The Inter Dominion is at the crossroads.
In fact, it is fair to mount an argument it is on life support. Prize money, scheduling, format and a lack of the trans-Tasman representation and rivalry for which the series was built are all valid reasons to get harness racing’s powerbrokers back to the table in haste.
But, make no mistake, the Inter Dominion has always been and always should be our greatest brand. Here’s why...
In all our harness racing hearts, the Inter Dominion holds a special place. We can all recall the first time we watched it, the affection for our favourite horse and dreams of somehow being a part of it one day. This is why as an industry, racing fans and punters we should always rally to protect our greatest race, anchor our commentary toward it based on that devotion and not tear at its fabric reducing it to something lesser-than.
Since 1936, the honour roll of horses, trainers and drivers lucky enough to etch their names in the esteemed annuls of the race is the foundation of the cherished sentiment, but history is just part of it.
We all have our personal stories of the halcyon days of harness racing: When crowds were clamouring for a vantage point, bookies traded in their dozens and the best thing to do on the weekend was a night out at “the trots”. The Inter Dominion through these times was spoken about with the same reverence as the Melbourne Cup.
If you don’t think it means that much anymore – think again.
I saw what it means in the eyes of 20-year-old Angus Garrard, who alongside Cameron Hart and Greg Sugars, has been the standout driver in the heats of ID23. In his first Inter Dominion he has qualified two horses for both the pacers and trotters’ finals - Classie Washington and Sir Fahrenheit.
What’s more, he’s done so with his father and trainer Daren. Like so many in the series, they hoped one day simply to have a horse good enough to compete in the series. Angus’ grandad, Chris, has long been one of the most important people in harness racing, through the financial and industry support he and his family have provided through Garrard’s Horse and Hound. Can you imagine the joy this family is feeling after decades of early mornings, financial sacrifice and dedication?
To question the validity of any participant in this year’s ID23 series is like insulting a Grand Slam tennis champion by saying the only reason they won was because Roger Federer wasn’t playing. It’s an insult to their hard work, perseverance and the days longing to be a chance to be mentioned alongside the greats.
We need to respect the brand and those competing in its memory for perpetuity.
This series has thrown up so many stories to be proud of as a sport. The industry sentiment and devotion are still ubiquitous.
After we crown our championship pacers and trotters next Saturday night, I implore our state bodies and NZ to work together to find ways to reinstate the Inter Dominion to the lofty status it deserves in the Grand Circuit schedule.
Let’s press pause on one-off slot races and focusing only on satisfying certain sectors or models by weighting stakemoney towards juvenile riches. Let's instead reward our horsemen and women for their patience with the standardbred, their expertise in horse management and welfare.
Simply, let’s concentrate on our time-honoured races and what they mean to the fabric our sport. Who wants to go to a concert and hear the new stuff? We want the hits.
The current Inter Dominion cycle ends in 2025, probably at QLD’s new home at Norwell - if it’s ready. All options for what happens beyond that should be on the table, all states and bodies considered, and the industry needs to have clarity now before it’s too late.
When you’re watching ID23 on Saturday night, regardless of what you may think, find the same fondness in your heart that you felt when you first connected.
I love the Inter Dominion. I hope you do too.
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.