The national harness racing spotlight will shine on Luxbet Park Hobart on Saturday October 28 when the best drivers from all over the nation will converge on the state’s capital to contest the 2017 Yabby Dam Racing Australian Drivers Championship.
Queensland’s Shane Graham who represented Australia at the recent World Driving Championship in Canada heads an all-star cast in pursuit of the title of Australia’s best driver that will be determined from a series of heats.
Two drivers from each state make up the field of 10 and New South Wales has put its faith in two of its young guns in 18-year-old Ellen Rixon and 19-year-old Chris Geary.
The following profiles give us an insight into the wealth of talent that will be on display on the night. Get to know your state’s representatives.
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NSW REPRESENTATIVES
Chris Geary
Career wins: 385
First winner: Western Gailes
Best win: 2017, 4YO Hondo Grattan
Favourite harness horse: Christian Me
Favourite sport: Rugby League
Favourite food: Cindy’s Bake
Follow Chris Geary on Twitter: @chrisgeary27
Ellen Rixon
Career wins: 80
First winner: Ali Mendes
Best win: First Metro Winner
Favourite harness horse: Divisive
Favourite sport: Equestrian
Favourite food: Mum’s Bake
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QLD REPRESENTATIVES
Shane Graham
Career wins: 2,517
First winner: Lochlee Again
Best win: QLD Oaks, Sparkling Melody
Favourite harness horse: Avannova
Favourite sport: Rugby League
Favourite food: Chinese
Mathew Neilson
Career wins: 2014
First winner: Newcastle 1999, King Toli
Best win: QLD Derby Oaxaca Lass
Favourite harness horse: Westburn Grant
Favourite sport: Rugby League
Favourite food: Chinese
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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVES
Danielle Hill
Career wins: 1295
First winner: Ronzel Rhythm
Best win: Rocktellz (1st win)
Favourite harness horse: Rocktellz
Favourite sport: Football
Favourite food: Sushi
Follow Danielle Hill on Twitter: @danihillracing
Wayne Hill
Career wins: 1065
First winner: Ima Gi Gi
Best win: 2006 St Leger – Badboy Nitro
Favourite harness horse: Landawin
Favourite sport: Football
Favourite food: Roast
Follow Wayne Hill on Twitter: @waynehillracing
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TASMANIAN REPRESENTATIVES
Todd Rattray
Career wins: 476
First winner: Dale’s Wish
Best win: Trained – Ignatius, Driven – Pachacuti
Favourite harness horse: Ignatius, Alby Albert
Favourite sport: AFL
Favourite food: Chicken Parmigiana
Gareth Rattray
Career wins: 1,100
First winner: Karalta Shine
Best win: Tasmania Cup on Motu Crusader
Favourite harness horse: The Grouse
Favourite sport: AFL
Favourite food: Chicken Parmigiana
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VICTORIAN REPRESENTATIVES
Chris Alford
Career wins: 6162
First winner: Spring Vance at Wangaratta
Best win: 2 Inter Dominion wins
Favourite harness horse: Lenny The Shark
Favourite sport: AFL
Favourite food: Steak
Follow Chris Alford on Twitter: @ChrisAlford5000
Gregory Ross Sugars
Career wins: 2501
First winner: Escrow
Best win: Great Northern Derby
Favourite harness horse: Little Peanut
Favourite sport: AFL
Follow Gregory Ross Sugars on Twitter: @grsugars
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WA REPRESENTATIVES
Chris Lewis
Career wins: 5160
First winner: Classic Heir, Kapunda Jan 1972
Best win: Clarclew 1976, Village Kid 1986
Favourite harness horse: Village Kid
Favourite sport: AFL
Favourite food: Seafood
Ryan Warwick
Career wins: 1142
First winner: Nerology
Best win: Looks Like Lightning – Coroina Sprint
Favourite harness horse: Looks Like Lightning
Favourite sport: AFL
Favourite food: Fried Rice
Follow Ryan Warwick on Twitter: @curlywarwick1
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More information about the Yabby Dam Racing Australian Drivers Championship meeting and dinner.
Buy tickets to the meeting and dinner.