Victoria’s premier standardbred show horse will be crowned in Bendigo this Sunday.
A record 27 retired pacers and trotters who qualified at events hosted by Victorian Agricultural Shows over the past 12 months are set to do battle for the title of 2020 Alabar HERO Series Champion.
Now in its fourth year, the event is the state’s richest and most prestigious standardbred showing competition, offering $1000 in prizemoney for the overall winner.
There is also Owner/Rider and Best Newcomer (retired for less than two years) categories which each carry first prize of $500, sponsored by Alabar Bloodstock and the Harness Racing Victoria HERO Program.
A strong supporting ring for standardbreds incorporating presentation, led and ridden categories has also been programmed, highlighted by the Child’s Ridden Standardbred, which has attracted nine entries and carries a wildcard into the HERO Series Final for the winner (if not already qualified).
Leading New South Wales husband and wife training and driving partnership Lauren and Shane Tritton have generously accepted an invitation to judge the standardbred classes.
They will share the Alabar HERO Series Final responsibilities with Victorian judge Russell Bracken.
Tritton Racing is a passionate advocate for, and supporter of life after racing; Lauren has been showing for many years and enjoyed success at the highest level both with standardbreds and thoroughbreds.
The Alabar HERO Series Final will be staged as a part of the 2020 Victorian Saddle Horse Championships, an annual event with a long and proud history within showing circles.
It also features Racing Victoria’s Off The Track Series Final for retired thoroughbreds and showcases life after racing on an important stage.
Past Alabar HERO Series winners are Maxwell Smart (who raced as Equity Wizzbang) in 2017, Paragon Minda in 2018 and 2019 champion Savesomtimetodream (pictured).
Maxwell Smart (who turned 18 this year) and Savesomtimetodream are again among this year’s qualifiers – indeed Maxwell Smart has contested every Alabar HERO Series Final and boasts a proud record, finishing runner-up in 2018 and 2019.
Other notable racetrack performers who will step out on Sunday include Heza Prince (23 wins, $183,000 in stakes), Jilliby Outlaw (18 starts, 8 wins), Chilli Palmer (14 wins including at G1 level, $290,000), McPocket (10 wins, $90,000) and Gowan Brae (18 starts, 7 wins).
Successful reinswoman Denbeigh Wade will swap her driving pants for jodhpurs when she rides Xavier Jack, who provided her with her first win on the track and has transitioned into a successful show horse in retirement, while Georgia Barton will ride Bracken Ridge, an eight-time race winning son of Christian Cullen who was previously trained by her father Gary.
Sunday’s standardbred classes commence at 10.40am while the 2020 Alabar HERO Series Final is scheduled for 1.30pm.
Entry to the Bendigo Showgrounds is free and spectators are welcome. Alternately the HERO Final will be livestreamed via the Vic Ag Shows Facebook page.
