1Equine Australasian Young Drivers Championship - Crystal Hackett
The 2026 1Equine Australasian Young Drivers Champions will be held in New Zealand from the 4th November with it’s 9 heats run at Cambridge, Alexandra Park and Ashburton and the final heat run on 10th November at Go Media New Zealand Cup Day at Addington.
This year will be the fourth time 22 year old North Island junior Crystal Hackett has competed in the Australasian Young Drivers Championship.
“It’s a pretty cool experience and a real fun week. It’s always very enjoyable and you take a lot of friendships away from these sorts of trips,” she said.
Hackett has won 211 races, her feature wins being on Mach Shard in the Group One New Zealand Messenger and the Group One Taylor Mile.
“That was pretty cool but this year I was entrusted to pilot Francent in those mares races. Mark (Jones) could have put anyone in the North Island on but he put me on. She’s gone on to do great things in America now so that’s also a big thrill. This season alone I’ve had a pretty good year.”
Hackett said that Francent is the best horse she’s driven but Belle Neige is her favourite ‘heart’ horse.
“She’ll (Belle Neige) just be focusing on the mares’ races in the North Island at the back end of his year. She’ll hopefully get in foal (to EL Titan). This year will be her last year if she can get in foal.”
She says Alexandra Park is her favourite track.
“You can get a shot no matter where you are. Not everyone gets the chance to drive going right handed. It’s pretty cool to say you’re one of the better one’s going right handed.”
With the Championship being held in New Zealand this year Hackett reckons the kiwis will have an advantage.
“100%. It’s the first time I’ve done it at home and I’m definitely looking forward to that part of it. We just know the horses better. Every year I’ve done it in Australia it’s like having a blindfold on.”
And she’s excited to be wearing the silver fern.
“Obviously I’ve got to do it a few times now but it’s still special every time I get to do it. Once I lose my juniors (become a senior) these opportunities will dry up. But it’s always a privilege.”
New Zealand drivers have been successful nine times – Sam Thornley 2024, Sarah O’Reilly 2019, Sheree Tomlinson 2018, Robbie Close 2015, Andre Poutama 2014, Joshua Dickie 2011, Jay Abernethy 2006, Mark Jones 1999 and Laura Pearson in 1998.
by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink
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