Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Ashleigh Paikos
Elliott scores emotional first training win
Kaden Elliott has claimed his first training victory with Luck From Above taking out race six at Pinjarra on Monday, expertly driven by Kyle Harper. The win was particularly special for the 25-year-old, who has had just six starters since gaining his trainer’s licence in recent months and currently has two horses in his stable. “She was the last horse my pop bred before he passed away, which is where the name comes from,” Elliott explained.
Roberts and Suvaljko set for National Challenge in Hobart
Western Australia will be represented by Shannon Suvaljko and Deni Roberts at the 2025 Australian Drivers Championship, taking place at Elwick Racecourse in Hobart on Sunday, December 21. The championship brings together two leading drivers from each state to compete in a series of heats, with drives drawn at random. Since its inception in 2014, WA has enjoyed strong results, including two national titles for Gary Hall Jnr in 2019 and 2024.
Awaitinginstructions claims Suvaljko Memorial
The third meeting of the season at Collie delivered a thrilling day of harness racing, with the $8000 Joe & Margaret Suvaljko Memorial taking centre stage. Feature race specialist Awaitinginstructions proved too sharp for his rivals over the 2670m standing start, showcasing his trademark speed and tactical brilliance. Starting from a 10m handicap, the pint-sized eight-year-old began like a jet and settled early behind the leader.
Tilthesunsets NZ breaks maiden in sweet style
It took 64 starts, but Tilthesunsets NZ (Majestic Son) finally found the harness racing winner’s circle and he did it win a 16m winning margin just for good measure. On Monday at Pinjarra, the six-year-old trotter broke through for his first career victory, delivering a well-earned win for trainer Nigel Johns, driver Chris Lewis, and long-time owner Paul Demicoli.
Gary Hall Jnr to represent Australia in 2025 WDC
Australian harness racing legend Gary Hall Jnr is set to take on the world’s best next month as he represents Australia in the prestigious 2025 World Drivers Championship, held across New Zealand from November 2 to 11. With an impressive career spanning 17 years, Hall Jnr has amassed a staggering 4,208 race wins, including 71 Group 1 victories — a record that places him among the elite in the sport.
All eyes will be on Gloucester Park this Friday night when the best of the two-year-olds go head-to-head in the $150,000 Group 1 Golden Slipper, but only one can be crowned the winner, who will it be?
Never Ending makes his return this week
Never Ending (Sweet Lou) makes his return this Friday night after a nine-month hiatus from the races, and for the Justin Prentice stables, there is a sense of relief to see the impressive five-year-old back at the races. After finishing fifth in the Gr1 Golden Nugget in December 2024, the decision was made to send him to the paddock, but with things not quite right with the gelding when they attempted to bring him back, a lung wash procedure revealed that he was battling a bacterial infection.
Kyle Harper joins 1000 win driving club
Kyle Harper became the latest driver to enter the 1000 club, with Always Changin delivering the milestone win on Friday night at Gloucester Park at incredible $126 odds. It was fitting that he took out the milestone win on board a Maryann White horse, with the York based stable giving Harper his first ever drive as a teen down at Busselton, with a fall on the corner seeing the race having to be re-run, Harper joked that he got another chance to get it right.
Mighty Ronaldo the latest WA millionaire pacer
Mighty Ronaldo (Alta Christiano) joined an elite few when he became the most recent westbred horse to earn in excess of $1million in stakemoney, a feat that many can only dream of.
De Campo's diamond hope more than just a wish
Aiden De Campo has a serious filly in his very astute hands, but he’s not one to compare, but going into next week’s Diamond Classic final he’s confident with where Wishing Belle’s tracking at this stage of her harness racing prep.
Tim Walker departs WA Racing after 10 Year innings
Racing WA farewells Tim Walker this week after an incredible 10 years on air and behind the scenes at TABradio as he embarks on his next journey as the Communications Coordinator at the WACA, a massive loss for the racing industry here in the west. A love of racing saw him excel at Racing WA, but his true love and passion has always been in Cricket, and in the coming weeks he starts his new role in the field. “I love my cricket.
