2025 Young Guns champion Tasmyn Potter is about to embark on a life-changing harness racing journey.
The 23-year-old finished the season atop the podium against Victoria’s top 10 concession drivers and, along with the bragging rights, earned a money-can’t-buy experience, a three-week trip to the United States to spend time with New York-based powerhouse team Shane and Lauren Tritton.
“I’m very excited and a little bit nervous, but I’m sure once I get there and make the most of it, it will all sink in,” Potter said.
“I’m excited to see their way of training and how they do things. Everyone’s told me how different the approach is in the US, so it’s going to be amazing to experience that.”
The Tritton’s continue to deliver at the highest level with multiple Group 1 victories, while Lauren made global history last year when the 31-year-old mother of two became the first female driver to land three winners at The Meadowlands in a single meeting.
“We hope to take Tasmyn to as many tracks as we can while she’s here and give her as much experience as possible,” Lauren Tritton said.
For Potter, the adventure will be as much cultural as it is professional.
“The advice I’ve had so far is about the weather, to pack warm because it’s snowing there,” she laughed.
“I’ve only been overseas once on a family holiday when I was young, so this is a new experience, especially travelling on my own. I don’t know much about America, but I hope to learn a lot while I’m there.”
Not only will she learn world-class conditioning from the Tritton’s, but Potter will also experience the thrill of competing against elite international female drivers in the Ladies Invitational at one of the sport’s premier venues, The Meadowlands, as part of its International Women’s Day celebrations. Lauren herself won the race several years ago behind Harry Knows. (picture attached)
“The Meadowlands puts on an amazing night celebrating women in harness racing. Last year the international flavour continued with Vikki Gill from the UK, which was exciting because Shane and I convinced her to come, so for her to win it was amazing” Tritton said.
“It’s incredible I’ll get to drive in the Ladies Invitational,” Potter added.
“But I’ve got a lot to learn and experience before then, it really is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
The Tritton’s have long supported the Young Guns Series and are eager to provide a memorable stay.
“We’ll also try to fit in some sightseeing around New York and New Jersey so she can make the most of her time in the US,” Tritton said.
Potter already boasts a strong resume, having helped her father Wayne, prepare multiple Group 1 winning trotter The Locomotive, who went on to compete against the world’s best in Sweden’s prestigious Elitloppet.
Potter departs for New York on Monday and will return mid-March before turning her attention back to racing, aiming to add to her 114 career wins and defend her Young Guns title on New Year’s Eve at Melton Entertainment Park.
