Ross to shine in Rising Stars

One of the highlights on the harness racing calendar is the running of the New South Wales Rising Stars which showcases the talent within the ranks of the junior drivers throughout the state.

The format has varied throughout the years, however the prestige and satisfaction that comes with it for the sport’s finest young reins people is unbridled.

What makes it even more special for the emerging stars is that these young people have the thrill of competing on one of the biggest stages with the competition being held on this Sunday afternoon’s Breeders Challenge day at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

There have been so many talented line ups of young drivers in the past, but this year is arguably one of the best in recent memory, with the ten who are competing driving in top form.

One driver who has certainly hit his straps under the tutelage of the Hewitt family at Goulburn is former Tasmanian Harrison Ross.

Ross will represent the Riverina region in Sunday’s Rising Stars and has been gaining momentum in that part of the state, driving his fare share of winners of late and increasingly attracting the attention of trainers seeking to capitalise on the attractive junior driver claims for their horses.

“It is a great honour for me to be selected in this series that is for sure,” said Ross.

“When I look through the list of the great talent that have been chosen to drive in the race and the many others that could have been selected ahead of me, to be included is quite surreal.

“I have been fortunate enough over the past few months that I have gained some good drives, and it has been satisfying that I have been able to repay those owners and trainers for having faith to handle their horses with winners.”

The 19-year-old made a big decision in 2020 when, at such a young age made the move from his home in Tasmania to take a position with the all-conquering Brad Hewitt stable, but he is really loving life in Goulburn.

“The Hewitt family are icons of the sport, and I am very lucky to be working with Brad. He is a great mentor to have, being such a top horseman,” said Ross.

Harrison will drive the Mark Rolfe trained Don Lou in Sunday’s Rising Stars, the gelding being a recent Menangle winner.

The 2023 NSW Rising Stars drivers:

Grace Panella

Harrison Ross

Jack Brown

Jack Chapple

Jemma Coney

Jett Turnbull

Lleyton Green

Olivia Frisby

Taylah Osmond

Travis Bullock

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW