Garrard gets the call to represent Australia in France

QUEENSLAND young gun harness racing driver Angus Garrard is “shocked and excited” at being chosen to represent Australia in one of the world’s biggest international races in France late this year.

Garrard, just 23 and already with over 1100 career wins, will follow young Victorian stars James Herbertson (2024) and Ryan Sanderson (2023), as Australia’s flag bearer in the Prix des Rencontres Internationales du Trotteur Français race at the famed Vincennes track in Paris on December 4.

“This is such an amazing opportunity. I’ve never been to Europe, now I get to go for the first time and drive as well,” Garrard said.

“I’ve already called ‘Herbie’ (Herbertson) and he said I’m in for a great experience.”

Garrard will be one of 15 drivers from around the world to compete in the race.

“Trotting is absolutely huge in France and Vincennes is one of the iconic trotting tracks anywhere in the world,” he said.

“It will be such a great time to go, too. The top trotters will be racing with their biggest race (the Prix d’Amerique) in January.”

Beyond the raceday itself, Garrard said the trip also included a week working in one of France’s top stables.

“What an experience that will be,” he said. “I’ll either do that before or after the race day to make a real trip of it.

“They’re regarded as some of the best horse people in the world, so the chance to see how they train and learn from that will be a real privilege.”

The French trip will continue an amazing two years for Garrard, who is establishing himself as one of the best drivers in Australia.

Just last month he broke through for his first Group 1 win on Pure Grunt at Albion Park and then followed the same night with another Group 1 victory on Mullum Showgirl.

Taking on world class drivers in France won’t hold any fears for Garrard after he upstaged an elite international line-up to win the inaugural Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Championship at Albion Park early last year.

Those left in his wake included Swedish and US Hall of Famers, Bjorn Goop and Yannick Gingras, along with arguably the world’s best drivers, the NZ-born Dexter Dunn, who is now dominating in North America.

“I still look back and think how surreal that was,” Garrard said. “Driving against idols I’ve looked up to and admired from afar.

“You’re right, a series like that will certainly stand me in good stead for the race at Vincennes. I can’t wait.”

By Adam Hamilton for Harness Racing Australia