AUTHOR: DEBBIE LITTLE (Harness Racing Update)
When Tasmyn Potter won the Young Guns Series on New Year’s Eve 2025 at Australia’s Melton Park, she earned bragging rights over her competition and the priceless opportunity to compete at The Meadowlands in an International Women’s Day (IWD) race on March 7, 2026.
“We all knew that if we were to win the Young Guns Series, the prize was a trip to America, which made the night very competitive,” Potter said. “It was quite nerve-racking going into the last race at the top of the leaderboard but still needing to finish in the top couple to hold my position.”
The Australian-born husband-and-wife team of Shane and Lauren Tritton are sponsors of the race and offered the potential driving experience, which, if won by a woman, would hopefully include a chance to compete in The Meadowlands’ IWD event.
Potter, 23, has never met the Trittons, but is excited to make the most of what’s being presented to her.
“I had heard a lot about them and remember them being great trainers when they were based in Sydney,” Potter said. “I’ve seen a few of their horses race over there [in the U.S.] and keep an eye on their Facebook page out of interest. I can’t thank Shane and Lauren enough for the opportunity they’ve opened up for me.”
Lauren said she remembers what it was like to compete in Australian competitions similar to Young Guns when she was a young driver before she and Shane moved to the U.S. in 2020.
“Yes, I did [compete in competitions for younger drivers] with a far less prize to the winner,” Lauren said. “I certainly wish something like this was available when I was coming through the ranks.
“Australia does such a great job helping the young talent improve and become professionals. They have many events like the Young Guns Series that showcase the best young talent. We had no hesitation in sponsoring this series to give back to a sport that has given so much to us. We wish the U.S. would do more to develop the young talent as I’m sure there are many young participants out there that could rise to the occasion if given the chance.”
The Young Guns Series for up-and-coming drivers under the age of 25, took place in southeastern Australia in Victoria, which is known as “The Garden State.” The difference between there and New Jersey’s Garden State is pretty drastic as Down Under is currently nearing the end of summer with temperatures in the 80s, while the area near The Meadowlands is digging out from over two feet of snow.
Although the Trittons have never met Potter, they did race against her family in Australia before relocating to the States.
“Tasmyn came onto the scene after we moved to the U.S., but we have kept an eye on the rising talent in Australia and Tasmyn has made a name for herself in her relatively short career so far,” Lauren said. “We are excited to be able to show Tasmyn the differences in the U.S. compared to Australia and I’m sure it will open her eyes to new experiences.
“Not to mention that almost everyone in Australia has never sat behind a horse when it’s snowing, and the way things look at the moment, she may just get that opportunity.”
Potter said she never wanted to do anything but be involved in harness racing.
“I grew up with my dad being a trainer my whole life, and he first got involved through some close friends,” she said. “I always wanted to be involved, much to my parents’ disgust, although probably not to the extent I am now. I finished school and started university doing equine studies, then decided to defer and take a gap year.
“I began working for Andy and Kate Gath, and Andy was probably the one who pushed me the most to start my driving career. I never made it back to [university] and so far, I haven’t looked back. Although my parents weren’t so keen at the beginning, they’ve been great supporters ever since.”
Andy Gath said, “Tasmyn is just a natural around horses, and a fantastic rider, too. She rode our great trotter Tornado Valley around the place and broke him into saddle. She’s grown up around horses and has a terrific pair of hands.
“Horses would just run for her. I was at her and at her for ages to give driving a go. She was reluctant but finally did. She’s had terrific success already and is just starting her career.
“After she won the Young Guns Series, I got one of the best texts ever from her mother thanking me for encouraging Tasmyn to give driving a go.”
Although Potter’s trip to the U.S. was delayed by a few days due to the bomb cyclone that hit the Tri-State area (Feb. 22-23) and dropped tons of snow on New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, she was finally due to arrive in the States on Thursday (Feb. 26).
“I’ve never been to the U.S. before,” Potter said the week before her trip. “Now that it’s getting so close, I’m a little nervous because it’s out of my comfort zone, but I’m really looking forward to it and have no doubt I’ll have the best time.
“I’m really looking forward to learning new things over there. So many people have told me how different the training and driving styles are and how much I’ll learn, so I’m excited to experience it myself. Honestly, I’m looking forward to the whole trip; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.”
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