Slot holders for world’s richest harness race announced

Slot holders for the richest harness racing event in the world, the $2.1 million TAB Eureka, have been finalised.

Excitingly, the 10 inaugural slot holders cover all harness racing states in Australia for the race to be run for the first time at Club Menangle over 2300 metres on September 2, 2023.

Each slot holder, some of which are syndicates, have committed $300,000 up front – $100,000 per year for the first three years of the race.

They are:
• Tabcorp
• Wayne Loader
• Cordina Racing
• Kevin and Kay Seymour
• Danny Zavitsanos
• Tasracing
• Soho Standardbreds
• Aaron Bain Racing & Summit Bloodstock
• Racing Queensland
• John Singleton

“We are thrilled with the spread and diversity of the slot holders,” HRA CEO Andrew Kelly said. “They have varied backgrounds, represent many key parts of the industry and all states are represented as well.
“There is quite a large number of breeders, some who’s involvement is more at the yearling sales end, so it’s interesting they will turn their attention to Australian (yearling) sales now in order to try and own a horse for their slot.

“Some slot holders are aligned to major stables and others are better described as syndicates with diverse backgrounds, including heavy involvement in other racing codes.

“Unveiling the slot holders is an exciting and significant part of The TAB Eureka journey as momentum continues to build, adding to the intrigue of the 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year discussion and debate among the industry.”

Tabcorp Chief Executive Officer Adam Rytenskild said TAB was thrilled to be part of the inaugural running of the TAB Eureka.

“This is such an innovative concept. For us to have a slot a year out and to be able to get our team and our energy behind it – we’re really excited,’’ he said.

“One of the good things about owning a media company and a betting company is that we’ve got the best experts working for us, it’s their job to find the right horse and I know they are up and about to pick us the best runner.”

Mr Rytenskild said TAB was proud to be re-investing into the harness racing industry as the Naming Rights sponsor of the race.

“We think this is a fantastic concept – not just for Australia, but for harness racing across the globe.
To be the Naming Rights sponsor, for it to be the TAB Eureka, is something we’re enormously proud of and we’re going to invest in it heavily in promoting it.”

Leviathan harness racing owner, breeder, sponsor and former administrator Kevin Seymour said he
was more excited for the industry than himself.

“It’s a new era for harness racing and it’s exciting to be part of it,” he said. “I think it will change the
whole dynamic of the industry and give the sport the opportunity to really shoot ahead.”

Seymour’s logical slot runner is his own outstanding three-year-old Leap To Fame, who be four when the race is run.

The TAB Eureka is restricted to Australian-bred three and four-year-old pacers.

Owner-breeder Rob Watson is thrilled to be flying the Western Australian flag in the event and joined Seymour’s chorus of excitement.

“I’ve been pushing for this for so long,” he said. “I love it. It’s our Everest.

“How can you not want to be involved. I’ve been outspoken in my support of the race and jumped at the opportunity to grab a slot.

“It’s reinvigorated my involvement in the sport and now we’ve got three years ahead of doing form and deals to lock in a runner for the slot.

“There’s some nice young horses here in WA, maybe I’ll be able to snap one up from here.”

The Geelong-based Danny Zavitsanos, one of Australia’s biggest owners, is the lone Victoria- based slot holder.

“Just think about it … we’ve got the world’s richest race here in our own country,” he said.

“I’m in the game to run in the biggest races and this is now the pinnacle. I’m rapt I’ve got a slot.

“I’ve got some nice horses myself, but I’m realistic as well. If I don’t think one of mine is good enough, I’ll go shopping for the right horse to run in my slot.

“I’m also keen to get new people involved and I’m in talks with the Geelong (Harness Racing) Club
on that front.”

Attention now turns toward which horses are selected to represent each Slot Holder in the
world richest harness race.

From Harness Racing Australia