Magical result for Hunt The Magic
There was no more deserving harness racing winner on Friday night at Gloucester Park than Hunt The Magic (Huntsville), with the five-year-old and her connections overcoming one of the most traumatic situations a horse owners could experience, almost losing her to colic in June 2024. “For her to survive the surgery and because obviously a lot of horses don’t, to get her through that rehab and back into work was a relief, and the fact she has come back as good as she was, it’s mind blowing.
Liam Elliott claims first Metro win
After another stellar week for the junior drivers in WA, Liam ‘Fluffy’ Elliott became the latest concession driver to claim his first metropolitan win, a moment he won’t ever forget. “It was a really big thrill and hard to put into words. I had run a lot of seconds, so it was a sense of relief and a big thrill.
Vidovich in a purple patch of form
Abbey Vidovich made her race day debut in October 2024 and just eight months later she made her metropolitan harness racing debut, and once again she didn’t have long to wait for that elusive first win. Vidovich had her drivers licence upgraded last week and on her first drive at Gloucester Park she claimed the win on board the Bob Mellsop trained Blazing Reactor NZ, taking a comfortable victory in the incredibly trying conditions on the night.
Emily Suvaljko to represent WA in AYDC one last time
Emily Suvaljko couldn’t be driving in any better form as she is of late, and it’s in the perfect time as she gets ready to head to Queensland in July to represent WA as she contests her final Australasian Young Drivers Championship. “I’ve always been quite lucky in these types of things, I think I’ve run a couple of second and thirds, I haven’t been able to win one, so I would like to be able to do that. “I like going over and driving different horses and driving at the different tracks.
Luke Edwards celebrates 100 win milestone
Luke Edwards joined the 100 club on Tuesday night at Gloucester Park when Dont Goin Thewater brought up the harness racing stables 100th training success just 13 years after it all started for the now 35-year-old. “I’ve been stuck on 99 for about a month or so, the last couple of times I’ve been at the trots I’ve thought I’d be close but last night was the night.” Edwards said.
Captain Ahab progeny beginning to shine
With his first WA crop of harness racing foals just hitting the track, WA sire Captain Ahab’s progeny are beginning to shine with both the fillies and Colts and Geldings WestSired Finals at Bunbury on Saturday night taken out by Captain Ahab USA foals.
Harness racing at Central Wheatbelt returns for 2025
Harness racing at the Central Wheatbelt is back for 2025 and although storms in the area caused a delay throughout the day, not even a little bit of rain could put a dampener on the day. Trainer Hayden Reeves walked away with training honours with a training treble on the day, taking out three of the first four races of the season.
WA's junior drivers celebrate incredible start to 2025
WA’s junior drivers are reaping the rewards of the new national rating system and the opportunities offered by Racing WA, and on Saturday night at Bunbury in-form junior harness racing driver Joseph Suvaljko walked away with a driving treble.
European native all set for Aussie debut
Finland native Anna Hiltunen will be making her Australian debut in the coming weeks after completing her required trials, with another junior driver set to emerge here in the west. No stranger to the sulky or racing for that matter, Hiltunen decided she wanted more for her life and wanted to experience more racing and in August 2024 she made the move to Western Australia where she took up a position working for Barry Howlett in the seaside city of Busselton in WA’s south.
WA's Harness Racing best celebrated at 2024 Awards
Racing WA hosted the 2024 Harness Racing Awards and WA Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 22 at the prestigious Crown Perth with WA’s leading trainers, drivers and horses rewarded for their efforts throughout the 2024 season.
Cheap buy provides Golden thrills
Nullarbor Navajo became WA’s fastest mare on Monday when she claimed the Dr Ed Dewar Golden Girls Mile in a blistering 1:50:6.
