The Vicbred Super Series finals have closed the harness racing calendar in this state through recent seasons, but it’s time for the sport’s brightest young stars to bring in the new year with a bang.
The Group 1 VSS showdowns were moved from New Year’s Eve to September in 2023, with the popular December 31 meeting at Melton Entertainment Park to now be headlined by a series for drivers under the age of 25.
The inaugural Young Gun Series will be battled out by Victoria’s top eight under-25 drivers based on wins this season to December 15, with “wildcards” awarded by Harness Racing Victoria’s Integrity team to two participants who have excelled while meeting a range of criteria relating to behaviour and presentation.
The 10 drivers will compete in eight ratings-exempt races through the course of the night, with a sliding points scale based on finishing positions used to declare an overall winner.
HRV’s community engagement and development partner Kima Frenning said a huge opportunity had been created with the Vicbred Super Series’ shift away from New Year’s Eve, a night which regularly attracts a large crowd to Melton for the races, on-track activities and midnight fireworks display.
“Melton is predicting to get around 8000 to 10,000 patrons there on New Year’s Eve,” Frenning said.
“We thought this was a great night to elevate our young drivers and allow them to drive in front of a big crowd.
“These people are the future of our sport, and we want this night to be seen as a reward for their hard work and dedication throughout the course of the season.”
James Herbertson, Jack Laugher, Ryan Sanderson, Taylor Youl and Declan Murphy are among the leading Victorian drivers under 25 in 2023 and shape as key contenders for the series.
Frenning said plans were in place for a range of on-course activations
The final field of drivers for the 2023 Young Gun Series will be announced on Monday, December 18.
