Slot holders announced for Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Championship
The 10 successful slot holders for the 2026 Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Championship have today been unveiled.
A selection panel, which included representatives from Racing Queensland and the Albion Park Harness Racing Club, were charged with selecting the successful slot holders:
- ABR, Summit Bloodstock and The Burke Brigade;
- The Bionic Jokers Syndicate;
- Garrards, SEN and 1Equine;
- Diamonds and Pearls;
- Gloucester Park Gurus;
- The Herb Factor;
- Lion Kings;
- Marburg Gold;
- Tumby Park Syndicate; and
- Unharnessed Hawks.
In a boon for the concept, six slot holders from the first series will return in 2026, including the re-branded ‘The Herb Factor’ who competed as ‘First Over Crush Syndicate’ in 2025.
A number of slot holders have now locked in their drivers for the series, headlined by American Hall of Fame reinsman Tim Tetrick, who will represent the Bionic Jokers Syndicate.
Sunshine State young gun Angus Garrard, who was crowned the first champion of the series earlier this year, will once again represent the Daren Garrard and SEN slot, whilst the Lion Kings – led by Andy Colenso alongside a number of Brisbane Lions premiership stars – have selected leading reinsman Robbie Morris.
The seven remaining drivers will be unveiled over the coming weeks.
RQ Senior Racing Manager - Harness Andrew Clarke said the success of this year’s Ultimate Driver Championship has ensured that the concept will once again be well supported in 2026.
“The significant interest – both locally and internationally – that the Ultimate Driver Championship has garnered going into its second year is a testament to its instant impact in the sport,” Mr Clarke said.
“This year’s series will boast significant prize money increases, with the overall Ultimate Driver and their slot holder now set to receive $110,000 of the total pool.
“It’s fantastic to see so many of the inaugural slot holders return again, as we now look forward to unveiling the 10 drivers who will take part in the 2026 Ultimate Driver Championship.”
The second iteration of the Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Championship will return to Albion Park on February 20-21 with the Ladbrokes Sunshine Stars yearling sale to be held on the Sunday the 22nd, with 10 of the world’s best drivers to Albion Park to compete across 20 races for a share of $350,000
Slot holders will receive points throughout the 20 races based on finishing position, with the slot holder/driver who accrues the most points declared the winner.
“The club is excited to once again host 10 of the world’s best drivers to compete for the Ultimate Driver Championship title,” Albion Park Harness Racing Club CEO Jim Wadell said.
“The inaugural Ultimate Driver Championship was hailed a monumental success, underpinned by strong on-course patronage, widespread international interest, and record wagering turnover.
“We’re looking forward to be able to build on that success and go bigger and better in 2026.”
Several world-class drivers accepted the invitation to bring their talents to Australia in 2025, with five-time USA Driver of the Year Dexter Dunn joining Hall of Fame reinsman Yannick Gingras and Swedish megastar Bjorn Goop in the field.
Local stars Nathan Dawson, Peter McMullen and Garrard were joined by Australasia’s premier drivers Gary Hall Jnr, Kate Gath, Brad Hewitt and Carter Dalgety in the quest for the Ultimate Driver title.
Click here for more information on the Ultimate Driver Championship.
