The 2026 1Equine Australasian Young Drivers Championship 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.
One of two drivers representing Victoria this year is twenty three year old Ryan Sanderson.
“It wasn’t until I got my trials licence that I got more interested. Up until then I was mucking around with them (horses) and not taking it too seriously. Then I got the bug,” Ryan said.
Since he made his debut in the 2017/2018 season Sanderson has driven 585 winners.
“I’m pretty lucky with the opportunities I’ve had so far and couldn’t really ask for much more. Dad’s (Shane) had me in a few feature races and I’ve driven for Emma (Stewart) and Clayton (Tomkins) and that doesn’t happen for many people that often. I drove Fox Dan in the Derby and The Eureka which is a big thrill and I’ve driven in a number of feature races for them.”
Fox Dan and Ryan Sanderson
Sanderson recently started work for Jeff Tubbs after his father trimmed back his team.
“Dad’s just training a handful now and he’s just got his thoroughbred licence. I thought I’d better go to a stable and Jess offered me a job. I thought I’d give it a go because she’s got a few numbers. I’m really enjoying it. It’s been a good change.”
Ryan’s father Shane has trained 711 winners including Maywyn Jasper in the G1 Australian Pacing Gold X1X for three year olds colts and geldings and Dangerous who won a heat of the Interdominions.
The horse Ryan names as exciting is two year old trotter Phoenix Rex (Trixton) who’s won five of his eight starts for trainer Steve Lofus.
“He’s being aimed at the Redwood. He’s the one that really excites me at the moment. He does have his quirks. He has made a couple of breaks and had to make up a lot of ground and still win. He won the Qbred in Queensland a couple of months ago and went really big then. He’s really fun to drive because of his toughness.”
This will be Sanderson’s first visit to New Zealand.
“I’ve always wanted to go and was planning on going to a New Zealand Cup just as a fan. So when I was invited to go on the trip it worked out perfect.”
Sanderson says the Interdominions is at the top of his to win list.
“I’ve been in a few of them now and I just love trying to get them through the heats and into the finals. It’s a good buzz.”
Ryan’s feature race wins include the Group One Victoria Derby driving Fox Dan. He’s also driven four G2 winners and three at G3 level.
Victorian drivers have been successful twelve times – James Herbertson in 2025, Tayla French 2022, Ellen Tormey 2012, Michael Bellman 2002, Kerryn Manning 2001, David Miles 1995, David Miles 1994, John J Caldow 1988, John J Caldow 1987, Helen Benger 1985, Andrew Peace 1982 and Peter Caldow 1981.
Comments