2026 Young Guns champion Tasmyn Potter is set to take another exciting step in her fledgling career, with two drives at the Meadowlands in New York on Sunday morning (AEST) as part of the track’s International Women’s Day celebrations.
Potter will compete in two all-female races alongside drivers from across the United States and around the world.
“I’m a little bit nervous, but I’ve been going through form and race videos with Shane and Lauren in preparation,” Potter said.
“They’re also giving me the opportunity to have a few trips around the Meadowlands on Saturday morning to get a feel for it before the races later that night.”
Potter is currently enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience with harness racing powerhouse Shane and Lauren Tritton at their Pine Bush, New York base courtesy of winning the Young Guns series on NYE. Lauren has been a leading figure in the US driving ranks and has been an invaluable mentor during Potter’s stay.
“This is a terrific series and it’s great to have Tasmyn as part of it,” Tritton said.
“I’ve given her a few insights, particularly about making the most of the inside draw. She was a bit shy at first, but she’s been treated as part of our team here and we love having her.
“We’re even taking her to the NBA to watch the Brooklyn Nets this week, so she’s having a great time.”
Potter said the trip has already delivered experiences she never expected.
“It’s been amazing. I’ve already been to a couple of tracks and even groomed my first winner, Raspalia, at Pocono this week,” she said.
“The horse was a bit of a handful, but I received a $100 sling, which you get over here if you strap a winner, so I guess that’s my first US dollar earned.”
“The Tritton’s have been incredible hosts. I’ve been working horses each morning, including Spirit Of St Louis, which was pretty cool to sit behind a horse of his calibre.”
“It’s been snowing here, but it hasn’t been too bad to deal with, apart from having numb fingers most mornings.”
Potter and Tritton will go head-to-head in two races at the Meadowlands after strong nominations saw the program expanded.
Potter will partner Cole On The Beach in Race 2, a horse who has shown promise in four career starts. She will then drive Lou On The Beach in Race 5, where she faces a wider barrier draw.
Tritton, meanwhile, looks to have a strong chance in that race with Ayr Dave, who has drawn the pole.
Adding further Victorian interest, Shannon O’Sullivan who has been working in Canada for the past 18 months, will also take part in the event.
Coverage of the International Women’s Day races will be shown live on Sky Racing 2 from 10:10am on Sunday morning.
