Matthew's western odyssey

Waikato-born and bred horseman Matthew White is heading west.

White is about to embark on a journey to Western Australia where he will link up with one of the leading harness stables in the state.

White, a son of Cambridge trainer Les White, has been foreman and stable driver for Ardmore trainers John Green and Brian Hughes for the past three years.

While happy in his current confines, which led to him driving Harness Jewels winner Safin at Cambridge last year, White has yearned for a new challenge and the lure of becoming involved in Perth racing is attractive.

"I've sort of been thinking about it for quite a while now. My girlfriend and I are keen for a bit of an OE," White said yesterday.

White will link up with trainer Andrew De Campo, a prominent importer of New Zealand horses. He will be foreman and driver in a stable of more than 30 horses.

He expects the role to provide him with at least 10 drives a week - more than his current position at the more boutique Green/Hughes operation.

White spent four weeks with De Campo back in 2004 and enjoyed it so much that he had always planned to head back.

"Andrew's is a nice place, a good set up and I think he is working about 30 to 35 horses at the moment," White said.

White was always destined to be a horseman. Growing up, he used to help his father out and he joined Green and Hughes straight out of school as an 18-year-old.

After a couple of years in Pukekohe, he returned to Cambridge to work for Mike Berger for 18 months, before moving to his current Ardmore base in 2006.

He admits to not knowing many people in Perth, except former Cambridge trainer Revell Douglas, now racing manager at Pinjarra, south of Perth.

"I don't really know anyone except Revell over there. Hopefully he will be able to help me get a few more drives."

Driving is always what White has done best - he has 133 winners in his career to date - but he revealed he harbours long term ambitions to return to New Zealand and train.

He said part of the reason he was heading to Perth was to gaining wider experience in preparation for that role.

"I would like to come back and start up on my own one day, so getting overseas experience is important."

White has just the one drive at Cambridge tonight - the filly Taffeta Bromac in the first race.

"She's worked well since her last run. She probably did a bit too much work last time and should be a good each way chance from the draw."

White signs off on his New Zealand career, for the next year or two at least, at Cambridge on New Year's Eve.

He looks destined for greater things but said he would never lose sight of where he gained his knowledge and experience.

"I'd like to thank all the Waikato trainers that have supported me over the years. It has been a big help and greatly appreciated."

- © Fairfax NZ News