Driver Brett Hutchings winning the 2020 TAB Western Regional Championship Final with Terryrama at Bathurst. Photo by Coffee Photography & Framing
THE Group One TAB Regional Championships across New South Wales will be back bigger and better next year.
Flowing on from the success of the inaugural series – the creation a catalyst of COVID-19 - the same concept will be adopted for 2021 with the welcome addition of the ultimate state grand final worth $100,000 in stakes.
Named ‘The TAB State Final’, the field will be composed of horses that place in the Regional Championship Finals and will be held at Tabcorp Park Menangle on May 29.
Prior to this, Heats, Consolations and $100,000 Regional Championship Finals will also be held throughout May at the Bathurst, Newcastle, Menangle and Wagga tracks (see schedule below).
“Out of adverse circumstances our participants have been the beneficiaries of a series of races which will deliver rewards to a greater number of participants and for that I must thank the Tabcorp executive” HRNSW John Dumesny said.
“Faced with the doom of the coronavirus pandemic Tabcorp’s managing director of wagering and media Adam Rytenskild was solid behind the plan to give the industry participants a lift in such daunting times”
“What is even more pleasing is that Tabcorp have confirmed its support of the Regional Championships for an extended period of time, well past the original three years.”
“This half million dollars series of Group One races for lower grade horses is not available anywhere else in Australia and is another example of the benefits of racing in the premier State . . . NSW.”
Eligibility into these races is for Australian bred pacers that are four-years-old or older with a National Rating Points up to 70.
Horses must be trained by a HRNSW licensed trainer from January 1, 2021, in accordance with the HRNSW Stable Return Policy.
2021 TAB Regional Championships Schedule
Western
Round 1 Heats - Bathurst May 5 (2260m)
Round 2 Heats - Bathurst May 12 (2260m)
Final & Consolation Wednesday 19 May (2260m)
Hunter
Round 1 Heats - Newcastle May 7 (2030m)
Round 2 Heats - Newcastle May 14 (2030m)
Final & Consolation Saturday May 21(2030m)
Metropolitan
Round 1 Heats - Menangle May 4 (2300m)
Round 2 Heats - Menangle May 11 (2300m)
Final & Consolation Saturday May 22 (2300m)
Riverina
Round 1 Heats - Wagga May 7 (2270m)
Round 2 Heats - Wagga May 14 (2270m)
Final & Consolation Sunday May 23 (2270m)
The TAB State Final - Menangle May 29 (2400m)
For more information on the series head to www.hrnsw.com.au
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 33 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by a Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
HRNSW CONTACT:
SHAUN SNUDDEN | Manager Industry Development
(02) 9722 6600 • ssnudden@hrnsw.com.au
