Prizemoney for Group Racing

[Hermione]

I think maybe the problem is the prize money dictates whether it is Grp1, 2, or 3. Not sure where I got that information from? Apologies if it is incorrect

[arlington]

At the other end of the scale - it seems somewhat ridiculous that a 2yo race (Menangle Sat.) in which more than half the field are first starters is a Gp2 $51k race
I know a couple of them have nice siblings but ideally we want Gp races contested by horses that have proven themselves to be Gp quality.
I guess the problem could be that it is too early in the season to be having Gp 2yo races

https://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=PC180217#8

I know a couple of them have nice siblings... Does that mean anything at all Kev?

[Mark Croatto]

I think maybe the problem is the prize money dictates whether it is Grp1, 2, or 3. Not sure where I got that information from? Apologies if it is incorrect

The prize money does dictate the classification of the race as a group or listed event. In Australia for pacing events $25k to $29.9k = Listed Event, $30k to $49.9k = Group 3, $50k to $99.9k = Group 2, and $100k upwards = Group 1.

The full details can be read here http://www.harness.org.au/hra/feature/gr_glines.pdf

Cheers

Mark

[Messenger]

I know a couple of them have nice siblings... Does that mean anything at all Kev?

I was thinking along the lines of the gallops really Wayne, sometimes they have a big 2yo race that attract the top echelon from their sales, some of whom are first starters

[aussiebreno]

I would suggest the decision to put these horses in a Gp2 first up are decisions based on what they been showing on the training track, not their breeding.
Even the 3yo fillies - I would think Royal Story had Oaks plans even before her trial wins.

[Messenger]

I would suggest the decision to put these horses in a Gp2 first up are decisions based on what they been showing on the training track, not their breeding.
Even the 3yo fillies - I would think Royal Story had Oaks plans even before her trial wins.

True Breno, the big $ 2yo gallops races I was thinking of would have had first starters entered on the basis of what they had shown at home

[Messenger]

Well Divine State made it a Gp2 I will not forget for a long time. He has virtually run the same time as Hector did in the Gp1 FFA and taken half a second off Lettucerockthem's 2yo Australasian Record and it is only February!

[Messenger]

From 1 January 2023, the minimum dollar thresholds for group races will be increased as follows:



The minimum prizemoney for Group 1 races to be $150,000 for Pacers (from $100,000) and $75,000 for Trotters (from $50,000);
The minimum prizemoney for Group 2 races to be $75,000 for Pacers (from $50,000) and $50,000 for Trotters (from $30,000);
The minimum prizemoney for Group 3 races to be $50,000 for Pacers (from $30,000) and $30,000 for Trotters (from $20,000).


A major basis for the change is to have Group status available for predominantly open races only. Meaning races that with restricted eligibility will only allowed Listed status. Restricted races include: yearling sale races, races restricted by rating, earnings and races that are heats and consolations.

https://www.harness.org.au/media-roo...?news_id=50882

[Messenger]

You can see why we need the above increases (and more). Although I am very much for getting rid of $4,500 races we have to have races that justify high sale prices
A case in point. Bondi Lockdown (first invite to the Rising Sun on July 9) has won three Gp1's (plus a 2nd) plus won a Gp3 and been placed in other Group races
And yet he has only won $329k so far

[Messenger]

The Ainsworth tonight is a good field but should it be a Gp1 seeing as though it is essentially a consolation for the MM?
Mind you it will have to have an increase to $150k to remain one next year

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fie...22#PCM05032203