Commencing in March the inaugural Trot Rods Series will be introduced at the Redcliffe Harness Racing Club.
The Trot Rods is a series of races to be held over 947 metres, which is one lap of the track from the 1780m starting point, set over a period of 9 weeks (refer schedule below) with at least one race per week set aside for the Trot Rods each Wednesday night.
Following feedback from participants from past short course or one lap races that it can be difficult for horses back in the field to get into the race, the maximum field size will be set at 5 plus an emergency. (Emergency to receive $100 if not drawn in another race on the same night)
All races during the series will be Penalty Exempt and the barrier draw shall be performed on a preferential basis using the horse’s average mile rates at their last 10 starts.
Field selection shall be in highest to lowest Field Selection Point order.
The Trot Rods Heat will be scheduled as Race 6 each Wednesday to maximize broadcast opportunities.
Should ballots be required the first ballot will be a stablemate and the next ballot will be a horse that may have already contested a Trot Rods heat.
The series will culminate on Sunday May 10 with a feature meeting of Trot Rods races only, showcased on SKY Racing and featuring broadcast innovation including driver cameras, drone camera and driver mics (some of these initiatives will also be incorporated to the weekly Trot Rods races via SKY Racing). The final night will see races programmed 20 minutes apart featuring the same five drivers (drivers to be confirmed) in each race opening up the opportunity for wagering providers to offer different betting markets such as a drivers challenge and driver v driver.
Preference in field selection for the May 10 feature Trot Rods night will be given to horses that won a Wednesday night Heat.
Races programmed for the Final night on May 10 may be combined if necessary to ensure the maximum field sizes are achieved.
A $10,000 cash bonus will be on offer for the quickest lap throughout the promotion (similar to the 55 second challenge at Moonee Valley).
|
Heat Number
|
Date
|
Class
|
|
Heat 1
|
11/03/2020
|
NR60-70
|
|
Heat 2
|
18/03/2020
|
NR55-60
|
|
Heat 3
|
25/03/2020
|
NR50-55
|
|
Heat 4
|
1/04/2020
|
NR40-49
|
|
Heat 5
|
8/04/2020
|
NR58-70
|
|
Heat 6
|
15/04/2020
|
NR53-58
|
|
Heat 7
|
22/04/2020
|
NR47-52
|
|
Heat 8
|
29/04/2020
|
NR40-47
|
|
Heat 9
|
10/05/2020
|
NR40-45
|
|
Heat 10
|
10/05/2020
|
NR45-49
|
|
Heat 11
|
10/05/2020
|
NR50-53
|
|
Heat 12
|
10/05/2020
|
NR53-58
|
|
Heat 13
|
10/05/2020
|
NR58-65
|
|
Heat 14
|
10/05/2020
|
NR65-70
|
|
Heat 15
|
10/05/2020
|
TBA
|
|
Heat 16
|
10/05/2020
|
TBA
|
For queries please contact the Racing Queensland Harness Racing Office on (07) 3869 9774 or by email harnesshandicapping@racingqueensland.com.au
