Yesterday’s UFC 294 schedule announcement means Charles Oliveira will be a late scratching from the inaugural TAB Eureka Carnival.
Oliveira was a key ambassador for the world’s richest harness race, but his next planned fight, just announced, for the UFC lightweight Championship against Islam Makhachev, has been brought forward to October at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
“I was looking forward to not only being part of the TAB Eureka, but also getting in the bike to race again,” Oliveira said.
Oliveira, who famously upstaged US superstar Tim Tetrick in 2021, was to have another match race with Aussie champion Luke McCarthy on TAB Eureka night at Menangle (September 2).
“Winning the Championship is my focus with our training camp in full swing, but I’ll be following the build and the big night,” he said.
Aaron Bain Racing and Summit Bloodstock, who did the deal with Oliveira, were philosophical.
“This fight is an amazing opportunity for Charles, but knowing harness racing can connect with global megastars is equally exciting for our sport,” Aaron Bain said. “It hasn’t worked out this time, but the good news is the template is there to work together in future.”
Bain said the Summit Bloodstock team, Harness Racing Australia and he would continue talking about a potential ambassadors.
“We’re committed to having a strong, mainstream ‘face’ of this amazing race. Stay tuned,” he said.
The inaugural TAB Eureka promises to be one of the best harness races Australia has seen for 20 years.
Queensland sensation Leap To Fame, Miracle Mile winner Catch A Wave, the explosive Captain Ravishing and superstar three-year-old The Lost Storm are among the headline acts on 2 September 2023.
For tickets, hospitality, and more event information visit https://www.theeureka.com.au/
