Five races in Queensland and New South Wales will carry a 2022 Inter Dominion Golden Ticket after Harness Racing Victoria’s offer to its fellow Inter Dominion host partner states was accepted.
It means three races in NSW and two in QLD will carry automatic entry to ID22 for the winner, helping HRV attract a wider cross-section of contestants for this year’s pacers and trotters series.
The move follows news last month that ID22 was back on the radar for New Zealand superstars Self Assured and Copy That.
“We want the best horses from all around Australia and New Zealand to race in this series to make it a genuine Inter Dominion for the ages,” HRV General Manager – Racing Stephen Bell said.
“Just securing a start in an Inter Dominion series is a dream for harness racing owners, so we’re sure the Golden Tickets here in Victoria and also in Queensland and New South Wales will be much sought after.
“Queensland and New South Wales were thankful for the opportunity, and we’re thrilled to have them on board.”
A Golden Ticket holder is automatically guaranteed a start in the Inters, which begin in Ballarat on Saturday, November 26.
Round 2 of heats heads to Shepparton on Tuesday, November 29, before the final round of qualifiers is contested at Geelong on Saturday, December 3.
Finals night will be at Melton on Saturday, December 10.
Interstate ID22 Golden Ticket Races
Pacers
NSW: Sutton McMillan Free-for-All – Saturday September 24 ($30,000 Group 3)
NSW: Kevin Robinson Free-for-All – Saturday October 15 ($30,000 Group 3)
Qld: Queensland Cup – Saturday November 12 ($50,000 Group 2)
Trotters
NSW: Tony and Jill McGrath Trotters Cup – Saturday October 1 ($30,000 Group 2)
Qld: Queensland Trotters Sprint – Saturday November 12 ($30,000 Group 2)
