The Smith family have been entrenched in harness racing for decades, and now the next generation will get their chance to shine at next week’s Inter Dominion Finals night.
Connor and Daniel Smith will fly the flag for Queensland in the Mini Trots Inter Dominion Championship at Albion Park on Saturday, July 19.
The duo are the sons of trainer/driver Aaron Smith and wife Michelle, with the family based in Knight Street just a stone’s throw from the Redcliffe Paceway.
They will be joined by almost 30 other drivers from Queensland’s mini-trotting clubs, as well as participants from across Australia and New Zealand, on the finale night of the 2025 Inter Dominion.
The mini trotters will battle it out over the Miniatures, Shetlands and Ponies divisions.
Michelle Smith said the chance to drive on one of harness racing’s biggest occasions would be a great reward for the loyal contingent of mini trots participants.
“It's a big event for them - they don't usually race on big nights, so to be involved in the Inter Dominion, especially at Albion Park, is a really good opportunity for them,” Michelle said.
“They're all handicapped so that all the kids get an opportunity to win a couple of races throughout the year.
“We don't get a lot of newcomers to the sport so for the kids to get the opportunity to race their ponies is great.
“Coming through the families, there's lots of lots of kids all about the same age, and they all enjoy the teamwork, helping each other get their ponies ready for racing and also spending time on the track.”
Harness racing runs in the family’s DNA, with Aaron’s mother Aileen a Group 1-winning trainer, while his grandfather Cliff Gassman is a renowned horseman on the Peninsula.
Now it will be the youngsters’ turn to step up to the big stage during the famed series.
Twelve-year-old Connor will drive Charlie Rose in the Shetland division, while nine-year-old Daniel will be in the sulky behind YouTube Queen for the Midget race.
“Yeah I’m pretty excited, I’ve never done it on Inter Dominion night before,” Connor said.
“I’ve been driving since I was eight, all around Albion Park, Redcliffe and sometimes Tamworth.”
“The best part about driving is always the winning.”
The Chalmers family will also be well represented on the evening with sisters Savannah, Holly and Skye all facing off in the Pony Division.
Fifteen-year-old Holly took home top honours on Inter Dominion night in 2023 with Velvet’s Little Star and will be looking to recreate that success with Hurricane Harry.
The sons of master horseman and Leap To Fame trainer Grant Dixon, Tom and Jai, will also be looking to follow in their father’s footsteps on the evening.
Current senior drivers Angus Garrard and Layne Dwyer are just a few who have come through the mini trot ranks before reaching the top level.
Racing Queensland Senior Harness Racing Manager Andrew Clarke said the mini trots, which caters for children aged 5 to 17, continued to be an important breeding ground for the next generation of harness drivers and trainers.
“The kids get out there and they get to experience what it's like to drive on a big night,” Clarke said.
“We need to keep feeding drivers into our senior ranks, and mini trots is the best way to do that when starting very young, and they love being involved.
“We will also take them up to Redcliffe on the Friday night, and they will get introduced to the Australasian Young Drivers who will present them with their Inter Dominion shirts.
“It’s a good chance to interact with those slightly older drivers and get an idea for what's in front of them.”
Click here to see the full list of mini trots drivers for ID25.
