Rising Stars – Brad Elder

“He might not be the best in the series but he is the best to me and the family.” – This is what Darren Elder had to say about his star runner from the Hunter region in last year’s Inter-Dominion Series, Shannonsablast. Brad admits that Shannonsablast has changed a lot for his family and is the best horse he has driven in his harness racing career.

What better present to receive on your sixteenth birthday than to drive your first winner at only your second race driver.   Brad drove Paintmeacanvas to victory for his father Darren at Newcastle on the 30th of May 2014.    Two years on and Brad has now driven a total of 71 winners and picked up a double with Blueridge Shannon and Shannonasblast at Newcastle in July 2014.

With two trebles under his belt and still at Maitland High School (Year 12), Brad wants to concentrate on the training side of harness racing once he has out driven his claim.   Born and raised into harness racing, Brad’s biggest inspiration and career influence is his dad Darren and has future goals to win a Group 1. 

Brad came close to achieving his goal when finishing 5th with Days End in the Alabar NSW Breeders Challenge Four-Year-Old Entires & Geldings Final last Sunday.   His career highlights to date are winning the Gold Nugget, placing second in the Inter City Pace Final and winning the Mathew Jenkins Award.

Tomato sauce or gravy: Tomato sauce on everything

Football Team: West Tigers

Favourite track driven at: Newcastle by far

Cats or dogs: Dogs

Biggest pet hate: When someone tries to take my food.

Ashlea Brennan

HRNSW