Two of North America’s leading harness racing drivers have been confirmed to compete in the Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Championship, an innovative slot racing event scheduled for February 21-22, 2025, at The Creek, Albion Park, Brisbane, Australia.
The championship, featuring 10 drivers selected by slot holders, offers a total prize pool exceeding an AUD 250,000. Participants will compete across 20 races over two nights, with the highest-scoring slot holder and driver pairing claiming a AUD 100,000 grand prize.
Dexter Dunn and Yannick Gingras represent North America. New Zealand-born Dunn, known for his record-breaking six wins at this year’s Breeders Crown, will represent Ladbrokes. Dunn, a four-time Dan Patch Driver of the Year, has accumulated over 2,200 wins since relocating to the United States, adding to his early career successes in Australasia.
Gingras, a Canadian native and U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame inductee, will race for a group of slot holders including ABR and Summit Bloodstock. With over 9,100 career wins and USD 244 million in earnings, Gingras brings a wealth of experience, highlighted by his recent Hambletonian victory.
The competition also features international talent, including Sweden’s Bjorn Goop and Australasian drivers Carter Dalgety, Nathan Dawson, Angus Garrard, Kate Gath, Gary Hall Jr., Brad Hewitt, and Pete McMullen.
Drivers will be paired with horses through a "snake order draft," and race outcomes will determine point allocations. The unique format showcases both skill and strategy, promising high-stakes excitement for competitors and fans alike.