FOLLOWING its successful September race meeting, Swan Hill Trotting Club again exceeded the industry standard eight races with huge numbers and 10 races on Tuesday night’s program.
Club president Noel Watson said the club continued to build on its hard work over recent years and this was recognised recently when Harness Racing Victoria allocated the club another race date.
“It wasn’t that long ago we were only racing nine times a year,” Watson said.
“Following Harness Racing Victoria’s acknowledgement of our support to the industry, the club now races 12 times a year and supporting the trainers and drivers is a key element to our continued growth.”
As further testament to the club’s support to the industry, both trainers and drivers are now openly targeting the spacious Swan Hill track with their horses. Tuesday’s meeting is the second time in a row the club has been required, due to the heavy nominations, to run 10 races.
Trainers such as David Murphy are loading up their floats and trucks to bring multiple runners to Swan Hill.
“David (Murphy) has six runners accepted to race, even though it is about a four-hour trip to travel,” Watson said.
“He mentioned during our last race meeting how welcoming the club is to all the participants and how good the track is and said he’ll be back for sure and he’s certainly been true to his word.”
Some of the state’s leading drivers are also keen to race at Swan Hill and when the likes of James Herbertson, Michael Bellman, Ellen Tormey, Daryl Douglas and Jack Laugher are in action, the racing will be competitive.
Patrons will not only see some quality horses, but also some of the best drivers in action.
The big card is a lead-in to the Swan Hill Trotting Club 3SH Pacing Cup night, which will be held on Friday, October 28. The 3SH Pacing Cup is always a huge night for the club.
Several of Victoria’s leading trainers have already indicated they will target the race and bring several stablemates with them, given the extra prizemoney on offer.
