Sanderson family front and centre on Shepparton Gold Cup night

16 January 2026 | Bronte Nieuwenburg
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The surname Sanderson appears again and again throughout the racebook for Shepparton Gold Cup night, and for good reason.

The Sanderson family will be front and centre this Saturday, with Shane Sanderson preparing two runners, son Ryan booked for five drives across the program and daughter Abby set to take the reins behind New Yorker in the Shepparton Gold Cup itself. Abby will also be working behind the scenes on the night, assisting the Shepparton Harness Racing Club with its media coverage.

At the heart of the Sanderson operation is Willowood Farm, their base just outside Shepparton at Murchison North. While Shane and the kids are the familiar faces on race night, mum Naomi Sanderson remains the backbone of the family operation. Willowood Farm’s strong connection to the Shepparton club will be on display on Cup night, proudly sponsoring the opening race on the card.

Bronte Nieuwenburg visited Willowood Farm to chat with the Sandersons ahead of Shepparton Gold Cup night.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO AT THETROTS.COM.AU

 

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