17-year-old driver claims Youngbloods Challenge

Bronte Miller has claimed Tasmania’s premier junior driver series, 2021 6ty° Youngbloods Challenge, with the six-race series concluding in Hobart on Sunday night.

Miller, 17, won two heats in the six-race series, including the final heat on $20 chance One-Off to secure the series, with the gelded son of Mcardle prepared by Ben Yole, who has played a large part in her career in the sulky.

“I wasn’t too confident going into the last heat as my horse had to be driven real quiet to have any chance. I felt a bit better when I landed three back on the fence. I was feeling pretty good around the home corner and let down a real quick sprint on the sprint lane,” said Miller about One Off’s victory.

Miller has driven 25 career winners, with this season being her first full season in the sulky, and she was rapt to claim the 6ty° Youngbloods title.

“It’s a great feeling, this is my second year of competing in the Youngbloods, and I feel like I have learnt so much since last year’s series. It was an amazing feeling when I crossed the line first on One Off as I knew I was a couple of points behind,” she said.

There was a family connection with series sponsor 6ty° with a couple of Bronte’s extended family previously working for the organisation.

“I would like to thank Chester (Bullock) for sponsoring the series and Launceston Pacing Club and Tasmanian Trotting Club for putting on two great nights, and thank you to all the trainers for putting their horses in because, without them, there would be no series,” Miller said.

The other two heats of the Youngbloods Challenge held in Hobart were won by the Paul Hill trained Magic Pebbles ($15) for Sidmouth-based reinsman Malcom Jones and Kuzma for driver Liam Older who drove the $4.40 chance to victory for Todd Rattray.

The final 6ty° Youngblood’s points table:

57 – Bronte Miller
47 – Ryan Backhouse
45 – Jordan Chibnall
42 – Mitch Ford and Harry Ross
40 – Malcom Jones
38 – Liam Older
36 – Andrew Freeman
29 – Kayleb Williams
19 – Lachlan Dakin

By Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing