Thornley leads AYDC after four heats

Kiwi harness racing representative Sam Thornley now leads the Australasian Young Drivers Championship after a brilliant effort at Bathurst in New South Wales last night.

The Canterbury-based reinsman had a second and a win to go to 43 points after four heats of the championships, eight points clear of his closest challenger Victoria’s Ewa Justice.

Heading into the second night of the championships he was fifth.

In the first heat last night he was second with Special Spin, behind Justice and Romero, while in the second he got the perfect trip and then took advantage of the passing lane to win with Works For Me.

After winning at Menangle on the opening night of the series, fellow Kiwi Crystal Hackett could not get a second victory on her 21st birthday, with her best result being a fourth in the second heat. She is now fifth overall.

Standings (after 4 heats) :

Sam Thornley (New Zealand) 43
Ewa Justice (Victoria) 35
Jacob Duggan (Tasmania) 28
Will Rixon (New South Wales) 28
Crystal Hackett (New Zealand) 26
Corey Johnson (South Australia) 23
Taleah McMullen (Queensland) 21
Josh Gallgher (New South Wales) 19
Kyle Symington (Western Australia) 17
Kerryn Tomlinson (New Zealand ) 15

The series heads to Penrith today (Thursday) and then Newcastle (Friday) before finishing on Inter Dominion Finals night at Menangle on Saturday.

We will have regular updates on hrnz.co.nz and across our social media channels.

We will have regular updates on hrnz.co.nz and across our social media channels.

From Harness Racing New Zealand