Juniors shine brightest in Northern Lights Autumn Carnival

By Brittany Graham 

The Northern Lights Carnival has one more stop when the Northern Trotting Oaks takes centre stage at Alexandra Park next Friday May 22.

While there of course have been several standout individual performances, the performances of the junior drivers has been my highlight.

At a time of year when historically it should have been an uphill battle for our brightest young stars, as a group they have risen to the occasion and made their presence felt.

For three young men, they achieved the holy grail feat – a maiden Group 1 success.

Jacob Dunn started the trend when holding his nerve on an inexperienced two-year-old filly when guiding Daisy Bay to success in the Delightful Lady Classic.

It was then Harrison Orange’s turn when he combined with Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan to drive somewhat enigmatic trotter Higher Power to Anzac Cup glory. He was able to get ‘one up’ on dad Blair in the process, before the country's top driver struck back with four Group 1s for the Carnival to ensure his young fella knew who still ruled the roost!

Finally, it was Seth Hill who provided his father Brendon with a second Northern Pacing Oaks when he took no prisoners with an all the way success aboard Cath.

Of course, all young men have very successful surnames with immense family accomplishments. However Group 1s aren’t fluked – and it would be a huge surprise if there weren’t more to follow for each of the trio.

Of the other 20-somethings Carter Dalgety added another G1 to his haul with a dominant win with Tour Party in the Cardigan Bay Stakes, while Ben Hope recorded his first ‘major’ when partnering Mr Love to win last Friday's Rowe Cup.

And if you need any further proof that the next generation are making their presence felt, 22-year-old Crystal Hackett was the leading driver over the last four feature race meetings out of the North when winning six races.

The industry is embracing these fresh talents with great opportunities which they are taking full advantage of.

It is also ensuring we retain these drivers while previously they may have tested their prospects abroad.

The future looks bright.