Now in its third year, the series brings together Victoria’s top 10 drivers under the age of 25 to compete in a series of races in Melton in front of a huge crowd of 8,000 or more, many drawn to the fireworks later in the evening.
The two Young Guns winners so far – James Herbertson (last year) and Ryan Sanderson (2023) – have become stars. Herbertson, who is 25 and no longer eligible, is ready for his second Australian Drivers’ Premiership.
Sanderson, 22, is back for his third appearance in the series after enjoying by far his best season in the Sulky with 122 wins and his first at Group 1 level with Fox Dan in the Victoria Derby. He also finished second to the same pacer in the world’s richest harness race, the $2.1 million TAB Eureka.
O’Sullivan, son of star trainer Jim O’Sullivan, won two races in the Young Guns series last year, which helped build his resume and earn an all-expenses-paid trip to France to spend time with world-renowned trainer Jean-Michel Bazire and compete in an international race, the Prix Des Rencontres Internationales.
“I had a passport since 2018 but never used it until I got the scare for the French trip. I had a great time,” he said.
“I’ve done things this year that I never could have dreamed of… riding Vincennes (in Paris, an ironic circuit) and spending time with one of the best trainers in the world. I had about two weeks there in total.”
Herbertson and Sanderson landed international trips for their Young Guns wins.
This year’s series has the appeal of an all-expenses-paid trip and a stint with former NSW couple Shane and Lauren Tritton, who are now hugely successful in upstate New York in the US.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support a great concept like this,” said Shane Tritton. “We love getting behind young people in the game.”
O’Sullivan added: “I’d love to win it, but what a great opportunity it is for anyone who does. It’s great how much HRV supports young drivers like me.”
O’Sullivan, 24, had a breakout year in 2024 with 44 wins and 77 placings and has followed up with 35 wins and 87 placings so far this year.
“Last year I was the last of the last to make the cut for the series and it was a real target of mine. I’ve just competed again this year,” he said.
O’Sullivan is one of eight returning drivers from last year’s series. James Herbertson and Lochie Cook are 25 and ineligible, while Tasmyn Potter and Taylor Youl join the lineup.
Potter and O’Sullivan both rode in the 100e career victories at the Echuca meeting on November 11.
Youl, 21, is back for her second time with the Young Guns after finishing second behind Sanderson in 2023.
She is one of three females in the series. Potter and Ewa Justice are the others.
The first of eight races in the Young Guns series is in Melton at 6:43 p.m.
Through Adam Hamiltonfor Harness Racing Victoria
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