A new star on the rise

The Bathurst harness racing community continues to produce its fair share of talented horse men and women with the latest star on the horizon being 16-year-old Olivia Frisby.

Like many in the sport, this youngster emerged from the mini trotting movement and is from a family steeped in harness racing history.

Her grandparents, Brian and Fay Frisby have been involved in the sport for most of their lives while her aunty, Jenny Turnbull and uncle, Chris Frisby have been involved in harness racing at the highest level and cousins Amanda (Turnbull) and Anthony (Frisby) are both Group 1 winners.

Olivia has held her driver’s license for 10 months now and to date has driven five winners from limited opportunities.

“Our family has been in the game forever and I gained a lot of confidence when I drove the mini trotters,” said Olivia.

“But I really became a lot keener once I graduated to driving at the races and I have to say I am loving it.”

Frisby works full time for her cousin Josh Turnbull, who has big numbers both in training and breaking-in.

When she is not working with Josh, she spends much of her time with her dad, Nigel who has five horses in work.

“I truly love the game and would really love to make a living out of it,” she said.

“I have been lucky to have had so many wonderful mentors right from the start of my involvement in the game.

“The advice and guidance given to me along the way has been so helpful.

“And of course, my parents have been great supporters of mine.

“Dad has given me plenty of opportunities to drive his horses, but I have also been getting plenty of catch drives from some of the bigger stables and I cannot thank them enough.”

Olivia is driving two horses at Bathurst tonight for astute trainer Peter Trevor-Jones.

“Peter is showing plenty of faith in me and I think we can get the cash tonight with Standandeliver (Race 5),” she said.

“He has drawn where I can drive him a little quieter (one off the second row) and his previous runs have been very good, which gives me confidence going into this race.

“Matamua is an honest little mare, but she has struck a tough race and she is probably only a place hope, at this stage.”

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW