Trotrods - The need for speed

By Dave Di Somma - Harness News Desk

The title says it all really. “Trot Rods” is a new concept of racing being trialled in Australia and this version of equine hot-rodding is becoming a mid-week feature across the Tasman.

The concept, developed by Racing Queeensland, started in March and is being held every Wednesday night.

All races are over 947 metres with just five starters behind the mobile. From dispatch it is full-on for horse and driver, with the fastest cutting out the mad dash in a tick over 65 seconds.

A $10,000 bonus will go to the connections of the fastest horse.

Modelled on the likes of T/20 cricket and Netball's Fast5, Trot Rods is all action with a camera mounted onto one of the driver’s helmets providing a unique glimpse into what hard racing at close quarters looks like.

The initiative aims to breathe new life into midweek racing at Redcliffe Paceway and so far it seems to have been received well by race fans.

The final races of the series will be held on May 10.