Harvey Cup is back after popular demand
The Harvey Cup returns with the 2025 feature to be held at the Pinjarra Harness Racing Club on Monday, April 21, the Easter Monday long weekend. Harvey Trotting Club closed its gates in May 2014 after and after 11 years the Pinjarra Harness Racing Club is pleased to announce that the Harvey Cup will now take pride of place on its yearly racing calendar due to popular demand and support from Harvey residents and business owners.
Aptly named Golden Girls Mile
Monday March 17 at Pinjarra boasts a fantastic harness racing program with not only the Regency Food Mount Eden Sprint highlighting the program, but also the newly named Dr Ed Dewar Golden Girls Mile. With the recent passing of Dr Dewar, the club found it fitting to name the $35,000 Golden Girls Mile in his honour with his incredible contribution to not only racing in WA but breeding as well.
Patched is back to his best
Patched (Skyvalley) has really hit his stride and on Monday March 3 at Pinjarra, the eight-year-old claimed the square trotters feature on the harness racing card, the DFG Legal Trotters Sprint for David Young and Aiden De Campo.
Back to back Pinjarra Cup wins for Minstrel
Minstrel NZ (Rocknroll Hanover) was all class in Kookabrook Livestock 2025 Pinjarra Cup on Monday, March 3, with the Team Bond harness racing star eight-year-old claiming his second Pinjarra Cup in consecutive years. Since making his return from Sydney after finishing runner-up in the 2024 Inter Dominion Final behind Nullarbor hopeful, Don Hugo.
Gary Hall Jnr heads for The Ultimate Driver Competition
On Friday, February 21 WA star reinsman Gary Hall Jnr will look to make his mark in Queensland when he contests the 2025 Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Competition for slot holder Gloucester Park Gurus, with the WA team vying for the $100,000 cash first prize. In a never-before-seen concept, 10 of the world best harness racing drivers will go head-to-head in 20 races spread over two exciting days of racing at The Creek, Albion Park on February 21 and 22.
WA Junior Drivers are early winners with new system
Junior Drivers are reaping the rewards of the new handicapping system in WA with statistics showing a large increase in wins for the novice drivers. In 2024, we saw 14 individual novice drivers take out 79 races throughout the year, and this year is already shaping up to surpass those statistics, with 29 races won just five weeks into the new season.
Don Hugo has been confirmed for The Nullarbor
The 2025 $1.25million TABtouch Nullarbor is shaping up to be an incredible spectacle with Don Hugo now confirmed for Tony Licastro of Kingstead Lodge. It was announced today that The Aaron Bain Racing/Summit Bloodstock slot has been leased to Tony Licastro/Kingstead Lodge, so it comes as no surprise that the 2024 Inter Dominion and Eureka winner would be their top choice.
Swayzee to tackle The Nullarbor
The biggest race to grace WA’s shores is set to get even bigger with TABtouch today announcing their slot contender for the 2025 Nullarbor, with Swayzee (Rock N Roll Heaven) set to head to the west in hopes of adding another Group 1 to his impressive harness racing resume.
That's a wrap for Collie in 2024
Another successful Collie harness racing season has come and gone, with the club celebrating four meetings spanning over an eight-week period. Collie welcomed it’s opening meeting on Sunday, October 6, with the feature of the day, the TABtouch King Coal Cup going the way of Mikipelo for Matt Scott and Kyle Harper. After taking out the 2023 Collie Cup at just his second start in the state, he quickly became a country cups collector after claiming the 2024 Busselton Cup in January.
Bargain buys the cause for celebration at Narrogin
Jeremy Thornton celebrated a training double on Friday night at Narrogin, with Majic Bay (Franco Jamar) and Swanbourne Spunk (Somebeachsomewhere) delivering the harness racing stable 100% runners to winners strike rate on the night. Majic Bay started from barrier three in the third event on the night and was too good for them when settling in the one-out-one-back position over the 1823m trip.
