Chris Garrard has thrown his support behind the Queensland harness industry Photo by Ross Stevenson
The Queensland harness racing industry has applauded the decision of Garrards to sponsor this year’s Nursery Pace Series.
Racing Queensland Limited (RQL), at the request of the Albion Park Harness Racing Club, initiated sponsorship discussions with Garrards Group director, Mr Chris Garrard.
RQL chairman Mr Bob Bentley is buoyed to have this strong industry supporter on board for the 2011 Nursery Pace Series for the two and three-year-olds.
“Chris was more than happy to step in and sponsor the Series, which is worth $550,000 in prizemoney,” said Mr Bentley.
“Garrards have been sponsors of the Queensland harness industry for in excess of 15 years and their continued contribution is appreciated.”
Garrards have also sponsored Queensland’s premier harness race, the prestigious $200,000 Group 1 Queensland Pacing Championship, the first leg of the Grand Circuit which is conducted in October at Albion Park, a race which they first sponsored in 2002.
The Garrard Group also first sponsored the $60,000 Grou p 2 Sunshine Sprint in 1998, which forms part of the Queensland Harness Racing Winter Carnival.
The 2011 Garrards Nursery Pace Series for two-year-old fillies and colts and geldings are Group 1 features with the inaugural three-year-old series holding Group 2 status.
The heats for the two-year-olds will be conducted on Monday, May 16 with the three-year-old heats on Tuesday, May 17.
Albion Park will host the $150,000 finals for two-year-olds and the $75,000 finals for three-year-olds on Saturday, May 21.
The Garrard family have been involved in horseracing for many years as owners, trainers, drivers and breeders.
Garrards also afford significant support to the racing industry by way of its 12 Garrards Horse & Hound outlets throughout Australasia.
It should also be acknowledged that Garrards is a major sponsor of the three codes of racing in Queensland, also having significant sponsorship interests in thoroughbred and greyhound racing.
“The involvement of these long-term supporters illustrates that there are many participants in the Queensland harness industry willing to throw their weight behind the sport,” said Mr Bentley.
