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New Zealand
North
Island
representative Jay Abernethy is the 2006 Australasian Young Drivers
Champion. Jay drove consistently throughout the series winning three
of the nine heats and accruing 89 points.
Danielle Hill (South
Australia) was second on 76 points with Gavin Smith
(New Zealand
North
Island), who also won three
heats, third on 68 points. Other competitors were Ryan Bell (Western
Australia) 66, Matthew Craven (Victoria) 58, Johnny Cox (New Zealand) 54,
Joel Pengilly (New South Wales) 54, Steven Doherty (Queensland) 38, Gareth
Rattray (Tasmania) 36 and James Rattray (Defending Champion, Tasmania) 35.
The innovative format for the series
was a success. For the first time, the Championship, which was conducted
by Harness Racing
Tasmania
, was held in two States –
Victoria
and
Tasmania. Two heats were conducted at
each of the three Victorian venues,
Bendigo
, Kilmore and Maryborough, followed by three heats at
Tasman
Park
(Launceston) and the final heat at
Hobart
on Wrest Point Inter Dominion Grand Final night.
One of the Kilmore heats was declared a no race when three horses fell shortly
after the start. Fortunately, none of the drivers were injured in the
incident, which occurred after a horse broke and shifted inwards.
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(left to right):
Peter Bourke (IDHRC Dep. Chairman),
Jay Abernethy, and Robert Marshall (IDHRC Chairman),
after the Presentation Ceremony |
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Scratchings resulted in Steven Doherty and Matthew Craven missing a drive each
while Danielle Hill missed two. Five points were allocated to the drivers
for each scratching. Hill’s scratchings were from barriers one and two and
one was a pre post favourite.
All drivers were a credit to themselves and the States they represented.
The Series would not have been possible without the support of Harness Racing
Victoria
, the Fremantle Trotting Club, Australian and
New Zealand
controlling bodies and the Kilmore,
Bendigo
, Maryborough, Launceston and Tasmanian clubs. Renown Silverware crafted special
medals for all participants and placegetters. Outstanding support from
owners ensured all races had ten acceptors.
I thank everyone who has assisted
with the conduct of the event. Harness Racing
South Australia
will conduct the 2007 Australasian Young Drivers Championship during the 2007
Inter Dominion.
Kevin Neilson
Chief Executive Officer
Harness Racing Tasmania |
