With a pioneering grandmother and a legendary trainer-driver for a dad, Ewa Justice was destined to make her name in the sport of harness racing.
And that’s exactly what she’s done.
After having her first drive at the races in September 2022, Justice wasted little time establishing herself as one of the rising stars in the sulky. And while her start was strong, 2024 was undoubtedly a breakout campaign.
The 22-year-old bookended an outstanding season with Modern Bliss’s Group 1 win in the Tasmania Cup during February and Mufasa Metro’s Group 2 Australian Trotting Grand Prix triumph in November.
“Having this success and support has given me a lot more confidence when entering into these big races, and is a reminder to keep striving for more improvement and to not knock back any opportunities,” Justice, a winner of 90 career races, said.
“Watching these races growing up, it’s honestly something I probably didn’t even dream of doing myself one day. To be able to compete against the best horses, drivers and trainers is such a privilege.”
Justice’s father John, who claimed the 2000 Inter Dominion with Shakamaker among more than 2000 wins as a trainer and driver, prepares the stable’s two chances in Saturday night’s Yabby Dam Farms Great Southern Star.
Ewa will partner New Zealand import Aardiebythehill in heat one and Mufasa Metro in the second qualifier. The market has Mufasa Metro as clearly the pick of the barn’s chances, and Ewa agrees.
“Mufasa is an amazing horse,” she said. “He is definitely one of the most intelligent horses we have and is always a pleasure to work with.
“He’s a stable favourite – not only because of his ability but he has a big personality that everyone loves.
“Last week he was in need of a run (seventh in V L Dullard Trotters Cup) and he performed accordingly. Since then, his fitness has taken a huge benefit and I’m hoping second-up he is confident enough to put his best foot forward.
“We had a few issues with him in Menangle leading up to the Inter Dominion final, and honestly it was a credit to him to even qualify. But I’m hoping now, with a good draw, we can see him run a good race.”
