Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) announced the return of the series on Wednesday, with the addition of an extra $100,000 state final at Menangle.

The state will again be divided into four where the Regional Championships will be conducted like last year, but the first two home in each region will progress to 'The TAB State Final'.

The series will again be open to Australian-bred pacers that are four years of age or older, but do not have a rating of over 70.

Harness Racing NSW chief executive John Dumesny is pleased to be able to put on the series again.

"Out of adverse circumstances our participants have been the beneficiaries of a series of races which will deliver rewards to a greater number of participants and for that I must thank the Tabcorp executive," Dumesny said.

"Faced with the doom of the coronavirus pandemic, Tabcorp's managing director of wagering and media Adam Rytenskild was solid behind the plan to give the industry participants a lift in such daunting times.

"What is even more pleasing is that Tabcorp has confirmed its support of the Regional Championships for an extended period of time, well past the original three years.

"This half-a-million-dollars series of group one races for lower grade horses is not available anywhere else in Australia and is another example of the benefits of racing in the premier state...NSW."

The two rounds of heats will be held at Wagga's Riverina Paceway on May 7 and 14 before the $100,000 regional final on Sunday, May 23. The state final at Menangle will be held on Saturday May 29 over 2400m.

Each heat will be worth $9500, while each region's consolation final will be worth $14,500. A $25,000 state consolation final will also be held at Menangle on May 29.

Wagga Harness Racing Club president Terry McMillan is looking forward to hosting the series again.

"The regional series is great, we had a few good locals have a bit of success this year and you haven't got the metropolitan visitors coming and taking all of your prizemoney," McMillan said.

"It gives the locals more of a crack at it."

READ MORE