NEW time slots for the Vicbred and Breeders Crown and some major enhancements through winter for the Queensland Constellations headline the revamped Australian Feature Race Calendar for the remainder of 2023.
The biggest change is Harness Racing Victoria’s decision to bring the Vicbred series forward from a New Year’s Eve finale to run the finals on September 16.
All Vicbred pacing finals will now carry a $150,000 purse to ensure they retain Group 1 status in line with HRA's decision to increase the Group 1 pacing prize money minimum from $100,000 to $150,000.
The date change for the rich Breeders Crown finals is much more subtle, going back by just one week to stage all finals at Melton on November 25.
Fittingly, the Breeders Crown will now be the last “major” of the juvenile season.
Racing Queensland and Albion Park’s investment in its fantastic winter racing has been underlined with more than $700,000 in additional prize money being injected.
Some of the major hikes are: $300,000 to $350,000 for the Rising Sun (Albion Park, July 8) with an additional $100,000 bonus for a three-year-old winner; $350,000 to $400,000 for the Ladbrokes Blacks A Fake and $150,000 to $200,000 for the Garrard’s Sunshine Sprint.
Four races have also been added. They are:
- $100,000 The Hayden (QBred qualifier for the $2.1 million TAB Eureka)
- $150,000 Haras de Trotteurs Great Square (plus $25,000 3YO bonus)
- $30,000 Queensland Trotters’ Derby
- $30,000 Queensland Trotters’ Oaks
Queensland also benefits from the Vicbred being moved forward to September, which clears the calendar for all the focus to be on this year’s Inter Dominion to be held at Albion Park.
The 2023 Feature Race Calendar is available in various formats HERE.
It is subject to change, with any changes being advised via the Industry News.
