Young Victorian reinswoman Taylor Youl will embark on a personal and professional development experience when she heads to France later this year.
The 22-year-old has been selected as the fourth driver to undertake Harness Racing Victoria’s all-expenses-paid tour, following in the footsteps of Ryan Sanderson (2023), James Herbertson (2024) and Sean O’Sullivan (2025) in recent years.
Youl will depart Australia on November 23 and return on December 5, with the trip to include an opportunity to work alongside star reinsman and trainer Nicolas Bazire at the renowned Domaine de Grosbois training centre just outside Paris.
Bazire is the son of legendary French horseman Jean-Michel Bazire, one of the most celebrated figures in European harness racing.
“I can’t wait,” Youl said. “It’s going to be a great experience and hopefully I’ll learn a lot from it.
“It’s definitely going to be very special and an eye-opener.”
Currently working for leading Victorian trainer Chris Svanosio, Youl has established herself as one of the state’s most promising young drivers since beginning her career in 2021.
She has recorded 199 victories in the sulky, with the biggest win coming earlier this year when she partnered Aldebaran Ada to victory in a $125,000 Nutrien Classic Final at Wagga.
The trip will provide Youl with the opportunity to gain an insight into the training methods and racing culture of one of the world’s great harness racing nations, while also building valuable connections and experience for her own career.
Youl was selected as HRV’s representative after meeting a range of criteria, encompassing essential skills, qualifications and attributes, including professionalism, commitment, proven experience driving trotters and attendance at the young driver development program. The successful participant also needed to be between 18 and 25 years of age.
Harness Racing Victoria Acting Chief Executive Officer Glenn Lee said Youl was a very worthy recipient of the opportunity.
“Taylor has worked hard to establish herself in the sport and is enjoying an exciting period in her career,” he said.
“She now has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Ryan, James and Sean, and we hope she can gain as much from the experience as those young drivers have before her.
“Harness Racing Victoria is committed to providing opportunities for the next generation of participants to develop their skills, broaden their horizons and reach their potential, and we’re delighted Taylor has decided to take up this offer.”
Jenni Lewis, Manager – Industry Workforce Development and Equine Pathways at HRV, said Youl would love her time in France.
“Taylor has continued to establish herself as one of the sport’s major young talents and this opportunity represents another exciting step in her journey and a chance to experience the sport at an international level,” she said.
“Flying out at the end of November, we know Taylor will make the most of this experience, embracing the opportunity to work alongside one of France’s leading trainers, Nicolas Bazire, at the famed Grosbois training centre.
“Taylor is a fantastic ambassador for our sport, and we are proud to support her as she embarks on this exciting opportunity.”
