2009 WATPAC INTER DOMINION

In March 2009, the eyes of the harness racing world will be firmly fixed on the Gold Coast with the best International pacers assembling to compete in Australasia`s richest harness race and the Albion Park Harness Racing Club invite you to be part of this very special event .

Participants and visitors will experience one of the best racing and holiday destinations in the world at the Gold Coast with many surf beaches, lush green rainforests and famous theme parks on offer.

The Inter Dominion is the most coveted race on the Australasian harness racing calendar. Albion Park Harness Racing Club will offer many opportunities to dine and party trackside with friends.

First conducted for pacers in Perth in 1936 and for trotters in Auckland in 1948, it is the event by which greatness is measured.

Success in the Inter Dominion brings immortality for horses and an indescribable sense of achievement and elation for trainers, drivers, owners and breeders.

The race for Inter Dominion glory has continued over many decades with each state of Australia and both islands of New Zealand playing host to the industry showcase on a rotational basis.

Watpac ID09 continues to revolutionise the fundamentals set by the Inter Dominion Event Committee prior to the Inter Dominion in 2008.

While bonus points will continue to be allotted to Grand Circuit winners, all runners will be required to compete in two rounds of heats.

The first round of heats, carrying stakemoney of $45,000, will be conducted on March 14 over the sprint distance of 1609 metres and there will be four heats with nine runners in each.

The rationale behind an extra heat and less runners is to achieve the minimization of possible interference over the short trip and thus enhancing the contestant’s point scoring ability.

Heat winners will also be eligible for cash bonuses, based on the winner’s mile rate.

A week later on March 21, three $65,000 heats will be conducted over the 2100 metre distance, each catering for 12 runners.

The top 12 point scorers will contest the $1million Watpac ID09 Grand Final on March 28, run over the 2609 metre distance with a $75,000 Consolation on the same night over 2100 metres.

There has also been a provision made this year for late nominations, taken between January 9 and February 24. The race for Inter Dominion glory takes on a vibrant new concept in 2009 as the best of the best “Harness the Power” on the Gold Coast.