Blacks A Fake winning the Inter Dominion Final in 2010
The Inter Dominion Event Committee (IDEC), in conjunction with Harness Racing NSW, the NSW Harness Racing Club and the NSW Government through Destination NSW, is pleased to announce the Inter Dominion Championship has been awarded to New South Wales for the years 2013-2015 inclusive.
First conducted in 1936, the Inter Dominion is harness racing’s pinnacle event in the southern hemisphere and has been won by some of Australasia’s greatest pacers.
The Hon. George Souris NSW Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality, Gaming and Racing and the Arts congratulated Harness Racing NSW, the NSW Harness Racing Club and the events team at Destination NSW for their hard work in the successful tender to secure the Inter Dominion.
“Sydney will become the home of this time-honoured championship for three consecutive years with the Grand Final to be locked in to the first Saturday in March at Tabcorp Park, Menangle,” the Minister said.
“This is another major event win for Western Sydney and securing the Inter Dominion further assists the NSW Government’s efforts to uphold our position as the number one tourism and events city in Australia, using major events to help rebuild the NSW economy.
“Sydney has just been named the World’s Best Festival and Events City of the second year in a row by the International Festival and Events Association, this major events win is another string in our bow.
“It is also a boost to harness racing in NSW generally whose contribution to the NSW economy exceeds $100 million per annum,” the Minister added.
In congratulating the joint submission from the NSW Harness Racing Club and Harness Racing NSW, IDEC Chairman, Mr John Burt, said the decision to award the Inter Dominion to NSW provided the event with a home for three years as well as a consistent date on the harness racing calendar.
“IDEC certainly rated the involvement of Destination NSW in the submission very highly when making its decision.
“The ingredients of a consistent venue, consistent date and a new look for the Inter Dominion can now be matched with longer term investment in the event itself than has previously been available,” Mr Burt added.
Harness Racing NSW CEO Sam Nati described the new look Inter Dominion Championship format as fresh and innovative which featured seven qualifying heats conducted across Australasia with the winners guaranteed a start in the Grand Final.
“They will be joined by the seven highest ranked placegetters completing a field of 14 to do battle over the gruelling 3000m journey for $750,000 in prizemoney,” Mr Nati said
“With state and national bragging rights up for grabs there is an added twist.
“The qualifying heat winners will get first choice of their barrier positions making the revamped Inter Dominion series all about winning,” Mr Nati said.
NSW Harness Racing Club CEO John Dumesny said the Inter Dominion Grand Final would be complemented by a full week of activities that include the barrier draw function, APG Yearling Sales, Breakfast with the Stars, the Inter Dominion Ball and the Australasian Young Drivers Championship.
“The Grand Final night race card will be one of the finest ever staged with the Cordina Ladyship Mile, SEW Eurodrive Chariots of Fire, Form 700 NSW Oaks and the NSW Derby and other features also programmed.
“In all, six true group one events will be staged on a stellar ten race program,” Mr Dumesny said
Harness racing in NSW is about to enter an exciting new period with huge prize money increases scheduled from 1 January 2012.
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 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Name: Sam Nati
Position: Chief Executive
Phone: (02) 97226600
