Life is certainly good for Taylor Youl ahead of Victoria Cup night, as she targets the Mimosa Homes Victoria Trotters Oaks with Aldebaran Ada.
The 22-year-old reinswoman has enjoyed a memorable few months, highlighted by victory in a $125,000 Nutrien Classic Final at Wagga in May aboard the aforementioned filly.
Working for leading trotting trainer Chris Svanosio and his partner, Elizabeth MacLean, Youl has continued to establish herself among Victoria’s promising young drivers, with Aldebaran Ada providing valuable opportunities on the big stage.
The pair finished second in the 2025 Vicbred Super Series two-year-old trotting fillies’ final before another Group 1 placing when runner-up in Saturday night’s Need For Speed Princess Final. Svanosio drove Aldebaran Ada to third in this year’s NSW Trotters Oaks.
Youl said the Nutrien Classic victory remained a career highlight and that she was grateful for the chances the talented filly had provided.
“Aldebaran Ada means a lot to me. She’s been a lovely horse to me, a lovely filly, and I’ve had the opportunity to drive her in quite a few good races. I am very privileged to be able to drive a filly like her,” Youl said.
“I thought she was good in the Need For Speed Final. Obviously, I gave her quite a tough trip, but hopefully it gave her a good hit-out for this week leading up to the Oaks (she has gate one).”
Youl was also quick to acknowledge the support of the Svanosio family and the connections who have helped her reach this point.
“I can’t thank Chris and Elizabeth and all our connections enough for the opportunity to be able to drive a horse like her. You know, in the good races, it’s what we want to be doing,” she said.
Svanosio will also have a strong hand on Victoria Cup night, preparing Gotfeelingsyouknow and Lovemeto for the Group 1 Bill Collins Sprint.
Beyond Saturday’s meeting, Youl has another exciting opportunity awaiting her, having been selected for Harness Racing Victoria’s all-expenses-paid development trip to France.
Departing Australia on November 23, she will work alongside leading French trainer and reinsman Nicolas Bazire at the renowned Domaine de Grosbois training centre near Paris before returning on December 5.
The trip will provide valuable insight into European training methods and racing culture, further developing a career that has already delivered some memorable milestones.
“I am super excited to go to France. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am sure I’ll have a great time over there and I can’t wait for that,” she said.
