Cameron Hart’s golden run continues with dual Driver of the Year honour

JUNEE-BORN harness racing star Cameron Hart has again cemented his place among the state’s elite, claiming both the Metropolitan and Provincial Driver of the Year titles at Harness Racing NSW’s annual awards.

The prestigious ceremony was held at Menangle Country Club on Sunday, May 17, where Hart’s remarkable 2025 season was formally recognised among the sport’s biggest names.

For Hart, the latest accolade carries added significance.

It marks the second consecutive year he has been crowned Metropolitan Driver of the Year at Menangle, while also adding the Provincial Driver of the Year title to an already glittering resume.

The dual honour capped another standout campaign for the Junee reinsman, whose consistency, professionalism and success across both metropolitan and provincial circuits have made him one of the most respected drivers in Australian harness racing.

Cameron Hart with his Metropolitan and Provincial Driver of the Year trophies at Menangle | Image: Club Mengangle

Speaking with Club Menangle following the awards, Hart said success in the sport was built on relentless work and consistency.

“A lot of hard work goes into it throughout the year that’s for sure,” Hart said.

“You’ve got to turn up and be consistent otherwise you’re not going to get the results and that goes for the trainers and the drivers.

“It’s such a strong state New South Wales so you’ve got to be on your game week in week out or someone’s here to take your position.”

Hart’s latest recognition comes little more than a year after he was crowned 2024 Metropolitan Driver of the Year, a season which coincided with one of the most memorable weekends of his career.

At the time, Hart made history by becoming the first back-to-back winner of the prestigious $250,000 Chariots of Fire, steering Bay Of Biscay to victory after previously claiming the feature with Frankie Ferocious.

READ MORE: Hart crowned Driver of the Year after historic victory

The latest awards further reinforce Hart’s meteoric rise from a young Junee horseman to one of the nation’s premier drivers.

Born and raised in Junee, Hart was immersed in harness racing from an early age, driving track work by just 10 years of age before relocating to Sydney shortly after turning 18 to pursue greater opportunities in the sport.

His pathway was heavily shaped by his uncle, respected trainer Trevor White, who gave Hart his first major grounding in racing and faith in his driving ability.

That grounding, Hart says, remains central to the driver he is today.

Cameron Hart after being crowned Metropolitan Driver of the Year at Menangle in 2025 | Image: Club Menangle

During his Menangle interview, Hart acknowledged the importance of support from smaller stables and long-time industry relationships.

“The support I have been given from the smaller stables has been huge,” he said.

“David Waite has been huge for my career. He was one of the bigger trainers to give me a go when I first got up here.

“We always have consistent results and he’s just a great guy to work with week in week out.

“It’s been a pleasure working with him and everyone else as well. There’s plenty of little trainers that really give me great support.”

Hart’s humility and willingness to work across stables of all sizes has become a hallmark of his career, earning praise not only for his race-day success but also for his preparation and form analysis behind the scenes.

And while the awards recognise another extraordinary chapter, Hart says there is little time to celebrate.

With the famed Inter Dominion carnival approaching and Queensland’s winter racing season on the horizon, his attention is already firmly fixed on what comes next.

“I can’t wait,” he said.

“It’s always an exciting time, the Inter Dominions, obviously still our greatest race, a lot of history there.

“And obviously awesome to get up to Brisbane throughout the winter. They’ve done a great job with their carnival up there so hopefully a couple of nice chances heading up there in a month or so.”

The 2025 Harness Racing NSW award winners included Jett Turnbull (Club Menangle Medal), Jason Grimson (Metropolitan Trainer), KerryAnn Morris (Provincial Trainer), Lisa Fitzpatrick (First Lady), Don Hugo (Metropolitan Horse) and Jogalong Blue (Provincial Horse).

For Junee, Hart’s latest triumph is more than another trophy. It is further proof that the small railway town continues to produce talent capable of shining on some of the biggest stages in Australian sport.