Matt Newberry is set to embark on the experience of a lifetime after being selected by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) to drive in the Coupe Intercontinentale des Amateurs at Vincennes, France, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, the day before the world-famous Prix d’Amérique.
The Goulburn Valley horseman was the successful applicant from a strong field of candidates and will not only take his place in the international amateur drivers’ feature but also experience the full prestige of the Prix d’Amérique meeting the following day.
“I’m shocked, surprised and have an overwhelming feeling of pride,” Newberry said. “To go over there, experience everything the harness racing industry has to offer, and represent our approach to the sport is incredibly special.”
The Coupe Intercontinentale des Amateurs features 14 drivers, including 11 French representatives, two other Europeans and, for the first time, an Australian, with horses randomly allocated once the fields are finalised.
The event is strictly for amateurs, with eligibility requiring a minimum of 100 career race drives, at least 25 wins, and an income outside the sport.
“I work about 11 to 12 hours a day, Monday to Thursday, driving household recycling trucks for Cleanaway,” Newberry explained. “I work with the horses around that and drive when I can at suitable meetings, particularly Melton.”
The term “amateur” or “hobbyist” may be something of a misnomer in Newberry’s case. In November 2023, he reached a career milestone when partnering Nordic Reign to victory in the Group 1 Mimosa Homes Breeders Crown Final for two-year-old trotting fillies.
“I’ve been fortunate to drive in a lot of high-quality races here in Australia,” he said. “A lot of amateurs overseas don’t get those opportunities. Nordic Reign was without doubt the highlight of my career so far, and I’m lucky to be able to take that experience into an opportunity like this at Vincennes.”
Newberry is now finalising travel arrangements and will take advantage of accrued annual leave for the trip. While he will travel solo, his family, friends and Australian supporters will be able to watch his historic drive live via TrotsVision, with broadcast details to be confirmed.
HRV thanks Matt Newberry and all applicants for their submissions and will subsidise a portion of the travel costs to support this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
