Winton Harness Racing Club raises stakes for Winter Rewards Finals day

The Winton Harness Racing Club is set to finish the 2025/26 Southern Region season on a high when it hosts Winter Rewards Finals Day at Central Southland Raceway on Sunday, 26 July.

At its committee meeting this week, the Club approved an increase in stakes for the meeting, with all support races now carrying a minimum stake of $15,000, while each of the five Winter Rewards Finals will be run for $25,000. 

The decision reflects the Club's commitment to reinvesting in harness racing following another successful year, particularly through the strong performance of its cattle fundraising programme. 

Club President Ian Goodman said the committee was pleased to be able to give something back to the industry. 

"We've had a positive year financially, thanks in no small part to the success of our cattle programme, and the committee felt it was important to reinvest those funds into our final race meeting of the season. Increasing the stakes is our way of rewarding the owners, trainers and drivers who have supported us throughout the year."

Winter Rewards Finals Day has become one of the highlights of the Southern winter racing calendar, with the five $25,000 finals attracting strong fields and providing an exciting conclusion to the racing season. 

The Club will be giving each Winter Rewards Final winner a Kiwi Winter Combo rug with support from the Saddlery Warehouse, Invercargill. The club is looking forward to welcoming a good crowd to Central Southland Raceway and is encouraging racing enthusiasts and the wider community to come along and enjoy an afternoon of top-class harness racing.

The North Stand hospitality rooms will be available throughout the day, providing a warm and comfortable environment with outstanding views of the racing. These facilities are ideal for workplace functions, family celebrations or groups of friends wanting to enjoy a day at the races together. 

Anyone wishing to reserve one of the hospitality rooms or book a table is encouraged to contact Lindsay Beer (021 351 499) prior to race day. "We're looking forward to hosting a good crowd for what promises to be a great day's racing," said Ian Goodman. "The increased stakes, quality fields and warm and comfortable hospitality facilities should make for a fitting finish to another successful season."

The Winton Harness Racing Club also acknowledges the continued support of its race and billboard sponsors, owners, trainers, drivers, sponsors, members and volunteers, whose contribution has helped make another successful season possible.

The first race is scheduled for approximately noon on Sunday July 26, with Winter Rewards Finals Day bringing the curtain down on the 2025/26 Southern Harness Racing season.