Trots go "back to the future" with Standing Start

Standing start racing was more the norm than the exception for harness racing prior to the 1980’s, particularly throughout the Western Districts.

In fact back then, the Parkes Harness Racing Club never owned a mobile starting gate and when the odd mobile event was programmed, the specifically designed vehicle was transported over from Canowindra on the back of a truck.

It has been decades since a standing start race has been run at Parkes but on Wednesday night the Club will pull out the old rubber barrier strands and eight horses will compete under handicap conditions.

The race is part of the Ron Hoy “Stand and Deliver” Series which will culminate with a final to be conducted at Dubbo on Boxing night.

And how fitting it is that Ron Hoy should sponsor the series at Parkes and Dubbo, tracks that he competed at for most of his life.

Hoy, who will soon celebrate his 92nd birthday reached the pinnacle in the sport when he trained the champion pacer Lone Boy, a finalist in the 1980 Interdominion and winner of countless races throughout New South Wales.

Ron agreed to sponsor the series on the one condition; that it is run as a standing start event.

MEANWHILE the Parkes Harness Racing Club will be conducting a service fee raffle to be drawn on 16 November 2012 at the TAB.com.au sponsored race meeting.
There will be 3 draws conducted with the first person out getting first pick of the stallions, second out will get second pick and third out will get remaining stallion service.
The 3 stallions are as follows;
ELSU - donated by Alabar Stud
ALWAYS A VIRGIN - donated by Peppertree Farm
RIGHTEOUS HANOVER - donated by Rosswood Stud

Tickets will be $10 each or
3 for $20 or
7 for $50.
For tickets please contact David on 0434863514 or diharrisjnr@hotmail.com or
Stacey on 0422642290 or parkeshrc2@bigpond.com.

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: Dale Walker
Position: Marketing Manager
Phone: (02) 9722 6600
Email: dwalker@hrnsw.com.au