News Article

Harness Racing Celebration Almost Here

25 January 2010

Tabcorp Park will host Night One of this year's Sky Racing Nights Of Glory this Friday night

Tabcorp Park will host Night One of this year's Sky Racing Nights Of Glory this Friday night

One of the biggest celebrations Victorian harness racing is ever likely to see is now just days away with the 2010 Sky Racing Nights Of Glory to commence this Friday night.

The $1.38 million three-night carnival is a collection of the sport’s most famous races and carries increased significance this year with the final meeting doubling as the last harness fixture to ever be run at Moonee Valley.
That Saturday night, February 6 meeting is headlined by Australia’s richest harness handicap, the $400,000 Group 1 BIG6 Hunter Cup, but also features the $250,000 Group 1 SEW-Eurodrive Inter Dominion Trotting Championship Final and $200,000 Group 1 Alabar Victoria Derby Final.
But two big nights will be staged before then. The party kicks off with a Maryborough Harness Racing Club meeting at Melton’s Tabcorp Park this Friday night and continues at Ballarat’s Bray Raceway the following evening.
The features of opening night are a trio of Derby heats, while the star-studded Ballarat card includes the $125,000 Group 1 PETstock Ballarat Cup and semi finals of the SEW-Eurodrive Inter Dominion trotters series.
“The Sky Racing Nights Of Glory brings the sport’s elite horses, trainers and drivers to Victoria and this year’s carnival carries added significance with the final Moonee Valley harness meeting,” Harness Racing Victoria Chairman, Neil Busse, said.
“It is sure to be an emotional night but will ensure that this year’s carnival is one of the most memorable yet as it again features the nation’s richest handicap, the nation’s oldest pacing classic and the Southern Hemisphere’s premier trotting series.
“But you don’t have to be a racing fan to enjoy it with a fantastic mix of events to excite any sporting fan with action in both regional Victoria and the heart of Melbourne.”
Tabcorp Park on night one will feature the usual children’s attractions and activities along with a host of dining options.
At Ballarat, adults can enjoy live music by Jenarus, the grab for cash giveaway is back by popular demand, along with the CUB Open Air Beer Garden, while limited dining packages remain available and can be booked by phoning (03) 5335 9041.
The kids haven’t been forgotten with the Family Fun Zone again offering unlimited use of the Jumping Castle and other activities, while the first 450 youngsters through the gate receive a free showbag.
Moonee Valley will feature a Moonee Valley Memories historical display, while there are a range of dining options, starting from $39, which are selling fast but be booked by calling the Moonee Valley Customer Service Centre on 1300 79 79 59.
The Burston Lawn will also be a popular destination where kids of all ages can tackle the bungy trampoline, rock climbing wall, jumping castle, pony rides and Camp Australia activities.
Entry to Tabcorp Park is FREE for all. Adult admission is $12 at Ballarat and $15 at Moonee Valley with children under 18 FREE.
Gates open at 4pm at Ballarat with the first race set down for 6.30pm, while at the Valley gates open at 5pm with the first of 10 races at 6.05pm.
For more information on the Sky Racing Nights Of Glory visit www.nightsofglory.com.au.