23 December 2020 | HRNSW MEDIA
THE Riverina Four and Five-Year-Old Championships will have lift-off in 2021.
With Group 1 Finals for each sex, two $100,000 features will be held at Riverina Paceway, Wagga, on Sunday April 4, 2021.
Following what was meant to be the inaugural edition in 2020 being cancelled as a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harness Racing New South Wales has announced some changes to the upcoming features.
“It was disappointing that there was a need to cancel the inaugural Championships but it did provide the opportunity to revisit the Conditions,” HRNSW Chief Executive John Dumesny said.
“We (HRNSW) were told that the Conditions were too complicated and that an easier approach was required so here we are.
“Added to the requests from stakeholders was a clear preference to NSW Breeders Challenge horses but with zero fees attached.
“Whilst there are no direct fees to compete in the Championships loyalty to the NSW Breeders Challenge will give owners the first shot at gaining a start with their horses.”
First preference will be given to four and five-year-old NSW Breeders Challenge eligible horses.
These Championships, however, do not form part of the NSW Breeders Challenge Series or funding.
“The funding of the Breeders Challenge Series will not be diminished with the introduction of the Riverina Championships and in fact, if at all possible, prizemoney will be improved on the recent postponed 2020 series,” Dumesny stated.
Heats worth $9,500 will be held at Riverina Paceway on Tuesday March 30, 2021, and there will also be Consolations held on the same day as the Finals, worth $14,500 each.
For more information on eligibility and race conditions, please click here.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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