Sorridere the cause for smiles after 4YO Classic win
It was a bittersweet result for the connections of Sorridere, with the son of Sunshine Beach claiming the $35,000 APG Pinjarra 4YO Classic on Monday for trainer Aiden De Campo. De Campo was confident he could lead all the way from barrier one in the feature at Pinjarra, with owner Rob Tomlinson hopeful they’ve done enough to secure their spot in the Gr1 Golden Nugget on December 13.
Abbey Vidovich gets first win two weeks after debut
Abbey Vidovich may have just made her harness racing driving debut, but she didn’t have long to wait for that sacred first win, with the 18-year-old saluting at just her fifth attempt on board the $1.80 favourite Franco Ecuador (A Rocknroll Dance) yesterday at Pinjarra.
Draw completed for WA Pacing Cup
Were just four days away from one of WA’s biggest race nights for 2024, the Italian Fireworks Night – WA Pacing Cup where WA’s best will go against eastern raider Captain Ravishing who hopes to take the $450,000 purse back home to the east coast. Racing WA conducted the live barrier draw this morning on TABradios Sports Daily.
Countdown on to the WA Pacing Cup
What could only be described as one of WA’s most exciting harness racing races is fast approaching and we are just 10 days away from the $450,000 WA Pacing Cup, set for Friday November 8. 12 of best will go head-to-head to take home the riches, with Captain Ravishing (Captaintreacherous) looking to cause an upset, with the eastern states raider currently sitting in number five in the third release of rankings.
Exciting Times For Wa Harness Racing With Two New Juniors Emerging
3 minute read Abbey Vidovich and Kylah Madden are the most recent ‘graduates’ of the Racing WA Junior Driver Program and Racing WA’s Driving Mentor Aldo Cortopassi is expecting big things from both young reinswomen. "They have both come thought their trials well and show real maturity in the way they drive. "I feel both will hit the ground running and be a valuable asset to the industry moving forward." Aldo Cortopassi said.
Two new juniors emerging in WA
Abbey Vidovich and Kylah Madden are the most recent ‘graduates’ of the Racing WA Junior Driver Program and Racing WA’s Driving Mentor Aldo Cortopassi is expecting big things from both young harness racing reinswomen. “They have both come thought their trials well and show real maturity in the way they drive. “I feel both will hit the ground running and be a valuable asset to the industry moving forward.” Aldo Cortopassi said.
Deni Roberts Takes The Crown At Australian Female Drivers Championship | Rsn
Deni Roberts and Emily Suvaljko flew the flag for WA on Sunday at the 2024 Australian Female Drivers Championship held at Launceston and they did not disappoint. With six heats conducted on the day, it was WA star Deni Roberts who walked away with the crown, winning on a countback after tying with Queensland reinswoman Chloe Butler on 49 points. "The series was very competitive. "With five separate winners it was a very close finish.
Tough Task Ahead For Unbeaten Aardiebytheseaside Nz | Rsn
The barrier draw may not be on their side in tonight’s Gr3 The Schrader at Gloucester Park, but the Bond stable still has strong claims in the $50,000 feature, with Aardiebytheseaside NZ a class act in the field. "We lost the barrier draw, six love, and Steno ticks a lot of boxes, gate speed, the journey, so, I haven't put the white flag up but having said that I don't live in Disneyland either, it's going to be very, very hard to beat.
Steno gets dream draw in Gr3 The Schrader
“It’s not going to be a walk in the park, but it’s definitely drawn to our favour.” Steno (Sweet Lou) has the harness racing draw to suit this Friday night in the $50,000 The Schrader for the fillies and mares over the 2130m trip, and Jocelyn Young is confident the five-year-old will be hard to beat from barrier one. “She’s got great gate speed, and she really should be leading and being very hard to beat.
