Hoping for a very Happy New Year

FRESH from his best season since arriving in Australia, Tristan Larsen hopes to begin 2026 the same way he began 2025.

Making his Aussie debut in 2023, the Kiwi-bred reinsman registered a personal high 26 wins during the past 12 months, including several country cups, earning him the title Cups King!

One of those victories was in the Echuca Trotters’ Cup on New Year’s Day with the Brent Lilley-trained Johns Boy.

Working to the lead from the pole, Johns Boy rated 2:07.2 over 2530 metres.

Fast forward to Thursday – New Year’s Day – and Larsen will once again venture to Echuca for the Trotters’ Cup.

This time around Larsen will take the reins behind the Lilley-trained El Conqueror.

Capturing the Swan Hill Trotters’ Cup at his first start after crossing the Tasman, El Conqueror has played ‘bridesmaid’ in Horsham, Gunbower and Cobram’s flagship squaregaiters’ events during his three subsequent outings.

Larsen has driven the son of Sebastian K each time.

“He’s busting for another win,” Larsen said. “He’s been so consistent, but just finding one too good on the day.

“For various reasons things just haven’t gone his way in those races, but hopefully that can change in Echuca.

“He has drawn well in four, so we will be looking for the front. That said, it is only a small field, so I won’t panic either way.”

Earlier on the card, Triple Rock Saint shapes as the one to beat in the Pacing Cup for trainer Julie Douglas despite his second row draw.

Racing in strong form, Triple Rock Saint broke his run of seconds with a win in last Saturday night’s Gordon Rothacker Championship in Melton.

The son of Rock N Roll Heaven had been runner-up during his three previous starts.