Panella and Gallagher will represent NSW

They have collectively won more than 700 races and top New South Wales harness racing drivers Josh Gallagher and Grace Panella will represent their home state at the 2023 Australian Drivers’ Championship.

Taking place in Launceston, Tasmania, on October 21, Gallagher and Panella will be aiming to repeat Todd McCarthy’s success in the series in 2018.

First held in 2014, McCarthy is the only NSW driver to win the Championship.

Panella competed in last year’s series at Globe Derby and this will be the first time Gallagher represents his state.

Gallagher has driven 562 winners in his career including the 2021 Inter Dominion with Boncel Benjamin and is currently the leading concession driver in NSW.

Panella has won 158 races and is the leading female concession driver in NSW this season.

The remaining drivers competing in the 2023 Australian Drivers’ Championship are:

Tasmania:

Mitch Ford,

Mark Yole

Victoria:

James Herbertson

Ellen Tormey

South Australia:

Wayne Hill

Ryan Hryhorec

Queensland:

Nathan Dawson

Shane Graham

Western Australia

Gary Hall Jnr

Shannon Suvalijko

by Amanda Rando, for HRNSW