The red carpet will be rolled out for harness racing owners and participants along the Race To Royalty, with Saturday night’s Breeders Crown semi-finals at Bendigo to celebrate their commitment to the trots.
Prime position that overlooks the winning post will be set aside for owners to ensure they don’t miss a moment of racing, while the night will also feature the all-important finals barrier draws.
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) ownership manager Tori Glenister said the industry wanted to provide owners a “VIP experience”, saluting the key role they played in the sport.
“We want to acknowledge their contribution and give them an unforgettable night in a prime location at the track,” Glenister said.
The Owners Enclosure will be established in Bendigo Harness Racing Club’s committee room and be open to owners of horses competing on the night, who can enjoy drinks and nibbles. Owners can bring a guest and enjoy two complimentary drinks as they cheer on their champions.
It will also be an opportunity to rub shoulders with the industry’s leading participants.
“We will also welcome in trainers and drivers so they can share the experience with their owners,” Glenister said.
Club sales and marketing manager Brendan Baker said Bendigo was “very excited to have the Breeders Crown semis back at Lord’s Raceway”.
“It is going to be a fantastic night’s racing and it’s great that ownership will be honoured in the enclosure and that the barrier draws will be held on the night, only adding to the occasion,” Baker said.
Breeders Crown semi-final races and finals barrier draw order will unfold as follows:
5.33pm: Race one (3YO fillies 1st semi-final)
6.05pm: Race two (2YO fillies 1st semi-final)
6.30pm: Race three (3YO fillies 2nd semi-final)
7.03pm: Race four (2YO colts and geldings 1st semi-final)
7.30pm: Race five (2YO fillies 2nd semi-final)
8pm: Race six (2YO colts and geldings 2nd semi-final)
Barrier draw: 2YO trotting fillies and 2YO trotting colts and geldings
8.30pm: Race seven (3YO colts and geldings 1st semi-final)
Barrier draw: 3YO trotting fillies and 3YO trotting colts and geldings
9pm: Race eight (3YO colts and geldings 2nd semi-final)
Barrier draw: 2YO pacing fillies and 2YO pacing colts and geldings
9.30pm: Race nine (Graduate mares free for all)
Barrier draw: 3YO pacing fillies and 3YO pacing colts and geldings
10pm: Race 10 (All Seasons Hotel Pace)
Michael Howard (HRV Media/Communications Co-Ordinator)