05 December 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA
The performance of drivers across the state will underpin an exciting new free-to-play, points-based game for all ages designed and launched by Harness Racing New South Wales.
Fantasy Harness Racing will open for business on 15 December, marking a new era in fan engagement for the industry.
A four-week registration window will lead into a six-month inaugural Fantasy Harness Racing season, taking in race tracks across New South Wales.
“This is an initiative that Harness Racing New South Wales has both devised and developed and we’re very excited about seeing the game take shape and unfold through 2023 because this truly is new ground for the racing industry,” HRNSW Chief Executive John Dumesny said.
The first of 25 six-meeting rounds will commence with the Tuesday metropolitan meeting at Tabcorp Park Menangle on 10 January, 2023, culminating in the final race meeting of the Fantasy season when the Trots NSW Group 1 finals are contested on 1 July.
Fantasy Harness Racing will be based around the results generated by the drivers at the six selected race meetings which constitute each round.
A pool of more than 200 drivers have been given a price tag based on their results in recent years. Registered players will be given a salary cap of $14.4 million to select a squad of 22 drivers across the four regions of New South Wales – Hunter, Metropolitan, Western and Riverina.
Each week, players will be able to trade three drivers in and out of their squad prior to the Tuesday lockout. Their score will be calculated based on the results of the drivers in their starting team.
Players will select a captain who will be worth double points, while more than 50 marquee races across the Fantasy season will be worth either double or triple points, adding an intriguing strategic element to the scoring functionality.
“We have an incredibly large pool of super-talented drivers here in New South Wales and to build a game around their performances and shine a light on their results is a wonderful reward and recognition for their skill and ability,” Mr Dumesny said.
“The challenge is not going to be who to select in your team but who to leave out because there are that many great options, everyone who registers to play is going to spoilt for choice when they pick their squad of drivers.”
A lucrative prize pool will be up for grabs for the overall winners and the round’s highest scoring team.
The new Fantasy Harness Racing podcast which will exclusively discuss the game and trading strategies will launch later this week. Follow the Fantasy Harness Racing Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for more updates as they are released in the lead up to Round 1.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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