Brisbane is surely in the box seat to continue hosting the Inter Dominion.
Next year is the third and final year in this current hosting roster and newly appointed HRA chairman John Dumesny has promised clarity on what the Inter Dominion looks beyond that by early next year.
“There will be no last-minute decisions,” he said. “I want it clear a good few months before next year’s Brisbane series where the Inter Dominion will be in 2028 and beyond.”
Dumesny explained an EOI process would be launched late this year where all potential host clubs and states, including New Zealand, would have the chance to present their case.
But the reality is there won’t be many applicants, for a variety of reasons.
Harness Racing Victoria is not in a financial state to do so, Harness Racing NSW had the series as recently as 2024 and is focused on other priorities, while NZ also has its issues and no longer seems to have the appetite to be part of the rotation, at least in the short term.
And seemingly gone are the days when smaller states like Tasmania and SA had numerous goes at hosting the Inter Dominion.
Quite possibly that only leaves Queensland, who seem certain to want to extend beyond next year, and maybe Western Australia?
But it will take something compelling for most involved to not want to build on the largely fantastic work Queensland has done resurrecting the Inter Dominion, which is and always will be the strongest brand harness racing has in Australia.
It just works in a winter time slot in Brisbane, at least for another three years beyond 2027.
The reality is, given harness racing’s standing, the Inter Dominion is no longer suited to big hectic cities like Melbourne and Sydney anymore. It struggles to cut through with so much else on and at tracks so far removed from the CBD like Melton and Menangle.
In contrast, Albion Park is superbly placed in the heart of Brisbane and Inter Dominion feels like a big event there, gaining strong media coverage and some mainstream recognition.
No doubt having a hometown here and one of the all-time greats in Leap To Fame as the headline act has helped that enormously. Gus did his big this year, too.
Those who reflect on the glory days of the Inter Dominion speak as much about the social side of it, an annual event to bring together like-minded people, as much as the great horses and racing.
It’s true. That’s what first struck me about my earliest travel to Inter Dominions like Brisbane for Jack Morris’ 1993 win or Golden Reign’s huge 1995 win in Christchurch.
Brisbane showed sprouts of that last year and definitely built on it again this year. Events like the Legends lunch and Calcutta on the Friday and even the Albion Park meeting the Thursday before the final had a buzz to them and can be further enhanced.
Pop into the iconic Breakfast Creek pub and there were so many familiar faces.
The location just works, too, especially in mid-winter. Brisbane is a destination spot that time of year. Who wouldn’t want to escape Victoria, even NSW or NZ to get some sun?
There were so many positives, but also some important areas Racing Queensland and Albion Park need to address.
The Albion Park track is a big one.
Sure most horses handle the hard surface, but some don’t and the attrition rate was too high, even if some injuries weren’t directly linked to Albion Park.
At a time racing is under the animal welfare microscope, we can’t give the naysayers any oxygen.
I’m no track expert, but I had too many terrific horse people telling me the track was too hard.
The on-course experience for patrons, including some who paid good money for hospitality packages, also feel short.
That’s a crucial part of the review from this year.
Harness racing doesn’t get many chances to pull a big crowd and when it does it is vital they enjoy the best possible experience.
Yes, we know there is a superb and complete redevelopment of the Albion Park track and precinct coming, but until then we still have to make the very best of what we have.
Finally, I’ve been asked my thoughts on the radical format of the Brisbane series, most significantly the golden tickets into the finals for winners of the Rising Sun and Great Square.
While tradition is important and needs to be respected, we must find a balance.
All sports evolve (think ODI and T20 cricket or LIV golf, etc) and harness racing must do the same.
Part of harness racing’s slide from relevance has been its lack of innovation and willingness to embrace change.
Having the theatre of Captains Mistress needing to win the Rising Sun to get in and then adding so much intrigue and excitement to the Inter Dominion pacing final absolutely made Grand Final week.
I’m a fan and take a bow David Brick and co for trying it.
