Stuart McDonald will represent WA in the NSW Rising Stars
THE final driver in this year’s New South Wales Rising Stars Series has been confirmed with Western Australian representative Stuart McDonald winning the Garrad’s Junior Concession Challenge. The winner of the WA series is invited to compete in the NSW Rising Stars Series with drivers Kristy Sheehy, Dylan Edgerton-Green, Chris Voak and Justin Prentice all enjoying the experience.
New Zealand born McDonald will wear the black and gold silks for the first time when the Rising Star Series begins next month.
“I’m excited to be representing Western Australia and I’m very happy to go,” McDonald said.
“I’ve gone close to winning the Garrad’s Junior Concession Challenge in the past, so it’s good to get across the line and take one out. It’s a terrific series and gives all drivers an equal opportunity with the horses balloted.”
McDonald won his local series with 74 points. Michael Grantham and Jocelyn Young finished in a tie for second. McDonald has improved noticeably since arriving from New Zealand and was rewarded with the drive on Ross Oliveri’s Our Blackbird in the Inter Dominion at Gloucester Park last year and finished fifth.
McDonald joins other NSW junior drivers – Ellen Rixon, Martelle Maguire, Ellen Bartley, Jason Grimson, Mitch Turnbull, Tom Pay, James Harding, Brad Elder and Tom Ison.
The ten drivers will compete over ten heats at tracks across the state including Young, Bathurst, Penrith and Newcastle. The final heat will be conducted at Tabcorp Park Menangle on NSW Alabar Breeders Challenge Finals Day on Sunday June 26.
Reigning champion Jack Trainor decided to give up his position in the series to another young driver as he had already competed in the previous two years. Other previous winners include Robbie Morris, Max Hughes, Sam Hewitt, Chris Geary, Stacey Towers and Ashlee Grives.
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
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To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
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Name:
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Greg Hayes
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Position:
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Media Manager
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Phone:
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(02) 9722 6600
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Email:
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ghayes@hrnsw.com.au
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