Wilson House targets Australasian title after NZ triumph

The 2026 McMillan Equine Feeds New Zealand Junior Drivers Champion Wilson House now has his sights set on the Australasian Young Drivers Championship to be held in New Zealand this November.

“That’s my next target,” said House. 

The series, sponsored by 1 Equine, begins on November 4 at Cambridge Raceway, concluding on Cup Day at Addington on November 10, with heats also at Alexandra Park and Ashburton.

“It’ll be great to drive in that series. I’m looking forward to that, especially with heats on Cup Day.” 

House was successful in winning this year’s Junior Drivers Champs which wrapped up at Ashburton on Sunday.

“It was pretty good, and it managed to work out well.” 

Going into the final heat House needed a high placing to secure the title.  He certainly did that with his third win of the series with the Peter and Mitch Robertson trained Heaven, clocking a fast 1.52 mile rate for the 1700m trip.

“I looked over and saw the favourite outside of me, and we managed to hold them out up the straight. The horse went terrific, and the Robertsons have done a great job with him. It’s good to get a penalty free win for them.” 

House puts his successes down to good draws, even though he never drove a horse better than fourth favourite in the market.

“I had the best draws behind the gate throughout the series. I only had one that drew the second row. I never drew wide. And though they weren’t the best horses in the field, I managed to get the right runs with them.” 

It is House’s first win in the series.

The defending premiership winner from last season is currently second on this year’s table, 18 wins behind leader Carter Dalgety.

House’s record at McMillan Equine Feeds 2026 NZ Junior Driver Championships  

Cambridge : last Friday

Brienne 5th
Rependent 4th
Aventador 1st

Ashburton : Sunday

Majestic Monkey 1st
Shadow Creek 6th
The Bettor Major 9th
Heaven 1st

 

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand