Prizemoney boost for Constellations

Harness racing’s TAB Queensland Constellations will enjoy a prizemoney boost this year headlined by the Group 1 Blacks A Fake.

Having already unveiled a raft of enhancements, including new or upgraded races at Albion Park, Redcliffe and Marburg, the Constellations will be bolstered through uplifts to the Blacks A Fake, along with The Rising Sun and the Sunshine Sprint. They are:

• Group 1 Blacks A Fake – Rises to $350,000 from $250,000;
• Group 1 The Rising Sun – Rises to $300,000 from $250,000*; and
• Group 1 Sunshine Sprint – Rises to $150,000 from $100,000.

* The race also includes a $100,000 bonus for a three-year-old winner.

Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said the prize money increases, following last week’s announcement of the all-new $50,000 The Queensland Sun, would consolidate the Constellations as the place to race throughout June and July.

“The enhancements around the TAB Queensland Constellations continue to go from strength-to-strength,” Mr Parnell said.

“We’ve got exciting new additions including the all-new Marburg meeting – along with the prize money upgrades for the Redcliffe Cup, Redcliffe Derby and Redcliffe Oaks – and now we have bolstered our marquee Group 1 races.

“Queensland horses will be able to come through The Queensland Star into an upgraded The Rising Sun, while the Blacks A Fake boasts prize money befitting of a Grand Circuit event.”

In line with RQ’s endeavour to innovate, 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.

Throughout the Constellations, more than $2.5 million in prizemoney and bonuses will go on the line, including 11 Group 1s.

“Following last year’s highly successful Constellations, ‘The Creek’ are partnering with RQ to further evolve and build on this carnival and we have some exciting new social events and patron experiences to be announced shortly,” APHRC Chairman Brad Steele said.

“We cannot wait to host the galaxy of harness racing stars in 2022.”

The Constellations will run from June 17 through to July 23.

Click here to see the full program for the 2022 TAB Queensland Constellations.

From Racing Queensland Media