New Zealand reinswoman Crystal Hackett is set to hit Victorian shores in search of experience from one of the state’s greatest drivers.
The 20-year-old, who is no stranger to Victorian harness racing fans, is set to spend the next week with Chris and Alison Alford at their Bolinda property, before heading back on Friday (May 3).
“I basically won a scholarship in New Zealand after winning a junior drivers series in the North Island and they are sponsoring me to spend some time in Australia,” Hackett said.
“I chose Chris Alford because he has been coming over to New Zealand and we are just good family friends. I am excited to head down to his and help them out with their team and go to a few race meetings.”
Hackett is keen to learn more about the Australian way of driving and how things vary from her native country.
“It is very different (from New Zealand),” she said. “You've got to do a little bit of homework and learn how to drive on different tracks. I will talk to Chris (Alford) about the horses and tracks around me. There is no-one better to get the information off then him.”
The 20-year-old will head to Yarra Valley on Monday for two drives.
“It good for me to learn things about new horses and to experience a different track, that I haven’t been to before,” she said.
Hackett hasn’t ruled out a potential return to Victoria in the future.
“I do enjoy coming over and spending a bit of time, maybe even a month or two next year could be on the cards.”