Australasian Young Drivers Championships returns to Queensland

The 1EQUINE Australasian Young Drivers Championships will make its return to the Sunshine State in 2025.

Staged at Albion Park and Redcliffe, the 41st running of the series will bring together the best under 25-year-old harness racing drivers from across Australia and New Zealand.

Both The Creek and The Triangle will host a series of 10 races, starting on Tuesday, July 15 before the final heats on Saturday, July 19, coinciding with the 2025 Ladbrokes Inter Dominion Championship.

Drivers will accumulate points over a 10-race series, with the driver finishing the series with the most points declared the winner.

Local young gun Chloe Butler will fly the flag for the Sunshine State, fresh off the back of claiming the 2025 Queensland Young Drivers Championship earlier this year.

New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia will all have one driver each, while New Zealand have selected four drivers, including reigning champion Sam Thornley.

Racing Queensland Senior Racing Manager – Harness Andrew Clarke said the series would add to the excitement already building around the 2025 Inter Dominion.

“The eyes of the harness racing world will already be on Queensland in July for the 2025 Inter Dominion, and the addition of the Australasian Young Drivers Championships to the racing calendar will only enhance the quality of racing on offer,” Mr Clarke said.

“Chloe has almost 30 wins to her name already this season, and is firmly entrenched amongst the top drivers in the state.

“We are looking forward to showcasing the Sunshine State’s quality racing to a national audience, and are hoping Queensland can bring win back the crown on our home track.”

In addition to the race series, the drivers will partake in a range of social and development activities.

The 2025 AYDC field includes:

• Sam Thornley – New Zealand;
• Wilson House – New Zealand;
• Harrison Orange – NZ North Island;
• Carter Dalgety – NZ South Island;
• Brodie Davis – Tasmania;
• Chloe Butler – Queensland;
• James Herbertson – Victoria;
• Emily Suvaljko – Western Australia;
• Jett Turnbull – New South Wales; and
• Bernadette Page – South Australia.

From RQ Media