Holmes DG winner to become IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup qualifier

For the first time ever the winner of this year's Holmes DG will automatically qualify for November's IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington Raceway.

The $40,000 event, at Alexandra Park on October 3, will also be upgraded from Feature status to a Group 3.

"The idea was first suggested last season and the Cup Rankings Committee was keen to offer horses in the northern region an opportunity for the winner to gain automatic entry to the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup race," says Addington Raceway's Racing Manager John Denton.

First run in 2014, the Holmes DG has been won by some quality horses including Merlin last year and dual New Zealand Trotting Cup winner, Copy That in 2020.

The change has been welcomed by the Auckland Trotting Club.

"I am sure northern trainers will be very happy about this and will give them more options leading into NZ Cup with their preparations," says ATC Racing Director Karen Blanchard.

The Holmes DG is now one of four races where the winner gains automatic entry for the Cup if nominated.  The other races are the Maurice Holmes Vase (August 22), the New Brighton Cup (September 5) and the Canterbury Classic (October 17), which will all be held at Addington Raceway.

Three horses have already automatically qualified for the $1m race on Tuesday, November 11, if nominated. They are defending (two time) champion Swayzee, 2024 Auckland Cup winner Republican Party and Inter-Dominion champion Leap To Fame. The superstar Australian pacer is currently a $1.60 favourite on the TAB futures market ahead of Swayzee ($4).