Huge wagering turnover on Victoria Cup night

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Interim CEO Fiona Mellor said while some of the data was still to be gathered, it is projected to reach about $10m in wagering turnover – which would eclipse the previous record set on Victoria Cup night last year by about 8%.

“While we still have some data to come in, we have enough on hand to comfortably declare this will be the highest-ever wagered-on harness racing meeting in Australia,” Mellor said.

“This is an incredible result given recent trends against the peaks experienced during an extraordinary 2021.”

HRV teamed with Sky Racing and Racing.com to deliver extended broadcast coverage across multiple platforms, including free-to-air TV.

A big crowd was on hand at Tabcorp Park Melton to watch the action live as Rock N Roll Doo (Rock N Roll Heaven) captured a memorable Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Cup win for Burrumbeet trainer-driver Michael Stanley.

“The coverage was first-class, and the evening was a great success with a big crowd enjoying a wonderful atmosphere on-course,” Mellor said.

“The HRV racing team’s decision to move the Derby and Oaks Finals to this night in 2021 has undoubtedly helped position this night as one of the greatest race meetings annually on the Australasian harness racing calendar.

“We have so many exciting race meetings ahead this summer and this was only the beginning, but to break the wagering turnover record is testament to the great commitment of our industry participants, HRV and Tabcorp Park Melton staff, and our media and wagering partners.”