2025 Young Guns champion Tasmyn Potter has returned from her money-can’t-buy experience with harness racing powerhouses Shane and Lauren Tritton at their Pine Bush, New York, USA base and it’s clear the trip has left a lasting mark.
“Shane and Lauren were such incredible hosts. It was quite emotional saying goodbye,” Potter said.
“I’d love to go back one day, whether it’s to work or just for a holiday. We’ve become friends for life.”
It was an eye-opening experience for Potter, who had not travelled overseas since a childhood trip to Fiji. She even enjoyed her 22nd birthday in transit before she immersed herself in the daily rhythm of one of the United States’ leading stables.
“There were 32 horses across three barns, and I was in the main barn with Shane and Lauren, usually where the more advanced horses are,” she said.
“I’d have a list of horses to tend to, and I’d be jumping on and off throughout the morning, jogging or fast working them.”
But it wasn’t just the differences in training that stood out.
“The race day stalls are the craziest difference. If you’ve got six horses in six races, they can all be in completely different areas, it’s very different to home.”
Lauren Tritton, a trailblazer in the US, quickly became both a mentor and a strong supporter of Potter’s development.
“She really came out of her shell,” Tritton said with a laugh.
“At first, she was a bit quiet, but I didn’t let her stay that way. With all the changes like different equipment, people and surroundings, she just slotted straight in. She was fearless and did so well.
“She’s got a lot of talent, and I really hope she gets the right opportunities and horsepower to showcase it.”
Such was the impression Potter made, the Trittons did their best to convince her to stay.
“We’ve made friends for life,” Tritton said.
“We even offered her a job. She’s got her own team back home, but we made sure it was a tough decision. The time just flew, but she hasn’t stopped asking questions since she left, which is exactly what you want to see.”
Potter returns to driving this week, already in demand from multiple stables, but now armed with invaluable international experience.
“The biggest difference is the racing style in America,” she said.
“They go so hard early, and then often the last quarter is a bit slower. Driving at the Meadowlands was such a highlight, the rules are different too, so I had to adjust and even hold myself back and not push out at times. But it was an incredible thrill.”
Potter more than held her own on the big stage, taking part in two races at the Meadowlands on International Women’s Day. Fellow Australian Shannon O’Sullivan, now based in Canada, produced a narrow second placing in the opening race, while Tritton showcased her class with victories in both events.
“I couldn’t speak highly enough of Tasmyn and Shannon,” Tritton said.
“In Australia, our female drivers are thrown in the deep end and it’s sink or swim. Over here, I still hear comments like ‘you’re pretty good for a woman’, and I’m trying to change that.
“So, to see the Aussie girls come over and put on a show was really pleasing.”
With her international experience now behind her, Potter has already set her sights on defending her Young Guns title on New Year’s Eve at Melton Entertainment Park.
“Harness racing is a hard game to step away from, whether it’s for a holiday or work experience,” she said.
“If I hadn’t won the Young Guns, I might never have given myself this opportunity.”
And while this chapter of her American adventure has closed, it may only be the beginning.
“Tasmyn is always welcome back. She just has to say the word,” Tritton said.
“It’s fantastic that HRV provides opportunities like this. When I was a kid in Australia, I would have loved something like it. I just hope I gave her something valuable to take home.”
Harness Racing Victoria extends its sincere thanks to Shane and Lauren Tritton, who opened their doors without hesitation and invested in the next generation of the sport. Their generosity embodies what the Young Guns series is all about creating opportunities that can genuinely shape careers.
