April Autumn Premier Meetings in the deep south

Winton will host its first ever Group race as part of a bumper autumn programme confirmed for the deep south this April.

The Group 2 Entain 2YO Fillies Classic will headline a huge day at the Central Southland Raceway on Saturday April 13 leading into Southland's premier race meeting of the year, Diamonds Day at Ascot Park eight days later. Total stakes for the two meetings will be just under $700,000.

Diamonds Day will feature no fewer than four Group races, including the $110,000 Diamond Creek Farm 2YO Classic which has been elevated to Group 1 status for the first time.

"We are in the privileged position of having two stellar race days in a really short time frame," says Southern Harness Racing's Julie McEwan-Franks, "and that gives owners and trainers a chance to race for outstanding stakes at two meetings in just over a week."

"And it's not just about stake money - there is a lot of prestige as well - with Group races at both venues."

The first ever Group race in Winton's more than 100-year history, the Entain (G2) 2YO Fillies Classic, will carry a stake of $70,000.

Other features on the day, where all races will carry a minimum stake of $15,000, are the $40,000 Southern Standardbred Breeders/Vet South Equine Southern Belle Final, the $25,000 Winton Cup, the final heat of the Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes ($20,000), the final heat of the Nevele R Stud/Macca Lodge Southern Oaks ($20,000) and the $20,000 Murray Gray Memorial for 2YO colts & geldings.

"The Winton Harness Racing Club is delighted to be hosting its first ever Group event and have provided a very strong racing support card along with free kids entertainment," says Club President Ian Goodman.

On Diamonds Day the Group 1 Diamond Creek Farm 2YO Classic will be the day's feature on Sunday April 21, with a number of top supporting races including the Group 2 finals of the $60,000 Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes Series, the $60,000 Nevele R Stud/Macca Lodge Southern Oaks, the $40,000 final of the Regent Car Court Southern Cups, and a new addition to Diamonds Day, the Group 3 Entain 2YO Trot. Similar to Winton, all races on the programme carry a minimum stake of $15,000. Total stakes there will be $280,000 with more than $400,000 at Invercargill.

“The Invercargill Harness Racing Club is thrilled to be hosting its second Group 1 event of the season after hosting the Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup in December,” says Club President Craig Heyrick, “the main attraction off the track will be the annual Diamond Ring giveaway courtesy of Coats & Schuck Jewellers and the Club, this ring is valued at over $5,000 and we anticipate a large crowd on course on the day.”

Any trainers needing help with stabling over the week are encouraged to contact Southern Harness Racing.

Programme links:

Winton Cup Day (Saturday April 13) click here 

Diamonds Day (Sunday April 21) click here 

Julie McEwan-Franks
Club & Finance Manager | Southern Harness Racing Inc
Phone: 03 2179117 | Mobile: 0274 390 660
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: P O Box 96, Invercargill 9840 | www.southernharness.co.nz