Tasracing has confirmed it has secured a slot for three years in the $2.1 million TAB Eureka, the world’s richest harness race.
The inaugural running of the 2300m race will be at Menangle on 2 September 2023.
The decision for a three-year commitment follows consultation with the Harness Industry Forum (HIF) after previously discussing the opportunity with harness club presidents and BOTRA Harness Tasmania.
Prizemoney will be $2.1 million, with the winner receiving $1 million.
Prize money includes a $10,000 bonus to the breeders of all runners and a $30,000 bonus to connections of the first colt across the line.
The race is open to Australian-bred 3YO and 4YO horses and only TASBRED horses will be eligible to qualify for the Tasracing slot.
Details on how TASBRED horses will qualify and be selected to compete are still to be finalised and will be released as soon as possible.
As noted previously, and directly to HIF, Tasracing believes that participation in The TAB Eureka will deliver a number of benefits for the Tasmanian harness industry, including:
- Growing standardbred breeding quality to help to achieve national competitiveness.
- Significant financial incentives for local participants.
- Attraction of new and maintenance of existing participants and investors in harness racing.
- Enhancing the credibility and respect of Tasmanian harness racing among a wider audience (through highly visible promotion of Tasracing’s participation and promotion delivered via Harness Racing Australia).