2018 Winner - Sheree Tomlinson (NZ SI)

by Racing Queensland

New Zealand’s Sheree Tomlinson proved a dominant winner of the 2018 Garrard’s Australasian Young Drivers Championship held across three days at Redcliffe and Albion Park.

The 2018 AYDC brought together some of the world’s best drivers aged 25-and-under for the three-day series across nine heats, with Tomlinson proving a cut above the rest.

Tomlinson (97 points) put runs on the board in every heat of the series to finish 21 clear of nearest rival, Queensland’s leading driver Nathan Dawson.

Racing Queensland Harness Strategy and Development Manager David Brick said Tomlinson was a deserved winner. 

"Congratulations to Sheree and to New Zealand for taking home the trophy and to all of the young drivers who competed throughout the week," Mr Brick said. 

"I would also like to thank Gary Chequer for his support transporting our drivers to and from events during the week and to Ashlea Brennan for her oustanding social coverage and photography." 

New South Wales’ Chris Geary finished third on 71 points, while defending champion Narissa McMullen finished in fifth.

Tomlinson put her success down to having previous experience driving in Queensland during last year’s AYDC. She also thanked the trainers and owners for putting horses in the competition.

Tomlinson was presented with a brand new Rio Mark 2 Sulky thanks to major sponsors Garrard’s for her efforts and the AYDC trophy. 

Mr Brick said the Young Drivers, through the donation of their driving fees, were able to raise $4000 for series charity partner, Youngcare.