The $50,000 DJA Trotting Championship will be elevated to Group 1 status as part of 2019 TAB Queensland Summer Harness Racing Carnival.
With the Group 1 feature headlining this year’s Summer Carnival, Albion Park will host three black-type races throughout December commencing on Saturday, December 7 with the Group 3 Be Good Johnny Sprint.
Heats for the DJA Trotting Championship will commence on the same evening and will continue ahead of the Final on Saturday, December 21 which will be run in conjunction with the $50,000 Group 2 Queensland Cup.
The Redcliffe Christmas Cup on Wednesday, December 18 is among the other Summer Carnival highlights.
Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed the elevation of the DJA Trotting Championship to Group 1 status.
“In addition to the black-type races at Albion Park, Redcliffe Paceway will host its first major meetings following the $300,000 track up-grade, which is currently underway,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing the best that Queensland harness racing has to offer.”
In recent times, Racing Queensland has implemented a number of initiatives to increase the trotting gait in the Sunshine State including the introduction of the Springboard Series.
The elevation of the DJA Trotting Championship was announced in conjunction with the latest prize money increases earlier this year.
“The up-grade is the latest initiative to support the breeding and racing of trotters in the Sunshine State,” RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said.
“With three black-type races, including a Group 1, we look forward to building on the momentum of our recent Winter Carnival.”
The 2019 TAB Queensland Summer Harness Racing Carnival will feature five meetings throughout December at Albion Park and Redcliffe.
Click here for more information on the 2019 TAB Queensland Summer Harness Racing Carnival.