Larsen home and with two good chances at Invercargill

By Jonny Turner 

Tristan Larsen is hoping his return to Southland is more than just a catch up.

Larsen will take a break from his commitments in Victoria and be back home in time for the last heats and the final of the Southern Surge in Invercargill this Sunday.

The junior driver is hopeful he can enjoy success on the track while catching up with his friends in the southern industry.

"I am looking forward to getting back home and catching up with everyone."

"There is great camaraderie in Southland, I love it back home."

Larsen will combine with two key chances in the second round heats of the Southern Surge, with both trained by his father Kirk. Ward Lamon is in Race 3, the Diamond Creek/SBSR Southern Surge Mobile Pace (2.00pm) while Santiago is in Race 7 (4.00pm).

"I am driving my own horse Ward Lamon so it would be great if he was able to pick one up while I was home."

"More than anything I would love to win one for Dad, because it has been a while for us."

"I am driving Santiago too, he went great last week so he should be a pretty good chance too."

Larsen moved to Victoria around three years ago to work for trainer Brent Lilley.

Since then he's racked up 78 wins in the sulky, with 20 coming this season.

"Things have gone pretty well since I've been here."

"I have had great support from Lills and we’ve picked up quite a few country cups."

"It is a totally different lifestyle over here, it is racing every day and it is a bit more intense."

"But we have managed to get a few results, especially with the trotters."

While he is technically going to be on holiday, Larsen will be driving at the races and has no doubts he will be working horses with his father.

Larsen's last win in New Zealand came behind Galleons Future at Winton in 2023.

To see Sunday's fields at Ascot Park click here