Inglis Jewellers Diamond Classic makes eligibility changes and purse distribution

The Inglis Jewellers Diamond Classic for 2024 did not sell the required number of slots in either the filly or colt divisions. After discussion with harness racing industry representatives and horse people, the following changes will be made.

The race will move from only Atlantic Sired two-year-old’s being eligible, to both Atlantic Sired and foaled two-year-old’s being made eligible. There will also be a change to the purse distribution, which will now see only the top 5 finishers be paid out. In an eight-horse field, the purse distribution will be 45-25-15-10-5. The winner will also receive a $2500 Diamond Necklace courtesy of Inglis Jewellers and an original artwork of their horse courtesy of Michelle Hogan, Harness Artist.

Slots will remain at $6,000 each, with a guaranteed purse remaining at $50,000. The deadline to purchase a slot will be extended to Friday, May 31st, 2024. 

“The industry spoke loudly by not buying anywhere close to enough slots to fill either division” said Truro Raceway General Manager Steve Fitzsimmons.  “We made these changes, after considering feedback we received from the industry. Allowing Atlantic foaled two-year-old’s as well as Atlantic sired will open up the race to a significant number of additional horses and those horses were still bred in Atlantic Canada, so we feel it still significantly supports our breeders, one of the goals of this race. 

“We made some changes as well to the purse distribution, to be better aligned with what our industry felt was appropriate. Given these changes, the new deadline will be May 31st and we’re very hopeful that two-year-old owners and trainers of an Atlantic Sired or foaled two-year-old’s will be more inclined to support this race.” 

The new conditions of the race can be found here.

From Truro Raceway