Date switch for Ross Gigg Newcastle Mile

HARNESS Racing New South Wales in conjunction with the Newcastle Harness Racing Club wish to advise that the Group 3 Ross Gigg Newcastle Mile is now scheduled for May 26, 2018, as part of the TAB Carnival of Cups.

Originally set for this Saturday night, the feature race has been rescheduled following the confirmation of the A-League Grand Final taking place at McDonald Jones Stadium next door to the Newcastle track at the same time.

“The Ross Gigg Newcastle Mile is harness racing’s flagship event in the Hunter region and we want the race and meeting to gain as much traction locally as possible,” HRNSW chief executive John Dumesny stated.

“It’s only natural that the community of Newcastle will be fixated on the soccer final and therefore we have worked with the Newcastle Harness Racing Club, the sponsor AVE Technologies and participants to move the date of this memorial race to a Saturday void of rugby league at the precinct.”

The Newcastle Oaks has attracted a strong field and will be the feature race this Saturday night, however, the Newcastle Derby will also be transferred to the May 26 fixture.

As a show of faith with stakeholders, prizemoney of $30,000 will be provided for the top level of the metropolitan handicapping race at Tabcorp Park Menangle this Saturday night.

There will be nine races at Menangle this Saturday including the $40,000 NSW Trotters Oaks and the $25,000 La Coocaracha for open trotting mares.