Andrew Bourke (left) and Jemma Howard-Coney (right) have been selected to represent New South Wales over in New Zealand.
AMANDA RANDO | @Amanda_Rando
A DREAM has come true for two young harness racing participants that have been given the privilege to represent their state internationally.
Mini trot drivers Andrew Bourke and Jemma Howard-Coney will represent New South Wales in the upcoming Kidz Karts Lizzie’s of Rosland Series in New Zealand.
It was not an easy selection process according to Harness Racing NSW chief executive John Dumesny.
“There were several worthy applicants and it was a difficult task to narrow it down to two participants,” Dumesny said.
“HRNSW has adopted the approach taking in consideration other representatives situations selecting a participant of each gender and also elected to look at young people who are about to move into the open participation of the sport.
“This is not to discourage the younger children to apply.
“We have stipulated that a parent of each of the children will travel to New Zealand with them for this fantastic experience.
“HRNSW wishes Andrew and Jemma the best of luck with this opportunity.”
The Kidz Karts Lizzie’s of Rosland Series will take place at two locations in the Shaky Isles, beginning at Cambridge Raceway on April 25 and then at Alexandra Park on April 28.
And to say Bourke and Howard-Coney will be thrilled with the news would be an understatement.
“Having participated in NSW Championships, Mini Miracle Mile, Fisher’s Ghost, Mini Trot Inter Dominion and several Carnival of Cups meetings, it would be an amazing opportunity to finish my Mini Trotting career with being chosen as a representative for the Lizzie of Rosland Drivers Challenge,” Bourke wrote in his application.
This will be Bourke’s last season competing with Mini Trotters as the 15-year-old advances with his C Grade Licence.
Hailing from Millers Forest, north of Newcastle, Bourke has helped a number of leading trainers in the area to extend his knowledge.
Meanwhile, Howard-Coney is also 15 and has been competing with Mini Trotters since the age of four.
Based on the South Coast, she has tasted success in the Mini Trot version of the Miracle Mile, winning the Ross Gigg Drivers Challenge and was also last year’s Champions of Champions at the NSW Championships in Gunning.
“I believe that the trip to New Zealand would be a lifetime experience for me . . . win, lose or draw I will make sure that I do out state proud,” Howard-Coney wrote.
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 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
AMANDA RANDO | MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
(02) 9722 6600 • arando@hrnsw.com.au • @Amanda_Rando
