Victoria has a new and experienced driver in its ranks, with Stuart McDonald making the move across the country from Western Australia.
The 26-year-old has already driven more than 300 career winners and has teamed up with young trainer and fellow New Zealander Nathan Purdon, who is now based out of Dean Braun’s Lara stables.
McDonald spoke to Trots Life host Toby McKinnon about the move, which has already taken in a drive for Purdon at Terang on Monday.
"I'm just seeing how things play out, but how it goes depends on how long I'll stay. Obviously, I'd love to stay, if it goes good, forever,” McDonald said.
"I'm never afraid to move and it doesn't worry me when I do. I just want to test some different waters and try something new."
McDonald is best known for his victory with Caviar Star in the $300,000 2020 Fremantle Pacing Cup and rates WA great Chicago Bull – who he won with at Gloucester Park late last year – as the best horse he has driven.
LISTEN TO STUART MCDONALD ON TROTS LIFE:
* picture courtesy Ashlea Brennan