THE time has come to ditch sprint lanes.

When they were first introduced in Australia, the “sell” was increased turnover and better perception for the sport.

There’s no evidence either have eventuated.

What sparked me to raise the sprint lane debate again – it’s certainly not the first time I have – is the massive surge of interest and betting turnover on Mildura.

Since the COVID-19 enforced regional racing, where Mildura enjoyed some time in the spotlight, the fans and punters have really enjoyed and warmed to it.

Let’s be honest, it’s not because of the quality of horses, so why is it?

I won’t be as bold to say it’s purely not having a sprint lane, but that, combined with the small track, aggressive driving and consistent pool of horses really resonates with punters.

Sound familiar? Yep, that’s pretty much the same story at Gloucester Park as well, which I think boasts the most competitive and exciting racing anywhere in Australasia.

Mildura is Victoria’s version of Gloucester Park.

When Harness Racing Victoria releases its anxiously-anticipated strategic plan in coming weeks, expect Mildura to get plenty of mentions.

I wonder if the future of the sprint lane will get a mention as well?

Speaking of that strategic plan, I was privy to short, largely confidential, briefing from HRV CEO Dayle Brown around some of the key elements with some other Victorian industry participants last week.

All the details will be out soon and it’s HRV place to tell their own story, but what I can say is COVID-19 has re-ignited interest in harness. Wagering harness been strong, Victoria’s all-important joint-venture has bounced-back and breeding figures are most encouraging.


DID you catch any of the awesome action from Albion Park on Saturday night.

If so, you’d have seen the latest and potentially best new innovation yet from the trailblazing David Brick and the Racing Queensland team.

That “behind the field” drone footage in the score-up was absolutely brilliant. It was something I’d never seen before and gave almost a motor racing buzz and anticipation to the races.

I’m told the footage, showcased on Sky Racing 1 and more extensively on Sky Racing Active with Brittany Graham, Cassie Fahey and Chris Barsby, is the brainchild of former Aussie cricket Lee Carseldine and his company Droneit.

Well done to all involved and it’ll be something to look forward to when the huge TAB Constellations winter carnival comes around in July.

Last Saturday night’s fantastic Qbred finals action was somewhat of an entrée to the upcoming TAB Constellations and all it promises.

It was a chance for the locals to shine and that they did, headed by the seriously exciting three-year-old MANILLA PLAYBOY, brilliant juveniles CAT KING COLE and DANGERZONE along with Chantal Turpin’s high-class four-year-old duo WILL THE WIZARD and BLACKSADANCE.

The TAB Constellations will be on us in no time with the ripper new feature, the $250,000 The Rising Sun – a target for the gun raiders like EXPENSIVE EGO, COPY THAT, KRUG and possibly PATSBEACHSTORM - headlining a stellar card at Albion Park on July 10.


ANOTHER great success story out of last year’s COVID-19 impact on harness racing has been the TAB NSW Regional Championships.

As we know, the original concept was to bring together horses from all around NSW for one big $1 million TAB Million Pace.

But COVID changed all that and in such a way, Harness Racing NSW changed the whole concept and adopted the regional finals model – with the exciting addition of a $100,000 TAB Super Final.

After a few weeks of spirited heat racing, it’s finals time this week, starting with the Western Region final at Bathurst Wednesday night, then comes Hunter final at Newcastle (Friday), Metro final at Menangle (Saturday) and Riverina final at Wagga (Sunday).

Then comes the new “Super Final” at Menangle a week later (May 29).

WOLF STRIDE is the banner horse of last year’s inaugural series with everything he’s done since and promises to do next campaign, but another exciting up-and-comer WESTERN SONADOR is another destined for much bigger things as well.

We can only hope this week’s racing and the new “Super Final” delivers as much excitement and as many wonderful stories and moments as we enjoyed last year.

Catch Adam Hamilton on Sky Racing’s Harness Racing coverage and guest appearances on In The Gig, Tuesday’s on Sky 2 from 6pm.

Check out all the LIVE Harness Racing action on Sky Racing, the Sky Racing website and the Sky Racing Active and TAB apps.

 

The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.