'Western Bonanza' Launched At Gloucester Park

Connections of Im Victorious, including part-owner Peter Bell wearing the new 'racing colours' that the star 4YO will carry during the next three months. Photo by William Crabb.

Racing & Wagering WA (RWWA) in conjunction with Gloucester Park Harness Racing (GPHR) and the WA country clubs yesterday launched the TABtouch Western Bonanza where $6.5 Million worth of prizemoney will be distributed during November, December & January.

Gloucester Park President, John Burt and the CEO of RWWA, Richard Burt officially announced details of an exciting summer of harness racing in Western Australia.

“This is harness racing’s ‘time to shine’” said Mr John Burt

“This season will be particularly special for Gloucester Park, where tradition meets innovation and transformation.

“The TAB Touch Western Bonanza will see a number of firsts; The first ever mares only Group One event to be run in Western Australia; the $100,000 Nepean Conveyors Mares Classic; a revamped Nights Of Thunder series where first place in the heat won’t assure you of a spot in the final; and new sponsors to harness racing”.

“Notwithstanding all these initiatives, tradition will not be lost this summer as we celebrate the 100^th anniversary edition of the $400,000 SEW-Eurodrive WA Pacing Cup.  The Pacing Cup will be followed a week later by the $250,000 Yes Loans Fremantle Cup, making it one the biggest weeks on the harness racing calendar.

However, amazingly the Cup races could be overshadowed, as far as outside interest is concerned, by the 4YO Triple Crown, the $50,000 TABtouch 4YO Championship, the $125,000 McInerney Ford Classic and the $175,000 Lancaster Park Golden Nugget.

“This year’s series is possibly the most anticipated for the Australasian harness racing season, with budding superstars like Im Victorious, Chancellor Cullen and Soho Valencia, all of whom are ready for the next step to greatness.” said the Gloucester Park President

In helping to promote the carnival, booming local Im Victorious will carry special colours for the duration of the Western Bonanza.

Richard Burt praised the work between RWWA and GPHR and reported on the great prizemoney on offer at the country tracks of WA.

“There will be five country cups worth $30,000 and another five worth $10,000, as well as time honoured events such as the $25,000 Village Kid Sprint at Northam” said RWWA’s Chief Executive.

Mr Burt also highlighted the significant economic spin off to the Community that is provided through Harness Racing in Western Australia, where a staggering $133 million dollars is injected into a variety of areas such as manufacturing and retail, the fashion and hospitality industries to name a few.

The Western Bonanza Carnival will start with a bang on Friday 2^nd November, with one of Perth’s most popular and beloved night’s out - ‘Italian Family Fireworks night’ – this year proudly sponsored for the first time by Del Basso Smallgoods.

For more details of the Western Bonanza Carnival visit www.gloucesterpark.com.au