The thousands of racegoers who flock to the Yarra Valley trots on Melbourne Cup Day will be closer than ever to the stars of the show with two grass track races proposed for the harness racing program.

An $8000 trotters handicap for horses with national ratings of 55-plus and a $7000 trotters handicap for those rated below 55 will be staged in the first time grass track races have been held in Victoria since February 2003.

On that occasion Jodi Quinlan steered Trappers Salute to victory for trainer Gary Bailey in the Fox Plate at Moonee Valley.

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) General Manager - Racing Stephen Bell said the move would help “bring the sport to the masses”.

“The Yarra Valley Racing Club puts on a great day and it’s a fantastic drawcard that has a lot of eyes on the trots on November 1,” Bell said.

“It’s a terrific chance to revive grass track racing on one of the sport’s premier days in terms of entertaining a crowd.”

Bell praised the collaboration with the Yarra Valley Racing Club and its Chief Executive Brett Shambrook, who he said not only put on an outstanding day’s hospitality for race goers but had also proactively supported the grass track initiative.

Conditions for the two grass track races are as follows:

TROTTERS HANDICAP (SS) of $8000. Trotters Discretionary Handicap. PBD/NR. 1950 metres.

* For horses with a minimum NR of 55 at acceptance time only.

* Handicaps for this race will be done solely to create the most even contest based on the discretion of the HRV Handicapping Panel and nothing else.

* Handicaps will not be released until after acceptances.

* Trainers cannot contest handicap and standard scratching penalties will apply.

* Concession Driver Claims do not apply.

* Mares Allowance does not apply.

 

TROTTERS HANDICAP (SS) of $7000. NR 40 to 55. PBD/NR. 1950 metres.

* NR 40 to 45 - Front.

* NR 46 to 51 - 10 metres.

* NR 52 to 55 - 20 metres.

* Concession Driver Claims do not apply.

* Mares Allowance does not apply.