New Zealand Junior Drivers Championships Kick Off Tonight
The 2024 McMillan Equine Feeds New Zealand Junior Drivers Championships kicks off tonight, October 15th, at Cambridge Raceway, with the country's top young drivers competing for glory in a thrilling three-day event. From Cambridge to Addington, these twelve talented drivers will battle it out across six heats, showcasing their skills, determination, and passion for the sport.
This championship is more than just a competition – it’s a proving ground for future stars in New Zealand harness racing. Past champions like Mark Purdon, Blair Orange and Sarah O’Reilly have gone on to become icons in the sport, and this year’s field is brimming with talent ready to make their mark.
How the Championship Works
The drivers will accumulate points based on their placings in each heat, with 17 points for first place, 12 for second, and 10 for third, all the way down to 1 point for last place. The driver with the highest total points after all six heats will be crowned the 2024 New Zealand Junior Drivers Champion.
The competition takes place across three exciting race days:
- Cambridge Raceway: Tonight, October 15
- Addington Raceway: Wednesday, October 16, and Friday, October 18
The stakes are high as the winner of the championship may also qualify for the Australasian Young Drivers Championships in December, a coveted opportunity for any up-and-coming driver.
What’s at Stake?
This championship isn’t just about a title; it’s a potential launching pad for these young drivers' future careers. The New Zealand Junior Drivers Championships has a proud history of producing world-class talent. For many of these competitors, this week could mark the beginning of a long and successful racing career.
Join us as we celebrate the next generation of drivers who are sure to leave their mark on New Zealand harness racing. Stay tuned for all the excitement, drama, and competition that will unfold over the next three days!
Race Schedule
Follow the action live as New Zealand's top junior drivers compete for the prestigious title! Below is the schedule for all heats of the 2024 McMillan Equine Feeds New Zealand Junior Drivers Championship, spanning across Cambridge and Addington raceways.
Tuesday, 15 October – Cambridge Raceway
- Heat 1: Race 4 at 6:11 PM
- Heat 2: Race 6 at 7:07 PM
Click here to view the fields for Cambridge
Wednesday, 16 October – Addington Raceway
- Heat 3: Race 4 at 6:12 PM
- Heat 4: Race 7 at 8:00 PM
Click here to view the fields for Addington
Friday, 18 October – Addington Raceway
- Heat 5: Race 5 at 6:29 PM
Carter Dalgety
Carter Dalgety, representing Canterbury, is returning to the championship with big ambitions. His standout moment was winning the Group 1 Invercargill Cup, and he dreams of...
Crystal Hackett
Crystal Hackett is no stranger to success, having already claimed two Group 1 wins in her career. Competing from the North Island, she’s determined to make her third appearance...
Emily Johnson
Emily Johnson, representing the North Island, makes her debut in this year’s Junior Drivers Championship after recently returning from racing in Australia. A career highlight...
Kerryn Tomlinson
Kerryn Tomlinson, representing the South of the Waitaki, is the only returning champion in this year’s competition, having claimed the title in 2020. Her career highlight so far...
Max Hill
Max Hill, representing the South Island, makes his debut in this year’s Junior Drivers Championship. Despite suffering a foot injury that kept him out of action for a...
Monika Ranger
Monika Ranger, representing the North Island, is making her debut in this year’s Junior Drivers Championship. Her favorite horse is Lady of the Light, a standout in her eyes....
Olivia Thornley
Making her championship debut, Olivia Thornley has already tasted Group 1 success, having won the NZ Oaks and Sires’ Stakes Final. If she wasn’t competing in harness racing,...
Riley Harrison
Riley Harrison, a debutant from the South Island, has already made her mark by winning the Darren DeFilippi Memorial Junior Drivers’ race at Addington. She was a talented...
Sam Thornley
Sam Thornley, a returning competitor from Canterbury, is currently leading the Junior Driver premiership table. His career highlight includes driving three winners in one day,...
Seth Hill
Seth Hill, representing the South Island, also makes his debut this year, having earned a wildcard entry into the championships. His career highlight so far has been his first...
Wilson House
Wilson House, another competitor from Canterbury, is entering his first Junior Drivers Championship. His career highlight came when he drove five winners out of six drives in a...
Zev Meredith
Zev Meredith, from the North Island, returns to the Junior Drivers Championship after finishing runner-up last year. Zev’s proudest career moment came with his first training...
Follow the Action: How to Stay Updated
Follow Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) and Harness Life on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for live updates, behind-the-scenes content, and driver interviews. Engage with us using the hashtag #NZJDC2024 to share your thoughts, predictions, and favorite moments.
Don't miss a beat!
To keep up with all the action, be sure to follow our channels and engage with us throughout the week. Will we see another rising star like Sarah O'Reilly? Or will a newcomer take the crown in 2024? The road to harness racing stardom starts tonight!