Trotting Grand Prix will carry Just Believe’s name from 2026

One of harness racing’s most loved and celebrated horses now has his name attached to one of Victoria’s biggest squaregaiting features.

The Australian Trotting Grand Prix is to be known as the Just Believe Trotting Grand Prix, with confirmation the race will return to Group 1 status for its next running in season 2026.

Just Believe (Orlando Vici) was officially retired from racing in January, bringing the curtain down on an incredible career that spanned more than five years, included 38 wins and reaped almost $2million in prizemoney.

He won 10 Group 1 races, including two Inter Dominion grand finals, a Great Southern Star final and the Dominion Trot and Rowe Cup in New Zealand.

Two of his elite-level victories were in the 2023 and 2024 Australian Trotting Grand Prix.

Greg Sugars drove the son of Orlando Vici in 41 of his 83 career starts and was blown away when it was revealed during A. G. Hunter Cup night that the Grand Prix would carry Just Believe’s name.

“Wow, that’s fantastic,” Sugars said. “A race fitting of a champion like him, so hopefully I can win it one day.”

Just Believe’s move to the Jess Tubbs stable mid-way through his career helped elevate him to champion status, with the horse winning 30 races for the barn between September 2022 and November 2024.

“It’s a special race to us already so it’s a great choice by whoever made that decision,” Tubbs said.

“Now that’ll carry a little bit of extra weight and hopefully we’ve got some contenders in years to come.”

Harness Racing Victoria CEO Matt Isaacs said Just Believe was an incredible ambassador for Australian squaregaiting.

“Harness racing loves its champions and Just Believe is exactly that,” Isaacs said. “He has not only dominated our racing, but he has altered how those in Europe and New Zealand perceive Victorian trotting with his brilliant performances.

“It’s only appropriate that he is eternally celebrated, and having his name carry a Group 1 Victorian trotting race will do just that.

“We wish Harry all the best in his retirement, knowing he’s in great hands, and thank Jess Tubbs, Greg Sugars, breeder Pat Driscoll and his big, loving ownership group for sharing his incredible journey with us.”

The date of the 2025 Just Believe Trotting Grand Prix will be confirmed as part of the new racing calendar.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV