Bronte Nieuwenburg is filling in for Tim O’Connor this week while he enjoys a Christmas break, sharing her favourite moments from the harness racing week that was and what lies ahead.
THE HERO
BULLETPROOF BOY HITS 50 WINS
What an outstanding horse Bulletproof Boy is. At start 222 on Saturday night, the ten-year-old (11 on birth dates) brought up his 50th career win. He stopped the clock in 1:52.8 and was simply too good for his rivals in a competitive free-for-all, taking his career earnings beyond $800,000.
Once known purely for his speed, Bulletproof Boy has developed into a remarkably strong and versatile racehorse. His longevity and consistency at the elite level are nothing short of exceptional. A look back at some of his career highlights only reinforces just how special he is:
• 2020 Breeders Crown Graduate Cup
• 2021 Smoken Up Sprint
• 2022 Mercury80 Final
• 2023 Smoken Up Sprint
• 2025 Bendigo Pacing Cup
• 2025 Ballarat Pacing Cup
• 2025 Smoken Up Sprint (defeating Leap To Fame)
HOW GOOD WAS…
GEELONG TRACK RECORDS SMASHED
It has been a memorable month at Geelong, with track records falling for both pacers and trotters over the 1609-metre mobile trip.
Smoken Ace lowered the pacing mark after racing in the breeze to run a brilliant 1:51.2 mile for trainer Kyle Marshall and driver James Herbertson. Just a week later, Aldebaran Susanne was equally impressive, leading throughout to post a stunning 1:56.5 mile rate for trainer Alison Alford and driver Chris Alford.
CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS!
2025 YOUNG GUNS SERIES
Next Wednesday is New Year’s Eve and the spotlight will be firmly on the next generation, with the 2025 Young Guns Series taking centre stage at Melton.
The top ten Victorian-licensed drivers under the age of 25, based on season wins, will contest eight competitive races, with the overall winner earning a coveted trip to America. Whether you are tuning in on TrotsVision or heading trackside, it promises to be a great night, capped off with fireworks after the final race.
This year’s contenders are:
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Ryan Sanderson
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Luke Dunne
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Jordan Leedham
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Ryan Backhouse
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Liam Older
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Tasmyn Potter
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Connor Clarke
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Ewa Justice
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Sean O’Sullivan
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Taylor Youl
POP THIS IN YOUR DIARY
Cobram Cup Day
Sunday 28 December 2025
Echuca Cup Day
Thursday 1 January 2026
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
As I am filling in for Tim and we approach the end of 2025, it feels like a fitting time to share a few personal highlights from the year.
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Mecarno and Michael Bellman
What an extraordinary story this has been. Mecarno, affectionately known as Cookie at home, is a beautifully bred gelding trained and driven by Michael Bellman. One of the bravest trotters going around, he delivered Bellman his first three Group 1 victories in a truly memorable campaign. -
Keayang Zahara
Every time I watch this sensational mare, she reminds me why I love harness racing so much. She is equine perfection and a joy to see in full flight. -
Bulletproof Boy
He earns another mention here. His victories in both the Ballarat Cup and Bendigo Cup were outstanding, before going on to defeat champion pacer Leap To Fame. What a star of the sport. -
Tracy The Jet
Watching Tracy, Jess and James claim The Ascent was outstanding, emotional, captivating and empowering. Jess is an incredible woman and that moment was one that will be remembered for a long time.
SOMETHING TO PONDER…
Who will be the standout runner of the Summer of Glory, which kicks off on Bendigo Cup Night on January 10?
With a confirmed list of runners yet to be locked in, there are still plenty of question marks surrounding who will line up. Leap To Fame, Swayzee, Kingman, Keayang Zahara and Jilliby Ballerini are obvious stars that come to mind, but could an underdog emerge?
Will KerryAnn and Robbie Morris bring a team south? I am particularly curious about Sunset Hill, who gave Keayang Zahara plenty to think about in Queensland and looks a serious trotter for the future.
The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent the policies of Harness Racing Victoria, the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.
