The Group 1 Albion Park Gold Final is poised to become the third richest harness race in Queensland after receiving a stakes’ increase to $150,000.
Ahead of Sunday’s APG Sale at The Creek, which will see 48 pacing lots go through the ring, Racing Queensland and the Albion Park Harness Racing Club have announced a $50,000 prize money increase for the two-year-old feature from 2022.
In recent years, the Brisbane APG Sale has produced some of Australia’s best juveniles, including Muscle Factory and Expensive Ego, and continues to go from strength-to-strength.
“There’s never been a better time to purchase Queensland standardbreds,” Racing Queensland EGM Operations Adam Wallish said.
“With a further $600,000 per annum being injected into our QBRED scheme, including a rise in the first-win bonus and the continuation of the second-win bonus, it's important that we continue to support our industry.
“The uplift in prize money for the Albion Park Gold Final should provide genuine confidence for those purchasing at the Brisbane Sale this week and choosing to race in the Sunshine State.”
In addition to today’s announcement, Australian Pacing Gold is poised to become the new partner of the mobile barrier at Albion Park.
APHRC CEO Scott Steele said it was an exciting initiative and forecast further enhancements for the APG Sale in 2022.
“It’s a fantastic result for yearling purchasers this Sunday, and moving forward, vendors will have the opportunity to maximise their returns in Queensland,” Mr Steele said
“The APHRC committee, in partnership with RQ, jumped at the chance to increase the prize money by 50%, providing genuine benefits to the Queensland industry and attracting great interest from inter-state and overseas.
“The club will now look to work with APG and RQ in developing a weekend harness spectacular next year.
“We’re exploring initiatives such as a sales’ race or a drivers’ invitational to support next year’s APG Sale.
“Watch this space.”
