Milestone moment for Chibnall in Hobart

Jordan Chibnall celebrated a harness racing major career milestone on Saturday night in Hobart, driving Ultimaction to victory in the final race of the meeting – her 200th career win.

Chibnall began her driving career in 2020, notching her first win aboard Always A Duchess at Kilmore for close friend Mitchell Frost. “If it wasn’t for Mitchell and Lisa Miles, I never would have been involved in harness racing,” she said.

The 23-year-old is enjoying a standout 2025 season, with Ultimaction becoming her 35th win for the year, placing her just one behind Mitch Ford in the Junior Drivers Premiership.

“She’s a nice mare,” Chibnall said of Ultimaction. “Hopefully there are more wins in store for her.”

It capped off a successful weekend for Chibnall, who also scored a double in Launceston aboard Raging On and the Kasey Kent-trained Miss Collann.

Chibnall and her partner Connor Crook returned to Tasmania 12 months ago after spending a couple of years in Victoria. Originally from the Kilmore area, Chibnall had previously spent two years in Tasmania, where she claimed both the 2021 Junior Drivers Premiership and the State Female Drivers title, later representing Tasmania in the Australasian Young Drivers Championship at Melton during the Inter Dominion Carnival.

Their return to the Apple Isle has paid off, with Chibnall driving 35 winners this season, while Crook has trained 36 winners.

Rainbow Ranger Shines in Sweepstakes Final

In the colts and geldings division of the Sweepstakes Final at Hobart, it was Rainbow Ranger who took centre stage. The $27,500 yearling purchase from last year’s Nutrien Sydney Sale powered home to win for trainer-driver Todd Rattray in a slick 1:57.4 mile rate.

Rainbow Ranger, a son of Bettors Delight, is bred by John Markham from Artistic Rainbow – a former Newcastle Horse of the Year and a daughter of Artsplace USA. Artistic Rainbow was a 1:55.6 performer who earned just over $100,000 and has already produced two $100,000+ winners: in A Rainbow Delight and Rainbow Jet.

Zoe Ella Scores for the Fillies

The fillies division of the Sweepstakes went to Zoe Ella (1.57.4), a daughter of Stay Hungry, having just her second Tasmanian start for trainer Rohan Hiller. The filly was a $14,000 purchase at the APG Melbourne Sale and looks to have a promising future ahead

For complete race results, click here.

by Gary Newton