Stakes rise for pair of Group Ones

TWO of Victoria’s premier races have benefited from stakes boosts.

Harness Racing Victoria announced this morning the Victoria Cup and Great Southern Star will be increased this season.

The extra funds into the Grand Circuit events will have no affect on HRV’s current stakemoney budget for the term according to HRV General Manager of Racing Stephen Bell.

Bell also announced the Great Southern Star would revert to its original format of two heats and a Final on the same night.

The Group One will spearhead all-trotting Friday night card during the 2021 Summer of Glory.

“We are pleased to announce prizemoney increases to two of our major events and for the Great Southern Star to be returning to its original exciting format,” Bell said.

“On the Great Southern Star changes, it is important we recognise that trotting is a huge part of HRV’s international strategy.

“In time, the hope is we will regularly secure international participation in the Great Southern Star as part of a series of Victorian trotting features during summer.”

Scheduled to be conducted on October 10, the Victoria Cup’s stake has been lifted from $250,000 to $300,000.

The Great Southern Star has made the identical stake rise, with the addition of two $50,000 heats.