The Brisbane Lions have been kings of the AFL jungle over the last two seasons and now they have turned their attention to becoming royalty in harness racing.
Spearheaded by Brisbane defender Noah Answerth, the second edition of the Ultimate Driver Championship will have a distinct Lions flavour when it rolls around in February of 2026.
The 26-year-old Answerth has teamed up with Brisbane businessman Andy Colenso to nab a slot in the UDC for next year and have locked in quality Sydney reinsman Robert Morris for their team.
They have named their slot the ‘Lion Kings’ to mirror Brisbane’s success on the big AFL stage.
The first edition of the UDC earlier this year was a popular inclusion on the harness racing calendar with local driver Angus Garrard walking away with the chocolates as the champion of the inaugural series.
Classy backman Answerth grabbed a premiership medal in the 2024 Lions flag but missed their back-to-back triumph after suffering a season-ending achilles injury late in the season.
He is working feverishly on his rehabilitation at the Lions’ Springfield complex in Brisbane and says he is hopeful of bringing some teammates to the UDC, which will be run across February 20 and 21.
“I’m trying to get a few of the boys involved to come down and watch on those two nights and be involved and enjoy Albion Park - to be able to come here and watch horses run around in the city, it's a pretty cool experience,” Answerth said.
“And, to be involved in a slot as the Lions Kings that we've got, I'm really excited.
“I got my Dad flying in from Melbourne. He's got mates coming from Mackay.
"It's amazing how many people from around Australia and the world want to be involved in it.
“A few of the Lions boys do love harness racing and obviously had interest in it growing up and with their families back home.
“But, to start it up in Queensland and have boys come along for the night for the Ultimate Driver, hopefully it brings some interest and the boys come here to watch and enjoy the races.”
Away from his footy career, Answerth is completing an apprenticeship as a cabinet maker through Colenso’s business - Colenso Joinery.
He is hopeful the Lions’ winning touch from the AFL can translate to UDC glory.
“To have that culture we've built now and have a team called the Lion Kings is a bit of fun,” Answerth said.
“Obviously, that involvement that I've got with Andy, he's been lucky enough to be involved in the success with Brisbane and help my journey and story come to life as I won a premiership while working with him.
“I’ve had that success and the involvement he's had in my life is huge, it'd be cool to spend the night together celebrating.”
Colenso is a keen harness man and is eager to tap into the Lions’ winning formula.
“On the back of two premierships, it was sort of pretty natural that we wanted to have something around the Lions and their success,” Colenso said.
“I think it just fits well the Lion Kings, we're all pretty excited about getting to the event and all the lead up, as well.
“We're pretty keen to help support the event and make it a really good night for everyone involved.
“On the Saturday night, we're hoping to have the premiership Cups here and probably four or five of the Lions boys here, as well, and really make a good night for the for the public, as well.”
Despite being one of the top drivers in Australasia, the 34-year-old Morris did not compete in the first UDC earlier this year.
Colenso owns a number of pacers with Morris often booked in the sulky for his horses.
The Sydney-based pilot has nine Group 1 triumphs to his name and has a close connection with the Queensland stable of champion horseman Grant Dixon.
Morris knows Albion Park like the back of his hand and while he is based south of the border, Colenso thinks his local knowledge from driving at the Brisbane venue during the annual carnival will hold him in good stead for February’s series.
“Robbie's in fine form at the moment, he's driven a heap of winners the last two or three weeks,” Colenso said.
“We're really excited about the possibilities of the prizemoney, but I think just being involved in that team atmosphere - 10 teams, 10 drivers, that little bit of competitive element, that's very similar to the footy.
“I think it'll be a cracking night and if we can get somewhere up near the leaderboard, it'll be good on the last night.
“It just felt like a good fit to sort of get something a little bit left-field and involve some sporting blokes and bring a bit of community feel to the event.
“I think it is a unique opportunity and I think it’ll only grow. I think this year it'll go to another level and it can only grow more.
“That's why I had the idea now to get in at the ground level to be involved for numerous years, that would be great.
“We’re ecstatic to be involved and we can't wait for the night.”
On top of Answerth’s harness involvement down at the Lions, fellow defender Darcy Gardiner is also a keen horse racing man and has in interests in pacers and gallopers running across Australia.
The UDC – an innovative slot racing series - will boast a prizemoney pool of $350,000 for the 2026 event.
More information on the slot holders and the 10 confirmed drivers can be found here Click here
