Harness Racing is one of few sports continuing during the current coronavirus lockdown.
This Friday night will see Round 2 heats of the Group 1 TAB Hunter Region Championships conducted at Newcastle Paceway. The series replaces the inaugural Million Dollar Pace which was abandoned due to the regionalisation plan introduced as part of restrictions to continue racing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hunter is one of four regions which will host the regional championships with each region’s final worth $100,000 in prizemoney.
The Hunter Region Championships are open to Australian bred pacers 4 years or older domiciled and trained in the Hunter & North West Zones.
Newcastle Harness Racing Club Secretary Manager Wayne Smith said, “the Championships offer a fantastic opportunity for local horses and trainers to compete in a Group 1 event particularly given the current racing restrictions which means there is no competition from the Metropolitan stables.”
Five heats were run last Saturday night with horses from five different trainers progressing through to the final scheduled for Saturday 23 May. A further five heats will be held tomorrow night with favourites yet to dominate.