Hann didn’t follow the usual path into race training.

His Mum was into recreational horses and Hann was involved in pony club and showing and with a love of horses moved to Port Lincoln to work with a local stable.

He soon linked up with veteran trainer Ross Lyons who he says “taught me all I know”

“When Ross moved to Bendigo I set up my own small training operation but opportunities over there were limited,” Hann said.

“I decided to pack up and took the opportunity to work with Peter Snowden’s Sydney operation, where I was fortunate enough to look after horses calibre of Skilled and Drumbeats”.

Hann then moved to Bendigo and linked up again with Lyons.

“Ross trained for six months or so in Victoria but had been in the business for years and decided to give it away.

“He encouraged and supported me to set up a training operation on my own and he’s always around to provide advice and guidance.”

Hann kicked off with ten boxes and currently has 13 gallopers in work, including “a lot of young ones”. He has 11 day yards on three hectares at the Bendigo track and is currently building 17 new boxes.

Hann’s strike rate is impressive. He’s currently enjoying a 32% overall win percentage.

His last 25 starters on provincial tracks have delivered nine winners and six placings and he’s had seven winners and seven placings from his last 25 country starters.

Hann has a good opinion of Rise For Reilly who resumes tomorrow (Friday 9 January) and Stawell.

Hann selected and purchased the now 4yo Reilly gelding for $105,000 at the Adelaide Magic Million sales and he immediately delivered a small return winning on debut at Geelong in July 2014.

“I’ve given him plenty of time,” Hann said. “He’s a naturally athletic type and doesn’t need a lot of work.

“He was wide all the way when he won and will be better out to a trip, but he’s going well enough to be a winning chance at Stawell.”

On Saturday Hann ventures to Flemington with Swing With Me who he bought at the same Magic Millions sale as Rise For Reilly, paying $20,000 for the mare as a tried horse.

“Swing With Me had no luck at all last time at Mooney Valley and before that she was very brave beaten less than a length at Flemington.

“She’s a mare with real potential. Glen Boss takes over and we’re confident the trip will suit and she’ll run a big race.”

Hann has ambitious plans for Tennessee Lad who posted four wins on the trot during the winter.

“He’s a magnificent individual who’s won five races and twice placed second from his last eight starts.

“He’ll be aimed at the Wangoom at Warrnambool and the Golden Topaz at Swan Hill.”

For a young guy who doesn’t have a racing lineage, Hann is taking impressive strides.

However, he says he takes his business “step by step”

“Every trainer has aspirations to win City and Group races and I’m no different. But I’m happy to take the wins where and when they come and to let the future look after itself.

“I’ve had wonderful help from Ross and others and am just grateful for everything that’s come my way.”

Hann says he’s on the look out for horses to add to his team. We have excellent facilities at Bendigo and it’s a venue perfectly situated to access Victorian racetracks.”

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