Reigning Queensland Horse of the Year, Leap To Fame, has secured the first spot in the $350,000 Group 1 The Rising Sun.
Earlier this week, the four-time Group 1 champion was offered an invitation into Australasia’s three and four-year-old pacers championship, which forms part of the $3 million Queensland Constellations.
Leap To Fame solidified his status as one of the country’s most electric pacers on the back of a historic 2022 season, which also saw him crowned the Harness Racing Australia 3YO Pacing Colt/Gelding of the Year.
The now four-year-old became just the fourth horse behind Paleface Adios, Courage Under Fire and Captain Joy to claim the Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria Derby treble, with victory at Melton in October sealing the trifecta.
From 22 career starts, he has claimed 16 wins and five placings, alongside more than $500,000 in prize money and four Group 1 triumphs, with the Derby victories adding to his NSW Breeders Challenge C&G 3YO Final triumph.
Leap To Fame owner Kevin Seymour said he was looking forward to competing in The Rising Sun again this year, following the colt’s brave third placing in 2022.
“On behalf of myself and my wife Kay, we are delighted to be unveiled as the first invitee for Australia’s greatest three and four-year-old race,” Seymour said.
“We are under no illusions about our chances this year, with the competition to be fierce as ever as horses from across Australasia descend upon Albion Park.
“We look forward to the Queensland Constellations in what we hope will be a great win for a local champion on his home turf.”
Earlier this year, it was announced that The Rising Sun – to be staged at The Creek on Saturday, July 8 – would receive a $50,000 prize money increase, to be run for $350,000 in 2023.
The race also offers a $100,000 bonus for a three-year-old winner.
Racing Queensland Acting CEO Adam Wallish said the recent stakes increase for The Rising Sun and the Constellations more broadly will continue to incentivise trainers across Australasia to race in Queensland this winter.
“This year’s Queensland Constellations is set to be our most exciting and innovative iteration yet, with sweeping prize money increases across the seven-week schedule,” Mr Wallish said.
“The inclusion of our reigning Horse of the Year, and arguably the best pacer in the country will be a massive draw card, and sets the tone for what will be a stellar field.
“We look forward to unveiling further wildcard acceptances as we draw closer to July 8.”
In line with RQ’s focus on innovation, a 'pick your own barrier' element will be added to the existing preferential barrier draw for The Rising Sun, which is expected to add further intrigue to the race.
Under conditions of the race, RQ and Albion Park Club officials can issue up to three invites to 4YOs and two wildcard invites to 3YOs, with the balance of the field made up from the nominations.
In addition, the winner of the $53,000 Listed Queensland Sun (July 1) – restricted to horses trained by Queensland trainers or trainers whose horses predominately race in Queensland – will also receive a start.
Throughout the Constellations, more than $3 million in prize money and bonuses will go on the line, including 8 Group 1s.
Click here for more information on the 2023 Queensland Constellations.