Star trotter Acacia Ridge is a past winner of the Tontine Series
Melton Saddlery has strengthened its ties with country Victoria's features by signing on as naming rights sponsor of the time-honoured Tontine Series.
Phillip and Pauline Gath, who operate the Melton business, have aligned themselves with the series that has proven the launching pad to Group 1 stardom for the likes of Lombo Rapida and Acacia Ridge.
This year's pacing series for C2-C4 performers kicks off with heats at Stawell on Thursday, June 4, while the trotting series for T0 or better squaregaiters begins with heats at Horsham on Monday, June 15.
Both the pacing and trotting series culminate with lucrative finals at Geelong on June 27.
Melton Saddlery has sponsored the Victorian Country Cups Championship and the Maori's Idol Trophy Series for the past two seasons and the Geelong Harness Racing Club is thrilled it will be a part of the Tontine Series right through until finals night.
"It is with great pleasure that the South West Zone welcomes such a highly-respected business as a part of one of harness racing's most highly-respected events," GHRC manager David Kelly said.
"The Tontine Series is an institution in our region and with the support of Melton Saddlery this year's series will again be a great success."
Following Thursday's two heats at Stawell, the pacers will have another chance to qualify for the semi-finals at Ballarat on June 18 when a second round of heats are held at Terang on June 11.
The trotters get their first chance to impress on Monday week, but those who don't run there can contest another heat at Ararat on June 21.
There are no semis for the trotters with the top performers from the heats to progress straight to the $16,000 final.
That same night the pacers will strut their stuff in a $30,000 decider, with both races offering a country penalty only, making them most attractive for owners and trainers.
