https://www.xxzza1.com
20 C
Newcastle

Newcastle trots into $1.1m Inter Dominion reckoning again

SHARE

The time-honoured Tabcorp Inter Dominion Championships Series will make a stunning comeback to Newcastle’s famous International Paceway circuit next month.

In a coup for the local industry, the Newcastle Harness Racing Club is set to stage the third and final round of the heats on Sunday 5 December.

Secretary-manager Wayne Smith admitted it was an honour and privilege for the region to again be given hosting responsibilities for this year’s event.

“The Inter Dominion is harness racing at its very best,” he said.

“By conducting the third and final round of the qualifying heats [here], things are really going to go up a notch.

“It will be fascinating.

“There are 36 horses in the pacing ranks, three heats and qualifying points on the line.

“For the trotters, there are 24 in the mix.

“For each category, only 12 of them can make their respective grand finals.

“So, our track is really going to see high stakes racing for a chance to be in that elusive Inter Dominion decider.

“Fans are in for an absolute treat.”

The series begins at Tabcorp Park Menangle on 27 November, with the remaining two legs at Gold Crown Paceway Bathurst (1 December) and the Newcastle International Paceway four days later.

It will culminate with the grand final, at the iconic Menangle track, on Saturday 11 December.

For the Newcastle Harness Racing Club, it marks a fitting return to the Hunter for the first time since 2010.

It follows a highly-successful hosting role in 2002 when the former steel city became the first regional area in NSW to conduct a round of the Inter Dominion.

“It’s great news for our club and everyone else involved in the sport of trotting from a local perspective,” chairman Daryl Rodgers said.

“We’re planning a big program, with many family-friendly activities.

“The Newcastle meeting will also feature the Eastern Region NSW Breeders Challenge Finals for the Two and Three-Year-Old Fillies, Colts and Geldings.”

Harness Racing NSW chief executive John Dumesny confessed he was looking forward to the series.

“It’s all part of a collaborative partnership between Harness Racing NSW and Club Menangle to present the $1.1 million TAB Inter Dominion Pacing and Trotting Championships,” he said.

“But, NSW has led the way in taking the event to the regions.

“We started this back in 2002 by bringing it to Newcastle and, due to the success of that campaign, a legacy was created.

“Newcastle really did pave the way for regional representation and other states have since followed that concept.

“We have significant plans and ambitions for the Hunter.

“And, this is just one step in what shapes as a very exciting future for our sport in the area.”

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!