Ellen Tormey is presented with her Victorian silks by HRV Chairman Mr Ken Latta
Charlton’s Ellen Tormey will this week embark on the journey of her young career to date when she represents Victoria at the Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Originally scheduled to run concurrently with the Inter Dominion, the Series will now coincide with the Trust Ashburton Harness Jewels after being postponed in the wake of February’s earthquake.
Since 1982, the Series has been a proven platform by which to unearth the next generation of elite drivers, producing the likes of Tony Herlihy, Anthony Butt, Chris Lewis and John Caldow, to name but a few.
Tormey hopes to become the first Victorian to win the Championship since Michael Bellman in 2002 but will most importantly use the Series as a valuable learning experience for her career progression.
“It’s a real privilege to be selected to represent Victoria; I’ve been looking forward to this trip for some time. I’d like to thank HRV for this amazing opportunity as I’m sure it will provide me with significant insight and experience that will further help to develop my skills and knowledge of the sport.
Harness Racing Victoria CEO John Anderson said, “Ellen heads to New Zealand later this week with the Victorian harness racing industry wholly behind her.
“The Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship is an important event that provides the sport’s best up and comers with the opportunity to compete on the international stage and further hone their craft.
“HRV wishes Ellen the best of luck and we look forward to following her progress with interest.”
Ellen arrives in Christchurch on Wednesday ahead of the commencement of the Series on Thursday afternoon at Forbury Park. Addington will host the second leg the following day before the Championship concludes with the third and final day of racing at Ashburton on Monday June 6.
While in New Zealand, the contingent of young drivers will have the opportunity to sightsee, meet with some of the country’s best trainers/drivers and take in Saturday’s prestigious Harness Jewels at Ashburton.
Ellen Tormey Fact File
Date Of Birth: August 6, 1990 (age 20)
From: Charlton, Victoria
Career Starts: 914*
Wins: 89
Places: 220
Stakes: $489,473
*Stats are current as of May 30, 2011
