Harness Racing NSW have allocated an extra $5000 to ensure the MIA Breeders Plate will retain its group three status.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Prizemoney for Leeton’s two-year-old feature had been almost halved for 2019 before the peak body stepped in.
Now the prestigious race on January 25 will be worth $30,000.
It is down $10,00 from the past three editions of the race, but the added extra ensures it remains a group three.
Leeton secretary Joanne Punch was thrilled to receive the extra money.
“It is great,” Punch said.
“It will keep it up in that status as it up there before.”
As part of the initial changes there is no early nomination payment required this season, which makes judging how many two-year-olds will run difficult.
Col Thomas has qualified already two two-year-olds at Leeton and Punch said there has been good interest.
“There is a couple in the green trials and I’ve seen a couple in the results from Coolamon,” she said.
“There are some at Menangle so there a few getting about and we’ve had a few inquires.
“Quite a few people are ringing up wanting to know about the nomination to see what they have to do, which is a good thing.”
Leeton’s first meeting will be on December 26 before the Carnival of Cups feature on January 1.
Heats of the MIA Breeders Plate are on January 11 before the final two weeks later.
READ MORE
