THE MIA Breeders Plate has been given a financial boost as the Leeton Harness Racing moves to ensure its feature race continues to attract strong fields.
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Already the most prestigious harness race in the region, it will now be the richest with trainers chasing a $40,000 purse next season, the same as the Young Pacers Cup.
The increase will see 2016’s edition its richest ever and become a group three event for the first time since 2011.
Unlike in previous years the winning trainer won’t receive a float or gig, with those funds going into the prize money, but Leeton secretary Joanne Punch believes its a good move for the club.
A lack of numbers has been a problem for the club, particularly in the last two years, and its hoped the extra prize money will see more two-year-olds produced early.
“It’s always a concern because the big races are later in the year and a lot of them don’t want to do it and worry about starting them early, but we want to keep it going because it is the 62nd running of it this year,” Punch said.
Trainer Paul Kahlefeldt, who won the plate with Lettucerocku in 2010, believes it’s a good move for the club.
“I think the old prize money just wasn’t enough for people to push towards that race,” Kahlefledt said.
“I think it’s a great move, but I don’t think it will get a lot more – it will get a few more horses but it won’t be the numbers they got years ago.
“Foals are being born later and people are setting them for the bigger group ones.
“People get theit horses ready for Bathurst and then there is a flow on to the Breeders Challenge, APG and Breeders Crown.”
Kahlefeldt would like to see the date moved to be a lead up race for Bathurst’s two-year-old features, however changing the date isn’t being considered by the club.
“No way – it’s always going to be on that date,” Punch said.
The club is also looking to strengthen it’s carnival by increasing the prize money for the Golden Apple Superstore C0 series and the Bells Produce C1-C2.
It is hoped the finals of both races will be increased to $15,000 however the increase won’t be confirmed until Carnival Of Cups funding is finalised.
Punch believes strengthening those races will be more attractive to runners with potential two-year-olds.
“If they have their youngens and get the going now it’s not bad prize money to bring a load along for other races,” Punch said.
Following last year’s move, there is a one-off $250 fee nomination to be eligible for the race with entries closing on November 1.
