INSIDE WORD: Chris Barsby speaks with Narissa McMullen at today's launch in Brisbane. Photo by Ashlea Brennan
Racing Queensland has launched the 2017 Garrard’s Australasian Young Drivers Championship in Brisbane today, ahead of the first three heats at the Redcliffe Paceway this evening.
Ten of harness racing’s future stars from across Australia and New Zealand have arrived for the three-day competition.
The AYDC is a championship series to showcase the skills of the best young drivers aged under-25 from each racing jurisdiction.
The series was a key pick-up for the Queensland Summer Harness Racing Carnival, which culminates in the G2 Queensland Cup and G2 DJ Alexander Memorial Trot final at the Albion Park Harness Racing Club on Saturday night.
The participants were welcomed to Queensland by Racing Queensland Chief Executive Officer Dr Eliot Forbes at the iconic Breakfast Creek Hotel earlier today.
“I am a fan of the Young Drivers Championship because it provides us with an opportunity to look to the future and celebrate on of the key strengths of our sport – our young participants,” Dr Forbes said.
“Without a doubt the drivers are the heroes of this sport and many people look up to them.”
Tasmania’s Matt Howlett is the driver tipped to shine brightest, after Racing Queensland wagering partner UBET installed him as the $4.50 favourite to win the series.
Host-state representative Narissa McMullen is on the third line of betting at $6.
Racing Queensland will aim to inform punters and the industry throughout the series via social media platform, Puntersland.
There is also a webpage on the new Racing Queensland website dedicated to the series, where punters can find live scoring updates and series news.
Major supporters of the Queensland Harness Racing industry, Garrard’s, has come on board as the series’ major sponsor. Some of the participants were given a short tour of the Albion Park store prior to the launch today.
A Garrard’s spokesperson said: “Garrard’s is excited to partner with Racing Queensland and Harness Racing Australia to present the 2017 AYDC. A key driver for our involvement is the development of junior participants to help sustain participation in the industry for many years to come.”
After the opening heats at Redcliffe, the series will move to the Albion Park Harness Racing Club on Friday, before the final four heats take place amid a night of action-packed group racing at ‘The Creek’ on Saturday night.
For more information visit the Australasian Young Drivers Championship page on the Racing Queensland website.
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