Ashleigh Delosa made history on Saturday night by becoming the first female driver to win the Australian Drivers’ Championship since the series began in 2014. The 28-year-old from New South Wales secured the title at Globe Derby Raceway in Adelaide, closing out a series that featured 12 of the nation’s top harness racing drivers.

Delosa put on a commanding performance throughout the series, achieving two wins, two second-place finishes, and a third place across seven drives. Notably, she won aboard Delightful Dream and Places You Don’t, demonstrating consistency and skill against a highly competitive field. Prior to this, the closest a female driver had come to the championship was Delosa’s own runner-up finish at Globe Derby in 2024, and Dani Hill’s second-place result in 2015.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Delosa said after her victory. She admitted that she had not expected to have many favored drives in the series and was surprised by her successful outcomes. Globe Derby has proven a favorable venue for her, having finished second there behind Gary Hall Jr in 2024, and sixth at Hobart last year.

Delosa’s breakthrough adds to an impressive 2024 season, which included two Group 1 wins on the same night at the NSW Breeders Challenge on October 26. She captured the 2-year-old fillies’ final on Sugar Pie Honey and followed up 30 minutes later with a victory in the 3-year-old fillies’ final on Golly Gee Fellas. These accomplishments mark significant milestones in her career, which began relatively late by racing standards.

Before turning professional, Delosa worked in retail before starting in the harness industry in 2017 under trainer Grant Dixon. Despite limited initial knowledge, she quickly developed her skills to compete at the highest levels. In 2024, she also became the second female driver, after Kate Gath, to compete in the prestigious TAB Eureka pacing race, finishing sixth on Major Delight.

Delosa’s involvement in sport extends beyond racing. As a teenager, she represented Queensland as a sprinter in national track events, competing in the 200 and 400 meters.

Since relocating from Queensland to New South Wales in 2021 with her partner Chris Geary, Delosa has continued to make significant strides in harness racing. Her victory at Globe Derby not only marks a personal achievement but also represents a historic moment for female drivers in the Australian harness racing community.