$1 million+ for 2025 Classic series – Nutrien Equine

Harness Racing Victoria and Nutrien Equine are pleased to announce the Nutrien Equine Classic race series, carrying more than $1 million in prizemoney, will again be in Victoria next year.

Following April’s successful racing and yearling sale, the futurity series will grow next year into a three-day event, featuring pacing finals on Friday, April 11, a yearling parade on Saturday, April 12, and the sales at Oaklands Junction on Sunday, April 13.

HRV CEO Matt Isaacs said it was fantastic to have Nutrien recommit its rich series and sales to Victoria, continuing a flourishing partnership.

“The series and sales were a highlight of our April racing calendar and we are thrilled that partnership will not only continue next year, but grow into a spectacular weekend carnival of elite racing and bloodstock,” Isaacs said.

“Nutrien extending its partnership with Victoria is a mark of confidence in our industry and recognises the state’s outstanding tradition of industry-leading breeding and racing.

“This important partnership also recognises the great work by Nutrien and Victorian breeders, owners, participants and HRV staff in embracing this year’s April series and sale, efforts that will see it get only bigger and better next year.”

The two-year-old pacers brilliant enough to advance to their respective sex finals will compete for $200,000, while the three-year-old pacers will race for $125,000. The pacing finals are proudly supported and sponsored by Alabar and Woodlands Stud.

Nutrien Equine manager and auctioneer Mark Barton said this April’s sales produced “pleasing” results and great racing, which they were looking forward to building on.

“We have a fantastic partnership with the Victorian industry – and breeders and participants across Australia – and are looking forward to building on the racing series and sale that’s fast becoming a pinnacle weekend of the season,” Barton said.

“Calendar challenges didn’t allow us to execute the grand plans of having a big weekend of racing and sales, but the stars will align next year and we are looking forward to a weekend to remember.”

Following feedback from vendors and participants, heats and finals for the trotters will follow in August.

“As always, we welcome feedback for all aspects of our business and this was one of the recommendations from trainers and vendors,” Barton said.

“Allowing more time for the trotters to develop will give more runners a chance to contest the heats and finals, which we are happy to accommodate.”

The trotting series finals will see fantastic prizemoney on offer, with the two-year-olds competing for $75,000 each and the three-year-olds for $100,000, making for one of the richest single-sex trotting races in the southern hemisphere. The trotting heats and finals are proudly supported and sponsored by Yabby Dam Farms.

All heats will be run over the sprint distances, with finals staged over the middle trip.

by Michael Howard, for Harness Racing Victoria