An extraordinary opportunity to learn from two of the world’s finest harness racing drivers awaits the winner of the 2026 Garrards Young Guns Series.
Now in its fourth year, the series will take centre stage at Melton Entertainment Park on New Year’s Eve, with Victorian licenced leading young drivers competing across all eight races in front of an anticipated crowd of 7,000.
The ultimate prize is a trip of a lifetime to Canada in June 2027, where the winner will be based near the world-renowned Woodbine Mohawk Park and learn from champion drivers James MacDonald and Jody Jamieson.
The experience will coincide with Canada’s premier harness racing season, including the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup, providing an invaluable insight into the sport at the highest level.
“It’s the peak time of the year to see harness racing at its best in Canada, with the top horses and leading drivers from North America going head-to-head,” Jamieson said. And there are few better mentors in world harness racing.
MacDonald has established himself as one of the sport’s dominant reinsmen, winning five consecutive Canadian Driver of the Year awards and two World Driving Championships, including the 2025 title in New Zealand.
“Travelling to different countries and seeing how other people drive has really assisted me in improving myself as a driver, and Jody and I are excited to give a young Aussie the chance to do the same,” MacDonald said.
“This series is awesome for the young kids. I would’ve loved something similar when I was coming up.”
Jamieson is equally accomplished, having celebrated his 9000th career victory in December 2025. A two-time World Driving Champion and three-time Canadian Driver of the Year, Jamieson has amassed more than $150 million in career prizemoney.
“Australia has been very good to me, and I’m thrilled to give something back,” Jamieson said. “It’s a wonderful time of year in Canada and both James and I are looking forward to hosting a young driver.”
HRV Interim Chief Executive Officer Glenn Lee said the series had quickly established itself as a highlight of the calendar for emerging driving talent.
“The Young Guns Series has quickly become one of the most sought-after opportunities for our young drivers, and the quality and skill is there to be seen,” Lee said.
“HRV is proud to present this series on a big stage on New Year’s Eve.”
The top 10 Victorian-licenced drivers aged under 25, ranked by season wins up to and including November 30, will qualify for the series at Melton.
They will compete in ratings-exempt races throughout the New Year’s Eve meeting, with a sliding points scale based on finishing positions determining the overall winner.
Long-time supporter Hygain will again provide jackets and merchandise packages for each of the selected drivers, continuing its involvement with the series since its inception.
The major prize package, courtesy of Garrards Horse and Hound, includes return economy airfares, transfers, accommodation and a training experience alongside MacDonald and Jamieson.
The experience will also include raceday opportunities, with the prospect of driving in races at Mohawk and other tracks, subject to the necessary approvals.
Woodbine Mohawk Park, near Toronto, hosts some of North America’s most prestigious harness racing events, including the Metro Pace, Canadian Pacing Derby, Mohawk Million and Maple Leaf Trot.
For Victoria’s rising stars, the Garrards Young Guns Series offers more than bragging rights on one of the biggest nights of the year.
It’s a chance to shine on a major stage before taking their careers to the international arena and learning from two of the very best.
