By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk
COVID-19 has had a massive impact on many people’s lives this year and Morrinsville horseman Trevor Phillips is no exception.
Phillips previously spent 20 years working in Western Australia and while he returned to New Zealand a few years ago, his children remained, and now he is longing for the border restrictions to ease between the two nations so he can return to visit them.
“I ended up going to Australia and spent 20 years there where I was stable foreman for Gary Hall,” Phillips said.
“I got married over there and had my family and my Dad got a bit sick, so I decided it was time to come back.
“I have three daughters in Perth and it’s very hard at the moment. I have got three grandchildren that I haven’t seen yet.
“I am itching to get back there.”
While Phillips is holding out to see his family, he is keeping himself busy with his small race team, which includes consistent trotter Demolition Man.
The five-year-old entire has placed in eight of his 13 starts and Phillips is hoping he can record his maiden victory in the M White Racing Mobile Trot (2200m) at Cambridge Raceway on Sunday.
“He tries his heart out, he is one of those honest little horses, he just seems to find one better every time,” Phillips said.
“He has just always found wanting that last little bit, but he’s still learning and he will get there.”
Phillips is hoping his charge will ‘get there’ on Sunday, but admitted that meeting the mobile for the first time on raceday is his biggest concern.
“He’s the form horse to beat, but it is his first mobile and he can get riled up a bit with horses around him, so it will be interesting to see how he handles it.
“We gave him a practice this (Saturday) morning and he seemed fine.”
Demolition Man has been installed a $4.40 second favourite for Sunday’s contest behind Lexi T at $1.45.
Hailing from a thoroughbred family, Phillips said he was always drawn to harness racing and is enjoying working his small team of four.
“My family has always been around gallopers. I have brothers who were jockeys and my Dad owned a few gallopers,” he said.
“My brother Mark trains, but I have always loved the trotters.
“I left school and didn’t have a job so I started looking for a job and ended up working for Robbie Hughes before heading to Australia for 20 years.
“I have got four in work and I would like a few more, but it is hard getting owners.”