By Duane Ranger.
Although it is still to be confirmed the Queensland driving brothers of Hayden and Brendan Barnes, could become miners by the end of the year.
Their grandfather, former Australian tennis rep, and equine semen transporter, Geoff Barnes, broke the story from his home in Victoria.
The brothers then confirmed that they had become run-down with the sport and were burnt out and had become stale.
“We both have the opportunity to work in the mines in Northern Queensland. It is still to be confirmed, and we won’t know for a month or two, but the plan is to be up there by December. I’d just be happy driving a truck up there,” older brother Hayden (24) said.
Brendan (23) said he was badly in need of a change having driven non-stop since he left Morayfield State High School.
“The only time you get a holiday in this game is when you get suspended, and even then, you have to train horses. A change is as good as a holiday, and I think my brother and I deserve to try something new while we are young.
“Sure, we may return to the sport in a year or a decade, but for now life is a bit stale and we need a day or two off here and there,” Barnes (Brendan) said.
Barnes (Brendan) is currently employed by Jack Butler at Logan Village, while his older brother works for his father, Al, at Tallegalla.
They intend relocating to the coal mines near Airlie Beach in the Whitsunday region of North Queensland. It has a population of about 1,200.
The siblings have driven 800 career between them (about 400 each) and have also reined Group two, three, and listed winners,
“We have been thinking about this for a while now. It’s been seven years of this and I’ve never had a break, and badly need to get away.
“We need to recharge our batteries and try something fresh. A day off here and there would be nice too. You don’t get that in this job. It’s still to be confirmed, but that’s the plan,” Barnes (Hayden) said.
“We will hear back hopefully by October at the latest,” he added.
Watch for the brothers at Redcliffe Paceway tonight. They will get behind:
Brendan: Race 3 (6.47pm): The Jack Butler trained Sirius Vicki (7) $3.50 favourite.
Hayden: Race 4 (7.20pm): The Chantal Turpin trained A RAINBOW DIAMOND (8) $17.
