enter, further, or renew their time in harness racing.

“Who better to have promoting our great sport than one of its brightest stars?”

Hill said she and her medicos were pleased with her progress in recovering from the surgery.

“Recovery is going super.  I really want to concentrate on that and make my body as strong as it can be.  But I just can’t believe I feel this good so soon after surgery – my surgeon and his team are absolutely amazing,” she said.

“I’m not really back to any stable duties – I still have a small team of ponies and I make up feeds, but not much more than that.  I leave that to my daughter Brooke at the moment.”

Hill, who has made inspirational recoveries from a number of serious injuries over her career, has already mentored others in the industry who have faced injury and challenges.

She has been making herself acquainted with the HRSA teams over the past week and said she was excited to take up the role.

“I did work for SA Harness Racing Club from 2002 until my race fall in May 2010.  I was assistant to the Club secretary and also working on the grounds and track maintenance.  I was very lucky – I absolutely loved that job,” Hill said.

“To have the opportunity now to promote our industry, both its people and our horses, is an exciting prospect,” she said.

“This is an industry that I love, having started out at the pony trots and graduating through to competing at the highest level. I’m very much looking forward to this new challenge and the next chapter ahead.”

Hill’s position will focus on areas including development of the HRSA Welfare & Rehoming Plan, mentoring young participants, assisting those who are considering a career in racing, playing an ambassadorial role promoting harness racing in SA, and providing a conduit for industry on various matters.

Hill can be contacted on: dhill@saharness.org.au.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink