The son of a legend of a harness racing will be Victoria’s third young Reinsman to travel to France for a one -off personal and professional development tour.
Sean O’Sullivan has been awarded a paid journey with everything, so that he will ride in the Prix des Rencontres du Trotteur Français in Vincennes and work together with world-famous rider Jean-Michel Bazire in the incredible Domaine de Grosbois training center in Paris.
The chance is facilitated by Harness Racing Victoria, with great support from Hygain.
O’Sullivan will follow in the footsteps of Ryan Sanderson and James Herbertson, who represented HRV in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
“I have had a passport since 2018 and have never had the chance to go abroad, so I am happy that I am out of the country and go to a place where harness races is very large,” said Sean, the son of Inter Dominion-winning driver and Gordon Rothker-Medalwinner Jim O’Sullivan.
“I was pretty shocked when I was told – I didn’t really expect it. I am glad that people are keeping an eye on me … I’m really looking forward to it.”
O’Sullivan was selected as the representative of HRV after complying with a series of criteria, include essential skills, qualifications and attributes, including professionalism, dedication, proven experience with stimulating trotters and presence in the Young Driver Development Program. The successful participant also had to be between 18 and 25 years old.
Season 2024 was an outbreak in the Sulky for O’Sullivan, with his 44 winners who earn him a place in the Young Guns series in Melton on New Year’s Eve. In total, the Heathcote -based driver has 97 victories in a career that started in October 2020.
HRV CEO Matt Isaacs congratulated Sean on his well -deserved selection.
“Sean comes from a fantastic armor racing family, has a great season in Sulky and is a very worthy choice,” said Isaacs.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for him to follow in the footsteps of Ryan and James, who have taken a lot of benefits from their France experiences, and I wish Sean the very best.
“Harness Racing Victoria strives to encourage the next generation of sport to be their best, and it is extremely exciting to see how our great talent is flourishing on and next to the track, and at home and abroad.”
Jenni Lewis, manager – Development of the industry and horse routes at HRV, said that O’Sullivan Victoria would be proud during his travels.
“I am convinced that Sean will demonstrate the importance of cooperation with Le Trot, namely offering our young drivers of an unparalleled experience, a chance that money cannot buy,” she said.
“His dedication and integrity are matched by his humility and gratitude, so that he will appreciate and respect the meaning of this journey.
“I have no doubt that Sean will fully immerse itself in the stable routine and will learn on every occasion of one of the world’s best trainers. We hope to facilitate introductions in European trainers, which will undoubtedly lead to invitations to promote his experience abroad.
“He is an honor for himself and the sport, and we are proud to offer him this opportunity.”
Hygain General Manager Peter Lansley said the company was proud to support such a great initiative for young Victorian drivers.
“It is a natural fit with our constant dedication to promoting horse races and supporting the health and performance of both racing horses and participants,” he said.
“We wish Sean a safe and fruitful journey.”
O’Sullivan leaves for France on November 21 and returns on December 4.
By Tim O’Connor, For Harness Racing Victoria
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