From the Callers Box – March 2025

Take a bow Trent Dawson!

The local horseman was the catalyst for the Ultimate Drivers Championship, and, as history shows, it was a massive success.

Dawson floated the idea with David Brick (RQ) and Club officials some time ago when very much in its embryonic stage and following months of development and tinkering, the series took flight and had immediate impact last month.

Those that took in the festivities were rewarded with a fun-filled weekend of action featuring ten of the world’s best drivers.

And most importantly, the drivers certainly bought into the concept.

All drivers were accommodating, receptive and ready for serious business of being crowned the inaugural winner of the UDC.

The whole week offered plenty, starting with the draft on the Wednesday afternoon, a casual evening featuring the drivers at the Breakfast Creek Hotel the following night then two nights (20 races) of superb racing before finishing with the Sunshine Stars Yearling Sale on the Sunday afternoon.

The inaugural series wasn’t perfect, but the foundation has been set for the future, the learnings from the week coupled with obvious improvements bodes well for next year and beyond.

These events require a massive undertaking from officials, sponsors and above all, the owners and trainers who provide the horses to race across the two meetings.

Already many within the industry are making suggestions about ways to better the concept, on and off the track, which is crucial for growth.

The fact that other jurisdictions are queuing up to host the series is testament to the success of the inaugural series.

The UDC was exciting across all facets of the industry while many other codes took serious interest.

And as Dawson explained, this could easily be harness racing’s version of the NRL’s Magic Round.

The UDC appears to cater for all areas – from the drivers, trainers, owners, slot owners, punters and fans (young & old) plus everyone in between, it was hard not to be caught up in the hype.

Ultimately, the UDC is here to stay.

Well done to all.

Until next time