I've been fortunate in the last decade or so to of spent a couple of three year blocks in the EU and the US for work. I've attended pretty much any major racing carnival you can think of.
Gallops wise I've done all the English majors including the jumps, the Arc in France, Ireland twice and one trip to Germany. In the US I've done the Derby twice and four Breeders Cups. Dubai is on the bucket list : )
I'm a Harness Racing fan first and foremost and when I lived in the States I was only 15 mins from Yonkers and an easy trip to the Meadowlands so I've done all the majors at both venues, I've been to the Jug twice and driven to Baltimore, Dover, Florida, Illinois and one trip to Canada for a meeting or three.
My point is I believe I've a good understanding of what makes a truly great racing carnival and I believe Harness Racing NSW could have at least the best Harness Racing Carnival in the World.
As is the case in nearly all of the major carnivals in the EU and US it would need to coincide with the school holidays and with Menangle being out in the sticks, land could be set aside both inside the track and surrounding areas for caravans and cabins etc as well as a place for a show with rides etc
I'd have it at Easter (not too hot not too cold), so why not an Easter Show to take on "the" Easter Show. How many locals out that way make the trip to Homebush to get ripped off every year ? Bring the Easter Show to them and other families who will make the trip not only for the Easter Show as well as those who come to town for what is a little over a week long Harness Racing Carnival.
As for the racing, here goes...
Friday : ID Heats, Derby Heats.
Monday : ID Heats, Ladyship Mile, Oaks Heats.
Thursday : ID Heats, Chariots of Fire.
Sunday : ID Final, Derby, Oaks.
I'd also have :
Trotting Classic. 2 Heats on the Thursday? with the final on Sunday.
MO-M1 2 Heats + Final.
M2-M5? 2 Heats + Final.
C1-C4 2 Heats + Final.
+ 1 race on each day for Country trained horses who qualified in the bush.
I also like the idea of an invitation race on Grand Final Day open for the first two home in the mares race, first two in the Chariots of Fire with the remaining spots filled by horses who just missed a place in the ID Final. How does 100K sound ? as well as a consolation for 17th+ carrying the equiv prize money of an ID Heat.
The Friday could be moved forward to the Thursday night if Good Friday is an issue.
I had a few hours to kill on the flight over