APG Race Series: COVID-19 Update

26 March 2020 | Australian Pacing Gold

The Board of Australian Pacing Gold met today (26 March) to determine the best way forward for Series 29 [3yo] and Series 30 [2yo] Events planned for April and May 2020.

Given the closure of State Borders, it is not possible to conduct either the 2yo or 3yo Series races as planned.

Accordingly, in consultation with the Controlling Bodies and Principal Clubs in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia, the Board resolved to seek a POSTPONEMENT of both Series 29 and Series 30 by TWELVE MONTHS.

The effect for each Series will be as follows:

Series 29 [Horses sold at APG Yearling sales in 2018]          

  • Fully sustained horses will compete in the ‘3yo leg of the Series’ in April/May 2021 at the age of FOUR.
  • The 3yo Championship Races will be conducted in July/August 2021 at the age of FOUR

Series 30  [Horses sold at APG Yearling sales in 2019]         

  • Fully sustained horses will compete in the ‘2yo leg of the Series’ in April/May 2021 at the age of THREE.
  • The 2yo Championship Races will be conducted in July/August 2021 at the age of THREE
  • Fully sustained horses will compete in the ‘3yo leg of the Series’ in April/May 2022 at the age of FOUR.
  • The 3yo Championship Races will be conducted in July/August 2021 at the age of FOUR

Series 31  [Horses sold at APG Yearling sales in 2020]

  • This Series is NOT affected.

Brisbane Sales Race

  • APG will adopt a “wait and see” strategy with the 2yo Brisbane Sales Race.  If racing is available in August, our preference would be to run the $100,000 2yo Brisbane Sales Race in its scheduled timeslot.  However, if that becomes an impossibility, then we will look to reschedule the race as early as possible once racing resumes, whilst giving adequate lead-time to participants to enable horses to achieve race fitness.

APG acknowledges that many will be disappointed that their APG Group One winning dream has been deferred by twelve months, but on a positive note, 100% of the $2million+ prizemoney that was originally allocated to the Series remains available and will be won by APG’s loyal participants in 2021.

The Board feels that the decision to defer the Series is the responsible way to deal with the many challenges posed by the current health crisis, and offers certainty for participants during a time when the evolving nature of the government’s COVID-19 containment strategies sees the landscape changing on a daily basis.

David Boydell
General Manager
Australian Pacing Gold

 

Related News

21 October 2025
Millar keeps on track with winning double at Geelong
It was a night to remember for Meredith hobby trainer Carson Millar, who landed his first career double at Geelong on Friday. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY AT THETROTS.COM.AU
21 October 2025
Rising Stars to Shine at Breeders Challenge Finals Night
With more than 2000 wins between them, Harness Racing New South Wales is proud to announce the talented line-up of young drivers who will contest the 2025 Rising Stars feature race at Club Menangle this Saturday on Nutrien NSW Breeders Challenge Finals night. The Rising Stars event has become a key highlight...
21 October 2025
Sisterly rivalry ignites as Wight outduels Manning at Terang
Sisterly love was nowhere to be seen in Terang last night as Michelle Wight and Kerryn Manning battled out the second event. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY AT THETROTS.COM.AU
21 October 2025
The Screaming Jets to Headline Carnival of Cups in Newcastle
The secret can finally be revealed! Hometown heroes The Screaming Jets will return to the Steel City to headline the TAB Carnival of Cups trackside entertainment at the Newcastle Harness Racing Club on 5 December. It will mark a return to the Carnival of Cups stage for the Jets, who had racegoers bouncing...
20 October 2025
'Fresh set of eyes' – Racing Queensland executive Goodbody to lead HRA
Queensland administrator Richard Goodbody will leave his role at Racing Queensland after seven years, having been named as the replacement for Andrew Kelly as chief executive of Harness Racing Australia. Administrator Richard Goodbody will bring major sporting event experience as well as in-depth tricode...
Click for more