"YOU can't live in Glebe and not go to the trots."
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These were the words that led to the beginning of Fran Hausfeld's involvement with the harness racing industry.
Moving to Glebe in the 1970s with her husband, Hausfeld was convinced by a friend to head into Harold Park to watch the trots.
That led to the couple deciding to buy a yearling at the sales. Though their first two purchases were not successful, it was a case of third time lucky.
"We bought a yearling who was named Willing Whiz and she was a nice horse," the now 90-year-old said.
"She won the second Gold Tiara and over $100,000 back in the 80s, which was a pretty good job."
Retiring with 13 victories and $120,515 in earnings to her name, Willing Whiz became Hausfeld's foundation broodmare.
Over 30 years after the deregistration of Willing Whiz, the dedicated owner-breeder continues to experience success with her horses.
At Bathurst on Sunday, Hausfeld watched on as two horses she bred crossed the line in first place.
"Oh yes, I watch them at the races. I don't remember all of the breeding so I have them all written down," she said.
"It's been a terrific few weeks."
Hausfeld's first winner came courtesy of the Ben Settree-trained So Am I, a horse who she also owns a share in.
Hausfeld's second breeding victory came up in the following event when Aphorism proved too strong for his rivals.
Hausfeld is now looking forward to watching Kanena Provlima, who she bred and part-owns, race at Bathurst on Wednesday in the Group 1 TAB Western Region Championships Final at 6.40pm.
"The competition will be good," she said.
"As long as it is a truly run race and they all do their best, that's the main thing."
Anthony Frisby will be in the gig.