The 2025 Eric Bean Memorial St. Marys Pacing Cup will revert to one of its former distances of 2400m.
The 2024 Cup was abandoned after the majority of the field fell, going over the crossing soon after the start in the then 2685m event. The change means the field will go over the crossing on one occasion in the middle stages of the race.
The 2400m distance was used for many decades until 2006.
Eleven-year-old gelding Windy Hanover is the sole 10m handicap runner, with the Rohan Hillier-trained, Jordan Chibnall-driven performer chasing a rare feat.
The pacer won the 2023 Cup, which was held at Carrick Park due to wet weather conditions that caused the abandonment of the St Marys meeting that year.
The last horse to win two St Marys Pacing Cups was Bold Centurian in 2015 and 2019, one of six multiple winners in the race that dates back to 1926.
Another tick that Windy Hanover has in his corner is he is proven on the grass, winning the 2024 New Norfolk Pacing Cup that was held on the thoroughbred track at Hobart’s Elwick Racecourse.
With the St. Marys Pacing Club wishing to retain its traditional New Year’s Day date, there will be no off-track wagering or broadcast available at the St. Marys meeting, which commences at 13:00.
Replays will be available at tasracing.com.au.
ADC wrap up
Rohan Hillier and Mark Yole had a mixed night at the Australian Drivers Championship at Adelaide’s Globe Derby on Sunday.
Yole proved the state can compete with the nation’s best by winning heat eight of the 10-race series on the $23 chase Budding Caesar.
The final points tally was: Gary Hall jnr (WA) 72; Ashleigh Delosa (NSW) 68; Deni Roberts (WA) 66; James Herbertson (Vic) 65; Chris Alford (Vic) 58; Wayne Hill (SA) 52; Cameron Hart (NSW) 51; Gaita Pullicino (SA) 45; Mark Yole (Tas) 42; Nathan Dawson (Qld) 40; Rohan Hillier (Tas) 35; Grant Dixon (Qld) 31.
