HRSA DUAL VENUE MEETING CONCEPT TO BE REPEATED
The dual venue meetings, under the umbrella of `South Australia’, provided participants in the Mount Gambier and Port Pirie regions with an opportunity to race where, because of contributing factors, stand-alone meetings at each venue were not always possible. Covid-19 having a significant bearing on both clubs, with travel restrictions and an unwillingness to travel deterring participation.Harness Racing SA reports that the novel dual venue meeting initiative, introduced in October 2020 to support racing at Mount Gambier and Port Pirie, has proved successful, with the venture to be repeated later this year.
HRSA are pleased that the combined meetings were well patronised, with the 18 meetings conducted under the South Australian banner, with starters yielding more than 1,000 starts.
Importantly, wagering on the combined meetings continued to grow throughout the duration of the initiative as the public became familiar and accustomed to the `South Australian’ combined meeting concept.
Moving forward, Harness Racing SA has determined that the initiative will be reintroduced later this year and run through to June 2022. Where again the number of meetings conducted will, horse population and circumstances permitting, mirror those of this season.
Finally, HRSA would like to acknowledge the enthusiasm and support shown by both the Mount Gambier and Port Pirie clubs in embracing this new direction for the industry in South Australia.
For further information please contact:
ROSS NEAL | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
(08) 8285 2899 • rneal@saharness.org.au
