The TAB Trot Rods series continues to go from strength-to-strength with record-breaking wagering throughout the 2022 edition.
Having quickly established itself as one of Queensland harness racing’s flagship series’, turnover on the series grew by $500,000 (+10% on 2021), representing a 46% uplift on Wednesday meetings at Redcliffe throughout 2022.
The finale evening was a fitting end to the popular series, with more than $3.4 million wagered on the night making it the second highest Wednesday meeting of all-time – up 13% on 2021 and 140% on 2020.
The fastest lap time was broken on no less than five occasions over the six-week series, once again going down to the wire as interstate driver, Cam Hart, blitzed the Redcliffe circuit behind Just Dessy in the 18th heat.
Further, Just Dessy’s 63.46-second hot lap set a new record as the fastest time recorded in the series’ history, eclipsing last year’s winner Adam Crocker (63.79 seconds) and inaugural champion With The Band (64.77 seconds).
The blistering time ensured the owners of Just Dessy claimed a $10,000 bonus for the quickest lap throughout the promotion, while the winning trainer, Ricky Thurlow, also picked up a new, custom-built Otto Tuza three-horse open-sided float including 12 months’ registration in Queensland.
Since its inception in 2020, the Trot Rods series continues to soar in popularity, with turnover in 2022 increasing by almost 83% in comparison to its inaugural year.
Support for the concept from industry participants also remains strong, with an average of 11 nominations per race ensuring full fields with emergencies across the series, translating to even and competitive betting races with an average winners’ price of $5.50.
“The continual growth in popularity of the TAB Trot Rods series is extremely pleasing,” Racing Queensland EGM Operations Adam Wallish said.
“The series continues to be well received by punters and participants alike, highlighted by record-breaking wagering and participation once again in 2022.
“On average, Trot Rods heats perform 16% above Wednesday races at Redcliffe, and it is a testament to its success that this year’s final evening was the second highest performing Wednesday meeting of all time.
“The Trot Rods concept prides itself on its uniqueness and innovation, and we look forward to being able to deliver an even bigger and better series in 2023.”
Young gun Angus Garrard was the leading driver for the series, with seven wins over the 20 heats, while Trent Moffat led the way for the trainers with three successes.
Click here for a full recap of this year’s TAB Trot Rods series.
