Layne Dwyer has "high hopes" in AYDC

By Adam Hamilton 

Young Queenslander Layne Dwyer is pinching himself heading into the Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship (AYDC) in New Zealand which starts at Cambridge tomorrow (Wednesday).  

Dwyer, 19, can’t believe he gets to represent his state and country for the first time and get to watch his “dream” horse, Leap To Fame, try to win his first Go Media NZ Trotting Cup.

“It really is a trip that’s got it all,” Dwyer said ahead of the series that will be run at four venues culminating in the final heat on Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup day at Addington (Tuesday, November 10). 

“If I could drive any horse in the world, it would be Leap To Fame. I’m lucky enough to see him race a lot at home and even driven against him at times, but to be there when he runs in the NZ Cup will be incredible.”

While Leap To Fame is Dwyer’s equine idol, his human equivalent is the late Greg Sugars.

“I always looked up to him. It’s so sad he passed, but I was very fortunate to get to spend lots of time with him. He’s definitely been my biggest influence,” he said.

Dwyer, son of prominent Queensland trainer Graham Dwyer, already boasts 328 career wins.

“My biggest win was on Cheerstolou in the Peak of the Creek Final at Albion Park (November 29, last year),” he said. “He’s the best horse I’ve driven, too. So fast and strong.”

Dwyer said driving for his state was something he’s wanted to do since first sitting in the sulky.

“It means a lot. It’s a massive privilege. I’ve wanted to do it for a while, so it’s surreal to think it’s actually happening," he said.

“It’ll be a fun challenge having to adapt to different tracks, different styles of racing and against drivers I haven’t competed against before.

“I think it’ll suit my approach, which is to not overthink things too much, just go out and play it by ear.

“Hopefully I can do Queensland proud. I’ve got high hopes.”

Queenslander Grant Dixon split the prize with Tasmania’s Ricky Duggan in the first AYDC back in 1993.

Since then, only two other Queenslanders have won: Chris Petroff in 2000 and Narissa McMullen in 2017. 

New Zealand's representatives are Crystal Hackett, who's at her fourth AYDC, as well as Carter Dalgety and Wilson House.

Cambridge's Wednesday meeting will feature two heats (Race 3, 7.04pm and Race 5, 7.54pm).

Dwyer looks to have two good chances on the opening night with Memories ($4.80) and Franco Salah ($2.70).  

To see the Cambridge fields click here