Jackson Painting is nearing a return to racing following a lengthy disqualification.
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The former premiership winner hasn't raced since November 2013 but could be as early this week as he completes the process to reintegrate back to the official harness racing ranks.
Painting was initially barred for two years and three months following a positive swab of one of his pacers in 2013.
The Coleambally horseman was then forced to serve another 39 months, his original sentence plus an additional year after pleading guilty to being still involved in the industry while he was still disqualified back in December 2016.
His latest disqualification ended last August but Painting has only just gained approval to make a long-awaited return to racing at the trials.
The 32-year-old is looking forward to being back on track.
"I'm very keen," Painting said.
"I've only had a few trial drives but it still feels the same.
"It all comes back pretty quick."
Painting said he has learnt from his mistakes in the past.
Especially after having to reserve his original penalty.
"You live and learn but I'll be keeping out of trouble for sure," Painting said.
After fighting to get his licence back a race track return could be as soon as this weekend when Wagga races on Sunday.
As part of the special conditions for the 32-year-old to get his licence back he has had to participate in trials at six different meetings.
He completed his fifth day at Coolamon on Sunday and with Leeton trials on Tuesday the long wait should soon be over.
Painting has also tasted plenty of the success at the trials with wins at Coolamon and Leeton this month.
However he's far from getting ahead of himself.
"I've just been on the right horses I guess"," he said.
After so long away from the sport, Painting has been pleased by the response from those within the industry.
He hopes it will help him re-assert himself as a sought-after driver.
"Everyone has been pretty good," Painting said.
"I've had plenty of blokes from around this area ring me up just to see when I was back to put me on.
"I'll just start off from there."
Painting was the leading trainer and driver prior to his disqualification, finishing in the top 10 in the state for both disciplines in the 2010-11 season, but returns only as a driver.
"I just want to get back into driving," he said.
"Hopefully I can pick up a few drives around here and see where we go from there."
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