IF winning the Victor Harbor Harness Racing Trotters Cup isn’t enough, the added bonus of a stallion service is sure to draw entrants this year.
While racing at Morgan Park went on its usual winter hiatus, although delayed, committee members have been working to add more to the upcoming race days.
The winner of this year’s trotters cup in December will also receive a stallion service courtesy of Aldebaran Park, in Victoria.
A $2000 service fee to New Zealand stallion Skyvalley will be added to the winners pay cheque at the December 30 race day.
Club president Lynton Bishop was grateful for the stud’s sponsorship towards the Victor Harbor Harness Racing Club.
“For Aldebaran Spark Stud to offer their sponsorship in an industry that is struggling at the moment is truly wonderful,” Mr Bishop said.
“We are very excited to have Aldebaran Park Stud on board as a sponsor for our Trotters Cup race day and look forward to working with them in the future.
“The stud service to Skyvalley NZ will bring the total winner’s cheque to $10,000 for the VHHRC Trotters Cup.”
Skyvalley NZ is the leading colonial-bred trotting sire in Australia and is ranked third on the All Aged sire list.
In Australia, Skyvalley NZ boasts 64 per cent starters-to-win ratio, and in New Zealand a 73 per cent starters-to-win ratio.
Mr Bishop said the Victor Harbor club was continually looking to improve what it could offer to not only patrons on race days, but nominated horses, trainers and owners.
“After this year’s situations with Harness Racing SA and the SA Harness Racing Club, we as a club want to do as much as we can to ensure the longevity of country harness racing,” Mr Bishop said.
“After all, country harness racing is the backbone of our industry, and we are very fortunate to have great facilities and patrons who are eager to spend a day out watching quality racing.
After picking up an extra two race meetings this year, Mr Bishop said the club had come through the season financially stable.
“We had a good season, we are still financially solid, and the club contributes to prize money, which not necessarily all the other clubs do,” he said.
“We have also retained all our sponsors this year, which is fabulous.”
The December 30 race day will be a day-time meeting, with bar, TAB, food and bookies facilities.
Children’s entertainment will also be available.
Entry is $10 for adults, $6 concession and children under 16 free.
“Patrons should consider becoming a member, which only costs $30 for two people for the racing calendar year,” Mr Bishop said.