Tonight’s Riverina Championships the best yet

It has been a revelation for harness racing in the south of the state since its inception in 2021 and this year’s Riverina Championships tonight at Wagga has shaped as the best yet.

The two feature Championship Finals for New South Wales-bred four and five-year-old mares, entries and geldings have drawn together quality fields, pleasing both the Wagga Club and Harness Racing NSW who anticipate the races will attract much interest both on track and through media outlets.

It will be the last night that retiring CEO Greg Gangle will preside over a race meeting at the Riverina Paceway after accepting an employment opportunity in country Victoria.

Gangle has been at the forefront of lifting pacing at Wagga to another level and his legacy will ensure that incoming CEO Bob Hay can continue to boost harness racing in the region.

But Gangle is looking forward to his last hoorah, confident that Saturday night’s meeting will be as exciting as any that have been staged at Wagga since the track’s opening back in 2019.

“We have a huge night planned tonight,” said Gangle. 

“The racing will be hot, and patrons will be well catered for, especially the kids.” 

“Both finals have drawn together first-class fields with multiple chances in each of the $100,000 features.

“The barrier draws have added to the intrigue and driving tactics will play a huge part in the outcomes. Perhaps the best drive and not necessarily the best horse may decide the winner.”

The first of nine races commences at 5:19pm while the Boots Civil Riverina Championship for the Mares (race 4) is the first final.

The early betting market has the Jason Grimson-trained Tay Tay (Rock N Roll Heaven) posted as favourite, while there is also strong support for heat winners Soho Historia and Madrid.

The Milbrae Quarries Geldings and Entires final (race 5) sees the Matthew Craven-trained Bettor Isolate quoted as a $1.90 favourite.

The well-bred gelding has won nine of his 14 career starts and was strong in his win last week, coming from well back to overpower his rivals.

Lightening Dan and Our Ultimate Ronnie are the main threats to Bettor Isolate.

A small field will contest the Cleanaway Wagga Pacers Cup with speedster Whereyabinboppin likely to lead his opponents a merry dance.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW