Korey McMahon trumps rivals to win Hattah Desert Race

Korey McMahon is the 2025 Hattah Desert Race champion, beating a strong field of riders to claim his first title. 

The KTM-mounted rider was not the pre-race favourite, but he put in a blistering performance to pass fastest qualifier and three-time champion Daniel Milner for the lead early in Sunday’s brutal four-hour main event.

“I don’t think anyone saw this coming, but both myself and the team knew that it was possible,” said McMahon after the race. “I went to work for four hours, and the bike was unreal. We were able to get a gap at the start and then manage it from there.” 

Joining him on the podium were fellow KTM riders Callum Norton and Gus Riordan, while Husqvarna rider Sam Pretscherer was fourth. 

Milner, who owns the DM31 team that McMahon was riding for, couldn’t match his prologue pace and ended up fourth overall at the conclusion. 

Finke Desert Race winner Corey Hammond finished 10th outright, and wrote on Instagram that he was disappointed with his riding and the result. 

In the Women’s class, Danielle McDonald, Jess Gardiner, and Madi Healey made up the top-three, while on Saturday, Marcus Nowland and Bhodi Austin were the Junior Big Wheel and Junior Small Wheel winners respectively. 

The Hattah Desert Race takes place just south of Mildura, Victoria.