The Standardbred Association Queensland Inc (SAQ) is pleased to announce that it has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with Racing Queensland - joining Hygain as the two major sponsors for SAQ’s 2018 Track to Hack Series.
SAQ’s Track to Hack Series is run at nine (9) Agricultural Shows in south-east Queensland, to promote standardbreds as Pleasure Horses upon their retirement from their traditional role of Harness Racing. The Final will be held at SAQ’s State Harness and Hacking Championships in Gatton in August.
SAQ President, Owanna Francisca, said this sponsorship agreement would provide funding certainty for SAQ’s signature event for the next three years.
“SAQ would like to very much thank Racing Queensland and the members of the Harness Advisory Panel for providing this much-needed support. Not only will it help to grow the Track to Hack Series over the next three years - it will also help to support our Rehoming and Adoption Program” said Ms Francisca.
Celebrating its 20 Year Anniversary in 2018, SAQ established its Rehoming and Adoption program in 2002 and rehomes between 80 and 120 standardbreds each year - with the rehoming of its 1,000th standardbred in February.
Harness Development Strategy Manager, David Brick, said Racing Queensland has a strong commitment to animal welfare and life after racing for its retired athletes.
“Racing Queensland is proud to support volunteer organisations like SAQ - who not only run a number of events each year to showcase these wonderful horses - but more importantly, play a significant role in rehoming standardbreds after their racing career” said Mr Brick.
This year’s Track to Hack Series qualifying events have been held at Warwick, Kilcoy, Marburg and Ipswich Shows - with the remainder to be held at Caboolture, Lowood, Sunshine Coast, Kalbar and Redcliffe.
Further details - http://www.saq.com.au/pages/home.php or Mark Hrycek (SAQ) - 0438 596 082 or grantsfundraising@saq.com.au
