Rising star reinsman Jordan Leedham has etched his name alongside some of harness racing’s elite by claiming victory in the 2024 Noel Smith Memorial Horsham Invitational Drivers Championship this afternoon.
The 22-year-old was the only concession driver who earned a call-up for this year’s edition of the prestigious series — and proved he belonged, delivering a consistent performance across the day, with a win and four thirds from his five drives.
“Had a terrific day – it was just an honor to make the cut, and terrific to win it,” Leedham said.
“When I was hanging onto the cup, I was having a look at some of the names on there – Kate Gath, Dexter Dunn, Gary Hall Jnr – I’m definitely not complaining about having my name on there with the likes of those drivers!”
Held annually for the past 35 years, the Horsham Invitational is named in honour of Noel Smith, a former club president, committee member and stalwart of the local and state industry.
While it was once a national competition (even attracting Kiwi drivers), it now showcases Victoria’s best.
Leedham went into the final heat with a narrow five-point lead, over Michael Stanley and Glen Craven a point behind in third.
“I ran third, and Mick and Glen finished fourth and fifth, so I managed to hang on,” he said.
“Glen got two winners, but his other drives didn’t run anywhere, so that held him up a little bit, thankfully.”
Based at Long Forest near Melton, where he works for Andy and Kate Gath, Leedham made the nearly three-hour trek to Horsham with high hopes — but admitted a win was beyond expectations.
“I’ve never even been remotely close to winning something like this,” Leedham said.
“I’ve been in the Young Guns series the last couple of years, but don’t think I managed a podium finish before, so it was a thrill to win this one in amongst some of the best drivers in Victoria.”
Leedham has driven at Horsham only a handful of times before and believes he might have “got one winner here” – but the milestone win firmly cements his place among Victoria’s emerging stars.
As part of Horsham’s Industry Participants Appreciation Day, connections and supporters were treated to giveaways and prizes thanks to generous industry sponsors, celebrating the grassroots participants who keep harness racing strong.
“It’s our way of saying thank you to the people who support the club and who keep the industry running,” the club said.
Prizes were donated by Decron Horse Care, Carbine Chemicals, Zilco, Worlds Best Hoof Oil, Oringi Protection Wear, Flyveils by Design, Mustad Australia, Hyland Harness Colours, Claire Weston Photography, Hygain, Melton Entertainment Park, Virbac Australia, the Victorian Harness Racing Trainers and Drivers Association, and Harness Racing Victoria.
The final points tally was: Jordan Leedham (43 points); Jason Lee (38); Glen Craven (36); Michael Stanley (36); Kerryn Manning (30); Matt Craven (26); Jack Laugher (25); Jackie Barker (23); Chris Alford (20); Chris Svanosio (19).