Love of harness racing bites for Layne Dwyer on big stage

By Jordan Gerrans

As curious as it sounds, up-and-coming Queensland reinsman Layne Dwyer believes he was more nervous competing in the pony division of the Inter Dominion compared to when he was on the big stage last Saturday evening. 

At just 18 years of age, the local youngster is taking on the best drivers from around Australasia as the famed Inter Dominion series reaches the second round of heats for the 2025 series.

The son of top local trainer Graham progressed through the pony ranks of the ID competition in his younger years before graduating to the ‘real stuff’ this month.

Young Layne acquitted himself well under the bright lights in the first round of heats, driving one of his favourite pacers Luvbite into sixth position.

Back in 2021, a 14-year-old Layne won top honours at the Shetland Inter Dominion at Menangle with Dannelles Dash, on top of competing in a number of prestigious series as a young reinsman.

For Layne to progress through to the main ID series, the teenager will be giving hope to all those youngsters driving in pony races across the country.

“It is very important as it gets you ready for the big one,” Layne said about his experience in pony racing.

“It helped me get a lot of connections within the industry. The ponies helped me get to where I am today.”

In the second round of heats this Saturday, Layne has two drives for his father – Luvbite and Koda Da Moda. 

Luvbite has been a favourite of Layne’s throughout his short driving career and the gelding lobs in the three position from the front line, which should give the team a suitable chance to pick up valuable ID points.

“He really surprised us on Saturday night in the first heat, he beat home a number of nice horses to pick up a handy sixth,” the teenager said.

“The way he went last week was good and he has a bit more of a handy draw this week.

“He should be thereabouts and hopefully we can get into the grand final.”

While some might think finishing sixth in an ID heat is hardly a reason to celebrate, Layne’s father Graham says he charged down the grandstand full of admiration after the race for what his pacer and son had achieved together.

The gelding started as a $151 shot and beat home a couple of runners who started shorter than $5.

“I was very proud because what we do is for Layne really,” the trainer said.

“We aim to have a good team of horses so he can show his craft. That is our goal, to keep him out there.

“I think he represented us as parents very well, which made me and Martine very proud.

“It was touching for us to see how well he and Luvbite went.

“I love watching Layne chase his dreams and he loves what he is doing, so they are our dreams, as well.” 

As Layne notes, he was more nervous a few years back as a 14-year-old competing in the pony ID races compared to when he was going up against the likes of James Herbertson, Luke McCarthy and Cameron Hart.

Layne is one of only a small crop of concession drivers engaged in the 2025 series, alongside Tom Callaghan, Angus Garrard and Tayla French.

“I was there to do a job and I think I handled it pretty well,” he said.

“It was a good experience, that is for sure. I think I pulled the right rein out there most of the time.

“When I was out there during the race, I did think to myself ‘wow, these are the best horses and drivers’. It is a lot different to my usual racing, but it was a good experience.

“It all comes down to the opportunities I am getting from my father and other trainers, without them I would be nothing.”

Layne is in just his third season of driving and says he is feeling more comfortable in the bike with every race meeting.

The 51-year-old Graham believes his son’s driving has improved in recent times through his ability to learn how to make split-second decision in a race compared to where he was at earlier stages in his career.

Layne and Graham are both firmly entrenched in the top five of their respective premiership in the Sunshine State this season.

“He is our stable driver so he pretty much has to perform for us in a way that we can have a job and the staff are paid,” Graham said.

“In a way, a lot of people depend on Layne. I think he has done a super job.

“There is a lot on his shoulders really and all we can do is support him.

“I am proud of where he has got to as a reinsman and performing in the Inter Dominion.”

Not As Promised looms as the Dwyers' best chance of competing on ID grand final night after running second in last week’s first round of trotters' heats. 

Graham prepares the Group 1 champion but Layne will not be in the bike as leading reinsman Nathan Dawson has had a long association with the gelding.

Graham was chuffed with Not As Promised’s performance last week and believes the square gaiter might be nearing his best form after a couple of lacklustre efforts following his New Zealand trip. 

Not As Promised has drawn the second line in his heat on Saturday evening. 

Layne regards leading reinsman Dawson as one of his mentors in the sport.