Garrard’s Horse and Hound has recommitted as major sponsor of the Young Guns Series for 2024 and will help provide an unforgettable harness racing experience for the winner of this year’s event.

Thanks to Garrard’s and overseas partnerships, the successful New Year’s Eve driver will receive:

  • Trip to Solvalla, Sweden for the 2025 Elitloppet
  • Ticketing for three days of the Elitloppet carnival, including a guest(s)
  • Return economy airfares and accommodation
  • Training and driving program with leading horseman Jörgen Westholm for up to two weeks  
  • 2024 Young Guns medal

Ryan Sanderson won the inaugural Young Guns title in 2023 and will be back to defend his crown on December 31. He will take on Australia’s leading driver James Herbertson, Luke Dunne, Jordan Leedham, Lochie Cook, Ryan Backhouse, Ewa Justice, Liam Older, Sean O'Sullivan and Connor Clarke.

The 10 under-25 drivers secured a place in the series based on their total number of season wins to November 30.

They will compete in eight ratings-exempt races throughout the course of the night, with a sliding points scale based on finishing positions used to declare an overall winner.

HRV Corporate Partnerships Manager Andrew Pirchan said Garrard’s Horse and Hound jumped at the chance to support the series once again.

“Garrard’s has long supported the future of harness racing and this year’s prize is something exceptional and aspirational. We thank them for their ongoing support of this event and our industry in Victoria,” Pirchan said.

One of Sweden’s top trainer/drivers, Westholm is enthusiastic about welcoming and accommodating a new student after Sanderson enjoyed time with his team last year.

Solvalla boss Anders Malmrot has also come on board to support the series, accrediting the lucky recipient for all three days of the 2025 Elitloppet carnival.

In addition to the Young Guns Series, a Hygain Repechage race has been added to the December 31 meeting for the next 10 drivers on the 2024 standings.

Along with Garrard’s Horse and Hound, Hygain has also renewed its support of the series by sponsoring prize packs for all 20 drivers. This will include a 2024 Young Guns personalised jacket.

New Year’s Eve is a night which regularly attracts a large crowd to Melton Entertainment Park for the races, activities and midnight fireworks display.

Those at home will be able to watch the action on Sky Racing, Sky Racing Active and at TrotsVision.com.au.