Racing WA has brought back the ranking system for its major harness feature races in Western Australia. The system aims to offer better visibility in selecting the blue-ribbon events. Cameron Brown, the Head of Harness Racing and Special Projects at Racing WA, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the rankings system in 2024. He emphasized the system’s role in providing clarity leading up to the feature races and looks forward to its continued success in the latter half of 2025.
The heart of harness racing beats strongest during spring and summer at Gloucester Park, featuring five Group 1 races and several other exciting events. The action kicks off with the $150,000 TABtouch WA Oaks on 3rd October and culminates with the prestigious $450,000 TABtouch WA Pacing Cup on 12th December.
The schedule for ranking dates and the confirmation of Golden Ticket races for each major event has been unveiled. The Group 1 $150,000 TABTouch WA Oaks will see rankings on 8th and 22nd September, with the Golden Ticket races including the $100,000 3YO Fillies Westbred Classic Final and the $50,000 3YO Fillies Daintys Daughter Classic.
Next up is the Group 1 $200,000 Sky Racing WA Derby on 31st October. Rankings for this event are set for 29th September, 6th October, and 20th October. The Golden Ticket races leading to this derby include the Listed $35,000 Five Twenty Equine Breeding Battle of Bunbury, the Group 1 $150,000 TABTouch WA Oaks, and the Group 3 $50,000 Western Gateway.
Another highlight is the Group 1 $200,000 Retravision Golden Nugget scheduled for 7th November. Rankings for this race will be conducted on 29th September, 13th October, and 27th October. The Golden Ticket races include the Listed $35,000 Copy That Pinjarra 4YO Classic, the Group 3 $50,000 4YO Championship, and the Group 2 $125,000 North Coast Fibreglass 4YO Classic.
On 21st November, the Group 1 $150,000 Westral Mares Classic will take place, with rankings on 6th October, 27th October, and 10th November. The Golden Ticket races leading to this classic include the Group 3 $50,000 The Schrader and the Group 2 $100,000 Norms Daughter Classic.
The pinnacle of the harness racing season in Western Australia, the Group 1 $450,000 TABTouch WA Pacing Cup, is scheduled for 12th December. Rankings for this prestigious event will be conducted on 3rd November, 17th November, and 30th November. The Golden Ticket races include the Group 2 $100,000 The Running Camel James Brennan Memorial, the Group 2 $100,000 JP Stratton, and the Group 3 $50,000 Catalano Truck & Equipment Navy Cup.
The Harness Racing Field Selection Panel will rank the top 20 horses for each race with a Western Australian stable return as of 1st January 2025. Trainers are reminded that the ranking system does not replace the regular nomination process, and horses must still officially nominate for the race. Interstate or international runners can also be included in the rankings if they have informed Racing WA of their intention to nominate.
For more details, trainers can reach out to the Racing WA Harness Office via email at harness.information@rwwa.com.au.
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