Hillier has a night out in Launceston

Rohan Hillier had a night out in Launceston on Sunday (Feb 26), with two harness racing winners coming on horses he trains.

Hillier had seven drives across the nine races and looked on target for a good night at the office when scoring on the Paul Carlson-trained Sweet Amour (Lincoln Royal, $11), defeating Stevie Jolt in the opening race.

Hickstead (Mach Three, $4.40 Fav), prepared by Rohan’s brother Troy overcame an inside of the second-row draw to win race 3, settling three-back the pegs before working into the clear at the 500m and racing away from his rivals for a 15.8m win, in a mile rate for 2200m of 1m 56.7s.

The last two of Hillier’s driving wins both came on horses he trained.

Recent stable addition Kuyomi ($3.30) had been placed in all three starts since arriving in the trainer’s care and broke through for an overdue win in race 7, when proving too tough after a soft run on the pegs for $3.10 favourite Lynryd Skynryd.

After an eye-catching first-up second at Carrick Park earlier this month, Alwaysbealady ($1.45 fav) recorded her first win for the preparation in the second last race after being given a lovely run one-out and two-back.

However, punters would have been concerned when the mare raced roughly at the top of the home straight.

So far in 2023, 66% of Hillier’s drives have finished in the top three placings, while 76% of his starters as a trainer have been amongst the top three finishes.

For complete race results, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing