Brianna Jackson handling success like a pro
She may have only had her handler's licence for a short period of time, but Brianna Jackson is racking up the winners left, right and centre, including handling a winning treble at Richmond's return meeting on Friday night.
Putting the lead and collar on Rob Tyler's talented team of chasers, Jackson led in three winners, adding to her already impressive total since obtaining her licence back in March of this year.
It didn't take Jackson long after obtaining her licence to lead in her first winner with She's All That getting the cash at Richmond on April 13 this year for her mum, Ashley Byrnes. Since then, she's had the Midas touch and understandably has plenty of trainers lining up to request her assistance – and she's only too happy to oblige.
“Definitely being in the atmosphere of everyone and most of my family being with the dogs and being around them most of my life and getting on the track and being with the greyhounds, they're amazing animals,” Jackson told AustralianRacingGreyhound.com.au.
“I was a bit nervous walking around to the boxes my first time but being around the dogs and walking on the track finally and getting my licence it was an amazing feeling.”
Jackson's grandmother Vicki Byrnes is also a passionate greyhound racing participant, and she cannot praise her granddaughter's enthusiasm enough.
“What more can I say, what a gorgeous girl she is for our industry and it's awesome seeing young people in the game and the atmosphere,” Byrnes said.
“It's so great having my daughter and granddaughter following in the family's footsteps and having four generations.
“Now that GWIC has lowered the age limit to 12 where you can apply for your licence, I have another granddaughter ready to apply for hers, which is very exciting.
“Bri actually did her mum's interview after she won that race at Dapto and she handled it like a professional.”
Jackson's advice for anyone looking to become a handler is to “go for it”. She said “it's an amazing feeling to be on the track with the dogs and surrounded by amazing people”.
With seemingly a greater number of young participants obtaining their handler's licences and tasting success, it aids in promoting to others the satisfaction one can get from being involved in the on-track opportunities on offer.
If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a handler, please visit your state's governing body or greyhound licensing website to find out the requirements.
NSW
Greyhounds Welfare Integrity Commission (nsw.gov.au)
QLD
Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (qric.qld.gov.au)
SA
Greyhound Racing South Australia (greyhoundracingsa.com.au)
TAS
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (nre.tas.gov.au)
NT
Northern Territory Racing Commission (nt.gov.au)
VIC & WA
Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ablis.business.gov.au)