The nation’s most talented reinswomen will return to the Sunshine State on April 1 when Queensland hosts the 2023 Australian Female Drivers Championship.
Hosted by Racing Queensland in conjunction with the Albion Park Harness Racing Club, it will be the first time the series has been held since 2021 after the February floods washed out the 2022 edition in Brisbane.
Two drivers from each state will accumulate points over a six-race series, with the driver finishing the series with the most points declared the winner.
Star sister pairing Narissa and Taleah McMullen will represent Queensland, and are looking to emulate the success of sister Dannielle who won the last AFDC in Tasmania two years ago.
The sisters have shared 53 winners this season, with Narissa sitting third on the Queensland Drivers’ Metropolitan Premiership as the state’s leading female driver.
Narissa heads into the series closing in on her 1,300th career victory, and has already tasted success in the AFDC, winning the series at Albion Park back in 2019, before finishing runner up in 2021.
Taleah, fresh off the back of her role as a Team Teal Ambassador, has enjoyed a solid start to the season, posting 20 wins and 49 placings from 225 starts.
Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said it was exciting to see the AFDC return to Brisbane after last year’s event was cancelled.
“It’s great to see the series back in Queensland, as we aim to continue our dominance over recent years,” Mr Parnell said.
“The female driving talent nationally is the equal of anywhere in the world and we are proud to have two of the best in Narissa and Taleah who time and time again shine on the biggest stage.
“We are looking forward to watching them showcase the Sunshine State’s quality racing to a national audience, and it will be a tremendous celebration of women in harness racing.”
The 2023 AFDC field also includes:
- Ellen Tormey and Michelle Phillips – Victoria;
- Dani Hill and Samantha Pascoe – South Australia;
- Deni Roberts and Emily Suvaljko – Western Australia;
- Tiarna Ford and Hannah Vandongen – Tasmania; and,
- Amanda Turnbull and Jemma Coney – New South Wales.
To complement the series, the Albion Park Harness Racing Club and Embracing Pacing will run an ovarian cancer fundraiser to add to the $15,400 raised throughout the Team Teal campaign.
A cocktail function will complement the action off the track, with ticket sales, proceeds from the raffle and a percentage of bar takings from the night being donated to WomenCan.
“Tickets are only $25 and that includes a drink on arrival, food throughout the evening and live music,” Albion Park Harness Racing Club Chief Operating Officer Chris Bombolas said.
“It’s an opportunity to help raise a few extra dollars for a great cause and watch some of Australia’s best reinswomen battle it out The Creek.
“There’s some fantastic driving talent on show, but in true maroon spirit, there’ll be plenty of support for our Queensland duo, and I’m sure Narissa and Taleah will do us proud.”
Click here for more information on the 2023 Australian Female Drivers Championship.