Big numbers for Sunday's first Southern Surge meeting

Southern Harness boss Jason Broad admits he's "more than surprised" by the response to Sunday's Southern Surge meeting at Winton.

A total of 141 nominations were received by the time they closed today (Tuesday). That's more than double (60 acceptances) they had at the corresponding meeting last year, though then it was held on a Thursday.

"I would have thought if we had 100 to 110 nominations that would be good," says Southern Harness Racing General Manager and National Bureau member Jason Broad.

"To get what we got was more than surprising."

"It just goes to show what happens when you put the money up in which we are grateful for from HRNZ"

Each race on Sunday will be worth $15,000 with a second round of heats at Invercargill on August 10 before the $25,000 finals at Gore on August 24.

"This would be the best noms we've had since the Gore grass track meeting in February," says Broad.

Harness Racing New Zealand's Head of Racing and Wagering Matthew Peden is another who's delighted with the response to the Southern Surge series.

"After initially programming eight heats we are in a position to run 11 heats - that's a fantastic result."

"Any horses who miss out will get preference into the second round of heats at Invercargill."

The Southern Surge concept was launched by HRNZ in May to encourage racing in the deep south during the traditionally quieter months.

The series is for both pacers and trotters, inclusive of maidens. It is only open to horses who are registered through HRNZ with a harness racing trainer(s) based south of the Waitaki River prior to or from July 1 to Sunday August 24. 

"We've had the Silk Road (Fillies and Mares), the Winter Rewards and now the Southern Surge down here," says Broad.

"I know some trainers are bringing more horses into work and the mild winter we've had and the money being put up is impacting that."

"It's all bloody good for the region."