Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) today announced changes to the composition and selection of the field for its premier event, the Hankook Tyres Hunter Cup.
Following a review by HRV’s programming and futurities committee, the HRV Board has adopted a recommendation to standardise the field size and alter the qualification requirements for the world’s richest handicap which is held each February at Moonee Valley.
From 2008, the field size for the Hankook Tyres Hunter Cup will include 14 starters and one emergency. Previously, the field size fluctuated between 12 and 14 runners depending upon the number of starters allocated a handicap.
“Our field limit for standing start races in Victoria is 12 runners,” HRV Chief Executive, John Anderson, explained. “Under our previous policy we had the option to extend this to 14 for Group 1 races provided there was no more than 10 horses handicapped off the front mark.”
“To avoid confusion and streamline the selection process, we have eliminated that element of discretion for the Hankook Tyres Hunter Cup. A total of 14 starters will be selected for the great race, irrespective of what handicaps they have been allotted.”
Anderson advised that this change of policy regarding field sizes would be extended to the Australasian Trotting Championship Final also, but that all other Group 1 standing start races will feature a maximum of 12 runners.
The other change announced today pertains to the standing start experience of runners nominated to contest the prestigious 3065-metre marathon from 2008 onwards.
To be considered for a start in the Hankook Tyres Hunter Cup horses must now contest and begin safely in a minimum of one standing start race in the 12 months prior. The previous year’s Cup will be included as a qualification race if it falls outside that period.
“Participation in a Hankook Tyres Hunter Cup is the pinnacle for many owners, trainers and drivers. We need to ensure that each horse is given a fair and equal opportunity to compete on their merits by limiting the potential for interference at the start,” Anderson said.
“The use of a standing start is what makes the Hankook Tyres Hunter Cup unique and we are 100 percent committed to its on-going usage. However, we want to ensure that horses selected to compete are capable of doing so under these conditions.
“The unpredictability of the standing start adds intrigue to any contest. This policy change will not detract from that fact, merely it will promote safer and fairer conditions for all.”
