THE upcoming Frank and Edna Day Goulburn Cup (Group 3) field size will be increased to 12 starters.
With a configuration of eight starters off the front and four starters off the second row, the $31,800 feature will be held at Goulburn’s TAB Carnival of Cups meeting Sunday on January 17.
This announcement is flowing on from the success of the recent Shirley Turnbull Memorial at Bathurst, which saw an increased field size and subsequently increased wagering on the event from the previous year according to Harness Racing New South Wales Chief Executive John Dumesny.
“It was a logical step to take by the Goulburn Club to follow the lead of Bathurst and maximise the number of starters in the tribute race to Mr and Mrs Day,” Dumesny said.
“And in maximising the opportunity to contest the Group 3 Cup for owners and trainers, the Club also is looking at maximising wagering turnover for the benefit of the industry.
“The Shirley Turnbull with an uncontroversial 12 horses was up 33 per cent on the previous running of the time-honoured race which justified the increased field size.
“Frank was a legendary trainer and his wife Edna was the drive behind not only the Day family but with others the Goulburn Club.
“It is only fitting that the Club continues to recognise these two great contributors to harness racing through the feature race each year.”
Goulburn Harness Racing Club’s flagship event will be staged alongside the $20,400 Goulburn Soldiers Club Goulbourn Rose as well as the $12,240 Goulburn Guineas. All other races on the programme will offer $9,690 in prizemoney.
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 | Industry Development Manager
(02) 9722 6600 • ssnudden@hrnsw.com.au
