Harness Racing Australia has today unveiled its newest race, the $2.1 million The TAB Eureka.
Similar to the successful The Everest concept for thoroughbreds, The TAB Eureka will be held as a slot race, with 10 slots to be sold at $100,000 per slot for a minimum of three years.
Set to become the world's richest harness race, it surpasses the purse for iconic global harness races like Sweden’s Elitlopp ($A1.67m), France’s Prix d’Amerique ($A1.56m), the US’s Hambletonian ($A1.3m) and Canada’s North American Cup ($A1.3m).
Importantly for prospective slot buyers, the majority of the prize money will be funded by Harness Racing Australia.
“We are thrilled to launch a truly aspirational Australian harness race, something which will both reward those in the industry and attract new young people into it,” Harness Racing Australia chairman Graeme Campbell OAM said.
“There is a real sense of optimism around Australian harness racing now and what better way to give that further momentum than by launching the richest (harness) race in the world.”
“The TAB Eureka is unashamedly designed to grow the Australia harness racing industry. It is part of our ‘Advance Australia’ strategy to encourage owners and participants to buy Australian-born yearlings.
“It will drive opportunities for local sires, generate external investment in the industry and identify new income streams.”
The 2300-metre race, set to be run for the first time on September 2, 2023, is restricted to Australian-born three and four-year-old pacers.
The race will also include bonuses of more than $130,000 for the fastest last mile and last quarter of the race, as well as breeder bonuses for each of the 10 runners.
Racing Queensland EGM Operations Adam Wallish said the The TAB Eureka is a significant announcement for the sport nationally.
"The TAB Eureka is a brilliant concept for the harness racing code, and we applaud Harness Racing Australia for its innovation in bringing this concept to life," he said.
"Here in Queensland, The Rising Sun for three and four-year-olds will this year be run for $300,000, and is perfectly placed on the calendar to provide prospective Eureka runners a chance to stake their claim for a slot in 2023 and beyond.
"Racing Queensland will investigate all opportunities to be involved in The TAB Eureka, inclusive of purchasing a slot for a Queensland pacer to shine on the national stage, as well as hosting the event into the future."
Click here for more information on The TAB Eureka.