The turning of the year also marks the Australasian spotlight fixing on Victoria for its feature season, where January’s pacing cups, beginning with Bendigo on Saturday and Cobram on Sunday, funnel into the state’s richest and most prestigious prizes.
In a special feature for Harness Racing Victoria's channelsTrotsVision and thetrots.com.au, Kima Frenning delves into the Trots Country Cups Championship and what it means to capture its prized silverware.
After Bendigo and Cobram the championship traverses Shepparton and Hamilton cups on January 13 and 14, and then Ballarat on January 20, with all roads leading to the Great Southern Star and A. G. Hunter Cup double-header at Melton on February 3.
Kima begins by reflecting on some of the greats who have come and conquered, including a pair close to her heart.
Australia's most successful reinsman, Chris Alford, has his name on a lot of silverware and the Garrard's Horse & Hound Bendigo Pacing Cup's no exception.
Ahead of Saturday's staging, Kima chats with 'Puppet' about his success and what makes country cups so unique.
The rich Aurora Australis trotting series kicks off tomorrow night with the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile.
Kima also caught up with Chris Svanosio, who has a great association with the Group 1 and will hope to continue that tomorrow with Arcee Phoenix.