NSW strikes first in 2025 Nic Dewar Memorial

New South Wales has set the pace in the opening round of the 2025 Nic Dewar Memorial Harness Racing Concession Drivers Series, with a strong team performance at Shepparton on Tuesday night (April 8).

Hosted by Shepparton and Young clubs, the two-round series – held in memory of promising young driver Nic Dewar – pits emerging talent from Victoria and NSW against each other in a showcase of the cross-border region’s rising stars.

Nic Dewar was not only a highly skilled driver but also a passionate and dedicated horseman who truly lived and breathed harness racing. He made a significant impact on the sport, earning the respect and admiration of his peers.

Tragically, Nic’s life was cut short in 2018 in an accident while traveling back to Young from the Shepparton races. His untimely passing left a void in the harness racing community, and the series stands as a testament to the legacy he left behind.

This year’s Victorian team features Abby Sanderson, Sean O’Sullivan, George Chamouras, Harry O’Neill, and Casey Leijen. NSW is represented by Jett Turnbull, Taylah Osmond, James Locke, Jye Cooney, and standout performer Harrison Ross, who again proved his class at the Shepparton meeting.

Ross, who won both opening rounds of the series at Young last year, added another heat victory to his growing list of achievements, guiding race favorite Ohhemmjay Cresco (Sunshine Beach) to an all-the-way win.

Ross rated the Gary Pekin-trained gelding perfectly in front, holding off a late challenge from NSW teammate James Locke (Icanmotor) to win by seven metres, with Victorian Abby Sanderson finishing third on Favouritehighlight.  Another Victorian, Casey Leijen, finished fourth on Allheartnoheight, perhaps leaving the series evenly poised.

The second and deciding round of the 2025 Nic Dewar Memorial Concession Drivers Series will be run at Young tonight (April 11).

Now in his fifth season, 20-year-old Ross continues to impress on the back of a breakout year in 2024, when he chalked up 67 wins and 105 placings. He has 117 career wins and has already recorded 15 victories and 37 placings this season.

Ross, based at Goulburn and mentored by Brad Hewitt, is no stranger to the Young circuit and will return with momentum on his side.

“I didn’t know Nic, but I’ve heard a lot of nice things about him from his family and friends. It’s an honour to be part of this series again – it’s something special,” Ross said.

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink