Olivia off to the Interdoms

Southland harness racing stable hand and Kidz Kartz driver Olivia Thomas is heading to Brisbane next month to represent New Zealand at the Inter-Dominion Pony Trots in Queensland, Australia.

“I’m stoked. It’s a great opportunity,” she said.

HRNZ selected Thomas and Anna Mangles from Canterbury and both have been invited by the Queensland Junior Harness Racing Association to drive in other Pony Trot Races in the build up to Finals Night.

“I went to the driver’s series in April and finished second. This opportunity came up, the club (Southern Kidz Kartz) nominated me, and I got it.”

The championship is Australasia’s Premier Harness Racing Event, and the Pony Trots will be held on December 16th at Albion Park on the Inter-Dominion Finals Night.

“I haven’t heard too much about Kidz Kartz in Australia other than that they take things quite seriously.”

The sixteen-year-old attends Northern Southland College and has been participating in Kidz Kartz for three years. This will be the first time Olivia has travelled outside the country and the trip is over ten days.

“I’m there (at Wilson’s stable) every weekend. And during the school holidays I try and be there. Not after school though but at every chance I can get.”

Thomas has progressed to driving fast work at Wilsons.

“I love it. I wouldn’t be there if I didn’t. My plan is to become a driver and work my way into it.”

Over the three years she’s been racing Kidz Kartz she’s won a host of races including six on two ponies she trained – Kingstown Flyer and Pocket Rocket.

Olivia has been hard at it fund raising and many local Southland Harness Racing clubs and individuals have donated money to help her make it to Brisbane.

“We’re getting there. It was quite short notice. We did a jingo night last night at the Waikiwi Tavern and it was quite successful.”

Olivia flies out on the 8^th of December and is very excited. She’ll also get to see Australia’s best harness racing at the Interdominions and will see New Zealand junior drivers Sarah O’Reilly, Zev Meredith and Crystal Hackett drive in the Australasian Young Drivers Series.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and would like to thank all the people that have supported me.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink