Sugars' influence driving young Dwyer

By Jordan Gerrans

Inspired by his late idol Greg Sugars, Queensland youngster Layne Dwyer is eager to make his own mark in New Zealand when he contests the 2026 Australasian Young Drivers Championship.

The 19-year-old reinsman will represent the Sunshine State at the event, which brings together the next generation of drivers from across Australia and New Zealand.

The 2026 Australasian Young Drivers Championship will be held across New Zealand from November 4-10, with competitors to contest four separate race meetings, culminating in the final event at Addington on NZ Cup day.

Dwyer earned his spot after driving more than 100 winners for the first time in 2025 and is on track to approach that mark again this season.

The young horseman says he models his driving on Sugars, who played a major role in inspiring him to pursue a career in the sport.

“Greg Sugars, I always looked up to him,” Dwyer revealed.

“It's sad he passed, but I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with him and he's definitely the biggest influence.

“I always used to be a Pete McMullen fan, Nathan Dawson and Greg Sugars.

“Them three were the main ones I always used to watch and be a fan of.”

Champion driver Sugars, aged 40, tragically passed away in April of 2025.

Before his death, Sugars enjoyed immense success in NZ, including New Zealand’s 2011 Northern Derby with Sushi Sushi.

He won six Group 1s in NZ, on top of his 64 at the highest level in Australia.

Teenager Dwyer is hopeful of also tasting feature success in NZ in November.

“For sure. I'm really looking forward to it,” Dwyer said.

“Just any Australasian Young Drivers Championships, whether it's here in Australia or over there, but over there just makes it a bit more special, I think.

“Being away from home and in a completely new environment that you're not used to and I'm really looking forward to that side of things.

“I'll try and be as confident as I can through the whole series.

“I will try my hardest and put my best foot forward at all times. It'll be good.”

Dwyer’s father Graham is a Group 1-winning trainer in Queensland, with the extended Dwyer clan to also travel to NZ to support Layne during the series.

Dwyer is no stranger to New Zealand, having travelled there with his father’s trotter Not As Promised a few years ago.

“I was very proud and somewhat shocked, as well,” he said of being asked to compete in the feature series.

“But, I couldn't be any more thankful to Racing Queensland for giving me the opportunity.

“I was so stoked and I've been looking forward to it ever since.

“Now, it's nearly here and now I need to prove myself.”

Dwyer was initially the stable driver for his father Graham when he started out in the driving ranks, but he is now working for the Jack Butler stable.

“I'm actually really happy with how my season's going,” he said.

“I had a better year last year, but this year I've gone out on my own and things have gone a lot better than I expected.

“It's all thanks to the support of the local trainers that put me on every week.

“I've had a better season than I ever expected, but it all comes down to the support of the people around me.”