THE Riverina’s new multi-million dollar harness racing complex is moving closer to a starting date with work expected to commence in September.
Harness Racing NSW is finalising the tender process and have narrowed the number to six of which one will take control of building the $6.5 million project at Cartwrights Hill at Wagga
“We have been anxiously waiting for work to start. There has been some holds ups but it’s close now,” HRNSW chief executive John Dumesny said.
Meanwhile, Harness Racing NSW were in Wagga on Monday and Tuesday meeting with clubs and trainers discussing a range of issues.
The regional board meetings have been well received by all who have attended with HRNSW to consider feedback they received.
“The trainers had some issues which we will work through with them,” Dumesny said.
The trainers have concerns with the handicapping and not being able to place their horses in races they select.
Money from tax parity will be distributed to a number of areas providing potential growth and stability for the industry.
The savings from tax parity for clubs means they no longer pay for ambulance fees, photo finish equipment and starters’ fees.
It’s a considerable saving for clubs who will be able to channel the savings into other areas of their operation.
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Young’s Jason Grimson’s win in the Rising Stars Series has provided his career with the boost it needed at just the right time.
Grimson has taken up employment with trainer Jarrod Alchin at Menangle and with his concession claim he will no doubt be given his share of opportunities.
What a year it has been so far for Grimson.
He won the biggest race of his career when Don’t Think Twice took out the Bathurst Gold Tiara and was then named as one of the Riverina’s representatives in the Rising Stars before winning the series.
Don’t Think Twice was recently announced as the Riverina’s juvenile pacer of the year.
She will be acknowledged when her owners accept the award at the Wagga and Riverina awards and sponsors’ evening on Saturday night, September 3.
Sporty Spook, the winner of the Junee and Leeton Cups last campaign, will be acknowledged as the Riverina pacer of the year.
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Widely acclaimed Rodney Vincent will provide the entertainment at the region’s awards’ night with more than 120 guests expected to attend.
The evening will be held at the newly renovated Rules Club in Wagga commencing at 7pm.
More than 50 sponsors will be in contention for naming right to various feature races at Wagga during the 2016-17 season.
The major prize is naming rights to the Wagga Pacers Cup to be held on Saturday night, March 4.
The Riverina and Wagga trainer, driver and pacer of the year awards will also be presented.
At this stage, Corey Bell leads on 42 wins ahead of Reece Maguire (33) in the Riverina drivers’ premiership.
Bell hasn’t driven in the region since departing for Victoria in late May.
The Riverina premiership is Shane Hillier’s for the keeping with 42 wins – two ahead of Shaun Snudden with Phil Maguire on (22).
Snudden was well ahead before he made a career change to work as a handicapper with Harness Racing NSW.
Hillier also leads the Wagga title while Reece Maguire leads the drivers’ premiership.
The pacer of the year at Wagga is at an interesting stage with Redbank Harry and Shadesoff equal leaders ahead of Im Johnny Jet and Tactful Lady by two points.
There are four meetings at Wagga in August which should ensure the award goes down to the last meeting.
Two-year-old filly Simply Clever won her fourth race at Wagga at only her fifth start to help provide father and son Phil and Reece Maguire with a memorable quartet.
The Leeton based duo started six horses for a personal best four wins and two seconds on July 19.
They won with Drive The Dream, Im Johnny Jet, Simply Clever and Bettors Power and finished second with The Mighty Falcon and Chickies Boy.
Previously, their best was a training and driving double before they passed that mark and then Bettors Power made it four.
“We only have seven horses racing and they are ones that the owners have paid a bit of extra money for,” Phil Maguire said.
“Reece is going to New Zealand for six weeks in October to further his driving so for him to get four winners so early in his career is good for him.”
It wasn’t only the Maguire stable producing multiple winners in July, but also Shane Hillier.
He teamed up with Victorian reinsman David Moran for four wins at Leeton on July 22.
They won with Doctor Feld, Serene Major, Pental Survivor and Janices Cullen.
Moran has never had a week like it before winning eight races including two at Wagga and one each at Melton and Swan Hill.
Moran has previously driven five winners on a program at Albury while the Hillier stable has produced four winners a few times.
“It’s a credit to David because he does a lot of miles and deserves every bit if success,” Hillier said.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
