A change of venue and a revised eligibility scheme will help invigorate the annual Victoria Premier Yearling Sale, conducted by standardbred auctioneers Davidson Cameron Board & Co.
For the first time, the sale will be held at the refurbished Quest Racing Complex, Shepparton and will be part of a huge weekend at Goulburn Valley’s premier harness racing venue.
The 2012 sale will be conducted on Sunday, January 22, the day after the big Shepparton Gold Cup program which features the Pacing Cup, Trotters Cup and finals for both sexes of The Lombo 2YO Classic.
A further incentive for yearling sale vendors and purchasers provides for all horses that go through the ring at next January’s sale will be automatically eligible for The Lombo race series in 2013 carrying a guaranteed Final stake of $25,000 for two-year-old colts and geldings and $25,000 for two-year-old fillies.
Davidson Cameron Board & Co sale co-ordinator Peter Dow said, “This will allow momentum to this growing event and in future the prizemoney will grow as all monies collected will be distributed annually.”
A Breeders Bonus worth $2000 and a trophy will be paid to he breeder of the winner of The Lombo or the horse that finishes closest to the winner, providing it goes through the sale ring.
“The construction at Shepparton of their new facilities, dining room and horse accomodation has enabled this to happen,” Dow said. “It will not matter what the weather does the Sale and horse accommodation will all be conducted under the one roof.”
Dow said accomodation for the horses can be organised if owners and trainers want to come and stay for the weekend.
Ian Kitchin, the secretary of Harness Breeders Vic, congratulated Davidson Cameron Board & Co and the Shepparton Harness Racing Club for this initiative and gave the carnival its full support.
“It is great news for a vibrant breeding industry. It helps provide not only a juvenile race but a sale of yearlings.”
For further information contact Graeme Board on phone 0408 636 273, Peter Dow 0412 195 986 or the Shepparton Harness Racing Club 0428 231 403.
