New race series for mid-class pacing mares

A new race series for mid-class harness racing pacing mares has been created by Kyabram standardbred stud Llowalong Farms.

Echuca Harness Racing Club will host the first of two heats in the new Heidi George Classic on July 18, followed by a further qualifier at Swan Hill on July 26 and $20,000 final at Bendigo on August 2.

Horses will not only be competing for increased prizemoney, but presentation rugs and free services to one of the stallions on Llowalong’s 2023 roster.

The inaugural Heidi George Classic winner will also receive an etched crystal decanter trophy.

“It’s so important for the broader industry to support mare and filly racing as it ensures we have viable commercial markets for fillies and sets up a progression to the breeding barn where all our race stock comes from,” Llowalong Farms principal Dr Kath McIntosh said.

“Llowalong Farms is proud to contribute through our support of this series, and with the addition of a stallion service to each winner, hopefully we can encourage owners to have a go at breeding this season too.”

The Heidi George Classic is named after McIntosh’s two daughters, who are both avid equestriennes and harness racing fans.

Llowalong Farms’ 2023 roster includes freshman sire King Of The North for his first season Down Under, as well as the Australian pacing star with all-American bloodlines, Poster Boy.

A farm open day, where sires will be on parade, is scheduled for Sunday, September 10.

The stud is also continuing its $400,000 Stallion Bonus, which will see state futurity-eligible progeny by a select list of Llowalong sires able to add a $100,000 bonus to Victoria’s major stakes two-year-old races.

For more information on the Heidi George Classic, including race night bookings, please contact the race clubs direct. For race programming and condition details, trainers and owners can refer to HarnessWeb.

From Harness Racing Victoria