The son of a harness racing legend will be Victoria’s third young reinsman to travel to France for a once-in-a-lifetime personal and professional development tour.
Sean O’Sullivan has been awarded an all-expenses paid trip, which will see him drive in the Prix des Rencontres Internationales du Trotteur Français at Vincennes and work alongside world-renowned horseman Jean-Michel Bazire at the incredible Domaine de Grosbois training centre in Paris.
The opportunity 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 France during 2023 and 2024 respectively.
“I’ve had a passport since 2018 and never had a chance to go overseas, so I’m glad to be getting out of the country and going over to a place where harness racing is very big,” Sean, the son of Inter Dominion-winning driver and Gordon Rothacker medallist Jim O’Sullivan, said.
“I was pretty shocked when I got told – I didn’t really expect it. I’m happy that people are watching me… I’m really looking forward to it.”
O’Sullivan was selected as HRV’s representative after meeting a range of criteria, encompassing essential skills, qualifications and attributes, including professionalism, commitment, proven experience driving trotters and attendance at the young driver development program. The successful participant also needed to be between 18 and 25 years of age.
Season 2024 was a breakout one in the sulky for O’Sullivan, with his 44 winners earning him a place in the Young Guns Series at Melton on New Year’s Eve. In total, the Heathcote-based driver boasts 97 victories in a career that started in October of 2020.
HRV CEO Matt Isaacs congratulated Sean on his well-earned selection.
“Sean comes from a fantastic harness racing family, is having a great season in the sulky, and is a very worthy choice,” Isaacs said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for him to follow in the footsteps of Ryan and James, who have taken great benefit from their France experiences, and I wish Sean all the best.
“Harness Racing Victoria is committed to encouraging the sport’s next generation to be their best, and it’s extremely exciting to watch our great talent flourish on and off the track, and at home and abroad.”
Jenni Lewis, Manager – Industry Workforce Development and Equine Pathways at HRV, said O’Sullivan would do Victoria proud during his travels.
“I am confident that Sean will demonstrate the importance of the partnership with Le Trot, which is to provide our young drivers with an unparalleled experience, an opportunity that money cannot buy,” she said.
“His dedication and integrity are matched by his humility and gratitude, ensuring he will value and respect the significance of this trip.
“I have no doubt Sean will fully immerse himself in the stable routine, and learn at every opportunity from one of the world’s best trainers. We hope to facilitate introductions to European trainers, which will no doubt lead to invitations to further his experience overseas.
“He is a credit to himself and to the sport, and we are proud to offer him this opportunity.”
Hygain General Manager Peter Lansley said the business was proud to support such a great initiative for young Victorian drivers.
“It’s a natural fit with our ongoing dedication to advancing equine racing and supporting the health and performance of both racehorses and participants,” he said.
“We wish Sean a safe and fruitful trip.”
O’Sullivan will depart for France on November 21 and return on December 4.
