In a bold nod to the continued evolution of Victorian trotting, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) has announced it will run equal number of heats for pacers and trotters at this year’s SENTrack Inter Dominion (ID22) series.
HRV has ratified series conditions to add a third trotting heat to nights one, two and three of ID22, which starts next Saturday night at Ballarat.
It is believed this is the first time that pacers and trotters will each have three rounds of three qualifying heats in an Inter Dominion series.
The boost for trotting follows HRV’s announcement in May of a $100,000 increase to the Inter Dominion Trotting Final – lifting prizemoney for the race to $250,000.
“The continued strengthening of our trotting ranks is to be celebrated and this decision ensures 12 more trotters’ connections get to experience contesting an Inter Dominion series,” HRV General Manager – Racing Stephen Bell said.
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“The quality and quantity of entries this year has been fantastic and we’re looking forward to another memorable Victorian Inter Dominion.”
Trotting advocate, breeder and owner Duncan McPherson OAM welcomed HRV’s decision.
“I congratulate HRV for changing the conditions of the series to add a third heat for the trotters. It is a landmark decision and I hope it sets the precedent moving forward for the Inter Dominion regardless of where it is held,” the Aldebaran Park principal said.
“It acknowledges the continued improvement and development of the trotter here in Australia and recognises for the future the growth of the herd pool, which is the fastest growing herd pool in the world.
“It fits perfectly with HRV’s strategy of internationalisation and globalisation of the sport.”
Another passionate trotting supporter, breeder, owner and principal of Yabby Dam Racing, Pat Driscoll, also celebrated the decision.
"It is absolutely a great idea and I'm very confident it will have enormous support right through the trotting ranks," Driscoll said.
"This is a vital step forward for the trotting gait, which continues to grow quicker than other industry segments and it is great news for the Inter Dominion, too."
And Victorian Square Trotters Association president Nick Youngson also welcomed the news.
“The VSTA welcomes today’s decision. It’s every participant’s dream to get a horse into the Inter Dominion, so to have more industry people able to enjoy that experience is great for trotting,” he said.
“Trotting continues to lead the way in terms of growth, and we feel this decision is a really important step in the trajectory of trotting eventually gaining parity with the pacers."