63 Years On And Merv Cox Wouldn't Change A Thing
3 minute read Merv Cox was just a teenager when he started learning the craft of breaking and educating standardbreds, and 63-years on he’s still enjoying it as much as he did then, with no end in sight for the now 78-year-old. On Sunday, October 13 Merv Cox made his way up the hill to where it all began and claimed the last race on the card at the Central Wheatbelt Harness Racing Club with debutant, Tommy Price.
Leeann Lee Has The Special Touch For Lucifer
3 minute read Leeann Lee has found the secret to success with Sweet Lucifer and they’re proving a force to be reckoned with, with the four-year-old now a winner of three from just seven starts for the new stable. After purchasing the gelding some months ago for just $7,5000, Leeann Lee took her time with the sensitive gelding and she has well and truly been repaid, with Sweet Lucifer finishing in the top two at all seven attempts for the Byford based owner/trainer.
That's A Wrap On Cwhrc For 2024
3 minute read Sunday October 13 rounded out another fabulous season of racing at the Central Wheatbelt Harness Racing Club, with the club celebrating their end of year awards at the conclusion of their 11-meeting season. After celebrating their milestone 100 years of racing just weeks earlier on Sunday September 22, Kellerberrin hosted a further two meetings to conclude their round, which saw Northam based trainer Lang Inwood walk away with an array of awards on the day.
Quality Lead Up To Wa Pacing Cup
3 minute read The Group 1 WA Pacing Cup is just four short weeks away and its starting to heat up, with WA’s top contenders all vying for their chance at the $450,000 purse. Tonight's $100,000 James Brennan Memorial is the next golden ticket opportunity, with the winner getting an automatic start in the prestigious feature, and just two weeks later, they'll go to battle again with the $100,000 JP Stratton the final chance for some runners to gain access into the Cup.
Hall Snr Oozes Confidence With Star Pacer Mister Smartee Nz
3 minute read Gary Hall Snr heads towards the WA Pacing Cup with plenty of lives hopes, and this Friday he tackles the $100,000 James Brennan Memorial with four runners contesting the Group 2. Unbeaten this time in, Mister Smartee NZ has made it six in a row this season as he makes his way towards the WA Pacing Cup in just four week's time, but Gary Hall Snr knows he will have to win or run a place this week to get into the top 12 ratings, with the four-year-old currently sitting at 14.
Tough Assignment For Bond Pair Ahead Of Cup Campaign
3 minute read We haven’t seen him since the Gr1 Fremantle Cup back on April 26, but this Friday night Minstrel NZ makes his return to racing, and although he’s drawn less than ideal in the Gr2 James Brennan Memorial, he will be looking to secure his spot in the Gr1 WA Pacing Cup in four weeks’ time. Drawn in barrier seven in what is undeniably a quality field for Friday nights feature, trainer Skye Bond is very happy with his work going into this campaign.
Hall Snr oozing confidence with star pacer
Gary Hall Snr heads towards the WA Pacing Cup with plenty of lives hopes, and this Friday he tackles the $100,000 James Brennan Memorial with four harness racing runners contesting the Group 2.
Tough assignment ahead for Bond pair
We haven’t seen him since the Gr1 Fremantle Cup back on April 26, but this Friday night Minstrel NZ (Rocknroll Hanover) makes his return to harness racing, and although he’s drawn less than ideal in the Gr2 James Brennan Memorial, he will be looking to secure his spot in the Gr1 WA Pacing Cup in four weeks’ time. Drawn in barrier seven in what is undeniably a quality field for Friday nights feature, trainer Skye Bond is very happy with his work going into this campaign.
Ragazzo Mach weeks away from a return
With time not on his side, unfortunately Ragazzo Mach (Mach Three) will miss out on this year’s WA Pacing Cup, but Henley Brook trainer Mike Reed is confident they will be heading back to trials in just a fortnights time after quite some time away from the track.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Ashleigh
Contact Ashleigh, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack