Hyland’s race for a place

By Ben Hope
BERWICK racing identity Sam Hyland is one step closer to becoming Australian racing television’s next big thing after making to the final six competitors in the Sky Channel’s Star Search competition.
Hyland joined five other finalists after submitting a video audition explaining why his passion for the sport would make him the ideal candidate for racing television. Last year he retired from a 16 year racing career after a fall in Ballarat that fractured vertebrae in his neck and back.
“I also suffered head trauma and had surgery on my collar bone,” Hyland said.
“That was in March, and once I had recovered six months later, the doctors said it wouldn’t be a good idea to go back riding because of the injuries.
“They felt that if I was to fall again it would be disastrous.”
Despite retiring from professional racing, Hyland is far from putting the sport he loves behind him. Having gained some experience in front of the camera at TVN over the Spring Carnival and as a panellist on the show Two Cups and a Plate he is keen to use his knowledge as a professional commentator.
“I am looking to move on to the next stage in my life. I have done different things in the media while I was a jockey and to get into that side interests me. It’s a good way to stay in the industry.”
“I have been racing for 16 years and my father has been a jockey all my life. I have always been interested in the sport and when I saw the Sky Channel competition I thought I would throw an entry in. I was lucky enough to make the final six.”
Hyland’s 16-year racing career includes a Group 1 win in Macau at the 2002 Directors Cup and a 1999 race in Melbourne Cup. One of the highlights of his career was winning the Warrnambool Cup twice.
“I won two Warrnambool Cups and it is a terrific carnival,” he said.
“I have a lot of family in the western district so it was a big buzz to win there.”
Sky Racing chief operating officer Brendan Parnell said Sky Racing has been thrilled with the calibre of entries to the competition.
“The Sky Star Search final six is a talented group of budding stars from diverse backgrounds,” Parnell said.
“Early voting has been close so it’s going to be a gripping run home.”
Sky Racing viewers were also being invited to participate in the competition by voting online for their favourite audition before voting closed on Sunday.
The votes cast online will contribute 10 per cent to the final judges’ decision, with the winner ultimately being decided by a Sky Racing panel.
Whatever the judges’ final decision, Hyland will be a winner. All the entries in the final six will receive a $500 TAB voucher.
“If I get a voucher I will find one of dad’s up-and-coming horses and we would just load up there,” Hyland said.
“We’ve got one that goes quite well by the name of Third Day. I think it would be a safe bet having one on her.”
The winner will be announced this Sunday on Racing Retro, and Hyland’s audition video can be viewed at www.skyracing.com.au.