Tim O'Connor picks his favourite bits from the harness racing week that was and the one ahead...
THE HERO
JUST BELIEVE
Even in retirement, “Harry” is still being celebrated for his heroic deeds on the racetrack.
On Monday night, Just Believe became the eighth standardbred and first squaregaiter to win the Victorian Horse of the Year crown twice following an incredible 2024 campaign that reaped 15 victories, including Group 1 triumphs in the Australian Trotting Grand Prix and Bill Collins Trotters Sprint at Melton, and National Trot, Rowe Cup and Dominion Trot in New Zealand.
It was also announced that Just Believe is set to become harness racing’s second resident at the popular Living Legends retirement property in Greenvale.
I can’t wait to see him move there and join Sundons Gift in the coming weeks.
HOW GOOD WAS…
HAPPY HANNAH!
Hannah Parish made no secret of her joy when winning a race at Ballarat last week.
The young reinswoman gave a huge salute as she crossed the line to take out the Freighter Group 4YO and Older Maiden Pace with Lively Rascal for her grandfather Greg Carr.
The success was Carr’s first as a trainer since July 14, 2016, with the 71-year-old also owning and breeding the Village Jolt gelding.
“Greg Sugars drove the horse at his first start and was my grandfather’s main driver, so it was a very special win,” Parish, 21, said.
CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS!
A NEW BALLARAT FEATURE
The $20,000 Durham Park 2YO Rising Star is a cracking addition to the Victorian calendar, and the inaugural running will be staged at Bray Raceway on Thursday, June 12.
The winner of the race will be offered a slot and automatic entry into the $500,000 Protostar at Albion Park on July 12.
Read more about the race here.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR...
THE JACKPOT!
Another Saturday night means another jackpot at Melton, and this time there’s a $10,000 boost to the First 4 pool in the opening event.
Good luck landing a slice of the projected $50,000 pot, but I’ll have a crack in what shapes as a tough free-for-all pace.
1st: 4, 8, 9, 10, 12
2nd: 4, 8, 9, 10, 12
3rd: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
4th: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
($100 for 11.9 per cent)
POP THIS IN YOUR DIARY
ANOTHER ROADSHOW
Harness racing participants are encouraged to attend June forums across Victoria to discuss national ratings, racing programs and integrity matters.
The roadshow will stop at Maryborough on Monday, June 16 (7pm), Melton on Tuesday, June 17 (7pm), Mildura on Wednesday, June 18 (7pm), Ararat on Thursday, June 19 (7pm) and Shepparton on Sunday, June 22 (5pm).
More information can be found here.
ONE FOR THE BLACK BOOK
I never put him in the Eye-Catchers file last weekend, but I thought Dhaulagiri was one worth following after his strong first-up performance at Melton.
Matthew Horsnell’s charge surged home from five back the pegs to run sixth behind Kiss, and I rate him a strong chance at good odds tomorrow night.
Win, lose or draw, he seems to have come back in good order and can be followed through the campaign.
SOMETHING TO PONDER
The Victorian Harness Racing Awards proved a great celebration on Monday, and it got me thinking about how we could attack the event in 2026.
The presentation of awards must remain as the centrepiece of the function, but it’s also the perfect opportunity for industry participants to let their hair down and enjoy a night in each other’s company.
And while this was the case on Monday, I reckon a bit more time at the end of the formalities would have been great.
So, what if next year we held the event on a Sunday afternoon at Melton Entertainment Park? Get the awards done nice and early, and free up the late afternoon and evening for a bit of an industry party. I think it would be a real winner.
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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.