Under-25 stars ready for Young Guns showdown

The final list of harness racing drivers for the 2025 Young Guns Series final is set! The top 10 under-25 Victorian-licensed drivers based on season wins up to and including November 30 have earned their spots at Melton.

These rising stars are ready to battle it out on December 31 for a shot at the ultimate prize.

The drivers will compete in ratings-exempt races throughout the night, with a sliding points scale based on finishing positions used to declare an overall winner.

The stakes are huge: the winner takes home a money-can’t-buy trip to the United States, including an exclusive behind-the-scenes training and racing experience with New York powerhouse Shane and Lauren Tritton.

Taylor Youl secured the final position after her victory on Saturday night aboard the Jamie Kirk-trained Rakajed.

“When Rakajed won, it was probably more of a relief than anything else,” Youl said after the victory that landed her the final spot in this year’s series.

“If a girl wins, they get to compete in a lady drivers race at the Meadowlands in March,”

“It’s an unreal opportunity for the young drivers to be able to go and have the chance to travel overseas and learn how they do things over there.”

Ryan Sanderson, who claimed the inaugural series in 2023, is back to defend his crown and currently leads Victoria’s young drivers in wins.

While patrons on track will enjoy a great night, those at home can watch the action on Sky Racing, Sky Racing Active, and TrotsVision.