Queenslanders shine at NSW Mini Trotting Championships

By Jordan Gerrans

The next generation of the Sunshine State’s reinsmen and reinswomen did Queensland proud at the recent NSW Mini Trotting Championships with the interstate visitors walking away with a swag of silverware.

A large contingent of around 20 from the Queensland Mini Trotting Sporting Association and Queensland Junior Harness Racing Association descended on the event at Tamworth.

Competing across the shetland, mini pony, pony and midget divisions, the Queenslanders were in the finish for an array of prizes.

The headline award winners from the Championships were: Lara Whitaker claiming the midget Final, Velvets Little Star and Holly Chalmers scoring in the pony division and Beau Knows and Ella Gillies winning the shetland division.

Velvets Little Star also was handed the coveted Champion Of Champions title.

It is decided when all division winners race against each other to determine an overall champion. 

Queensland had three of the four runners in the race that decided the Champion Of Champions for 2024. 

Jai Dixon and Luke Thirgood also represented Queensland to win the State of Origin crown. 

Queensland Mini Trotting Sporting Association treasurer and publicity officer Wanita Regazzoli said the visiting drivers represented their state well.

“They all did a very good job down there and we are super proud of them,” Regazzoli said.

“They all did really well.

“They all did a super job on their ponies and put in a great performance for Queensland.”

The up-and-coming Chalmers and Velvets Little Star have enjoyed a particularly strong mini trotting season.

With Chalmers in the sulky, Velvets Little Star performed outstandingly at the Inter Dominion and Miracle Mile in recent months before now also making waves at the NSW Mini Trotting Championships. 

Luke Thirgood and Rockstar Oreo also finished third in the shetland division while Savannah Chalmers and Courtney’s Crusader also placed third in the mini pony division.

The event was held over the last weekend of March with races split over two days.

“Saturday is the main day, which takes them through to the likes of the Inter Dominion and the Miracle Mile, depending on where they finish,” Regazzoli said.

“Whereas Sunday of the event is more of a fun day, trying to give the other ponies a bit more of an opportunity to win a few races.

“With Saturday being the main day – we certainly did Queensland proud across both groups.”

It has been a big few months for Charlee Neaves after she was named the Mini Trotting Driver of The Year for the Marburg Harness Racing Club at the Queensland Harness Awards in Brisbane recently.

According to Regazzoli, Neaves and Whitaker were stand out performers.

“She won all her heats and the Final,” Regazzoli said of Whitaker. 

“Charlee Neaves had two ponies in the midget and pony divisions.

“Charlee’s pony Toogoodforyou won a heat and a couple of seconds, before finishing second in the Final.”