Jett Turnbull. Photo by Racing Queensland
NEW South Wales representative Jett Turnbull has kicked off the Australasian Young Drivers Championship (AYDC) in fine fashion.
The 17-year-old is flying the flag for his state in only his second full season of race driving and was successful aboard the Rickie Alchin-trained filly Hunger Strike in heat two of the Championship at Albion Park on Tuesday afternoon.
The win brought up 100 wins in 2025 for Turnbull in the prestigious series where he is up against some of the best young drivers in the Southern Hemisphere, headed by last season’s Australian leading driver, Victorian James Herbertson, who currently sits on top the leaderboard after the first round of heats.
The Championship will continue at Redcliffe tonight before concluding on Saturday on Inter Dominion finals night at Albion Park.
“It is a great series to be involved in, and I am really enjoying being part of it,” said Turnbull.
“When you consider the calibre of drivers that I am competing against, and the talent pool that I was selected from in New South Wales, it is a surreal feeling for me.
“I am happy with the way things have kicked off.
“It was good to get a winner on Tuesday afternoon, hopefully that fortune can continue over the next few days.”
Turnbull has been a notable absentee from racing in New South Wales due to him campaigning a small team of horses in Queensland for his father Nathan.
Talented four-year-old Glitter Aint Gold is the star of that team and has been racing in fine fettle to date with two strong performances and on Saturday night the gelding has come up with gate four in the Wolf Signs 4YO Championship.
“He has continued with his great form since coming up here,” said Turnbull.
“It has been a solid campaign for him this time in, winning two Regional Championship finals and racing consistently overall.”
“He has copped bad draws but was still able to pick up good prizemoney.
“Hopefully having drawn a little bit better on Saturday, he can gain a more suitable run and go close to winning.”
Although Turnbull is enjoying the warm weather and quality racing in Queensland, he is keen to get home to continue chasing the state drivers’ premiership, his 99 NSW wins placing him in equal second with his cousin Will Rixon and just two wins behind the leader Robert Morris.
