The inaugural Ultimate Driver Championship has been hailed a success, headlined by strong on-course patronage and record wagering turnover.
The unique concept attracted 10 of the world’s best drivers to Albion Park to compete across 20 races for a share of $250,000.
Each driver was selected by one of 10 slot holders, before a draft was held to select the horses to be partnered with a driver in each race.
It was the Sunshine State’s young gun Angus Garrard who was crowned the inaugural champion, with his four wins and six placings ensuring a comfortable series victory.
Wagering on the series underpinned its phenomenal impact, with turnover on the Friday night meeting reaching almost $3 million – up 96% on the corresponding meeting in 2024.
Saturday evening’s meeting also performed incredibly strongly, with $3.8 million in turnover representing a 71% uplift on the same Saturday meeting 12 months’ prior.
Racing Queensland Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said bumper on-course crowds and strong international interest were also key contributing factors to the series’ success.
“The inaugural Ultimate Driver Championship has well and truly exceeded expectations both on and off the track,” Mr Murray said.
“Importantly, the series has proven to be a hit with the punters, with total turnover across the two meetings reaching almost $6.8 million – an 83 per cent increase when benchmarked against the year prior.
“We extend our thanks to the Albion Park Harness Racing Club, major sponsor Ladbrokes, the slot holders, drivers and everyone involved in delivering a never-before-seen marquee event for the sport.
“Everyone involved is incredibly bullish about what the series can achieve going into its second year, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best back to Albion Park in 2026.”
The series garnered widespread attention both locally and internationally, with a number of world-class drivers accepting the invitation to bring their talents to Australia.
Five-time USA Driver of the Year Dexter Dunn headlined the contingent of internationals, alongside Hall of Fame reinsman Yannick Gingras and Swedish megastar Bjorn Goop.
A quartet of Australasia’s premier drivers – Gary Hall Jnr, Kate Gath, Brad Hewitt and Carter Dalgety – joined local stars Nathan Dawson, Peter McMullen and Garrard in the running for the Ultimate Driver title.
Garrard, alongside placegetters Hall Jnr and McMullen will be invited back to compete in next year’s series.
“On behalf of The Creek, we would like to thank all the drivers and slot holders for making the inaugural running of the UDC such an outstanding event,” Albion Park Harness Racing Club Chairman Greg Mitchell said.
“To see so many people on track enjoying the show was very pleasing for the club.
“With record wagering achieved as well as the large crowd, it was a great success, and we look forward to running the event bigger and better next year with planning already underway.”
The series was live-streamed across the world, underlined by strong viewership in Sweden, North America and New Zealand, with coverage hosted by international broadcasters Greg O’Connor and Jessica Otten.
The Ultimate Driver Draft also added another exciting element to the series, with slot holders and drivers strategically selecting their horses in each of the 20 races via a snake draft.
There were success stories at both ends of the draft, with picks two and three both scoring victories for slot holders First Over Crush Syndicate and Ladbrokes respectively.
At the tail end of the draft, four picks between 100-150 also passed the post first, with the lowest winner drafted at 137 by SEN/Garrards/1Equine for eventual winner Angus Garrard.
“The Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Championship created a raft of interest in the sport like we have not seen in recent times,” Ladbrokes CEO Dean Shannon said.
“Ladbrokes is incredibly proud to be involved as both the major sponsor and a slot holder, and we cannot wait for its return in February, 2026.
“We were thrilled to help bring some international star power through our slot with Dexter Dunn, who proved a great advertisement for the series, both on and off the track.”