Western Australia’s richest harness race, the $1.25 million TABtouch Nullarbor (2536m), has been elevated to Group 1 status.
Racing WA Head of Harness Racing Cameron Brown today revealed runners contesting the second annual slot race at Gloucester Park on April 19 would be vying for ultimate glory following endorsement from the Harness Racing Australia Executive.
“We’re proud to announce that The Nullarbor will be a Group 1 this year,” he said.
“As a slot race which is open to all pacers, it is a unique and exciting race which is truly deserving of top-tier status.”
Last September, Racing WA announced the prize money for the 2024 edition would increase from $1 million to $1.25 million.
Betterzippit won the inaugural race, saluting for New South Wales-based trainer Jason Grimson.
“The race references the Nullarbor because it connects the east coast of Australia’s best pacers to the best we have here in the west,” Cameron said.
“Being a Group 1 feature worth $1.25 million, WA harness racing is certainly set to take the nation’s racing spotlight when The Nullarbor is run and won at Gloucester Park on April 19.
“With top-line pacers Spirit of St Louis, Magnificent Storm and Lavra Joe are already confirmed to start, I’m really excited to see how the rest of the field comes together.”
The Nullarbor is part of the world’s first and only tri-code slot race series – the TABtouch Western Trilogy.
The Western Trilogy is a bold and innovative racing event taking place from April 18 to April 20.
The Sandgroper worth $600,000 in prize money will be run at Cannington on April 18, and the slot race series culminates with The Quokka, a $5 million event at Ascot on April 20.
