News Article - Australian Harness Racing

Graham: Are there too many Group 1s in Australia?

07 May 2021 | Brittany Graham

For the second week in a row Group 1 racing will staged at harness headquarters in Victoria.

Tabcorp Park Melton will host the Aldebaran Park Vicbred Platinum Homegrown Classic finals for two-year-old trotters over the sprint trip.

In the colts and geldings division, only 10 runners contested the lone heat at Maryborough, with all starters progressing through to the final. The fillies' division did host two heats with a total of 15 fillies competing therefore the top five in each heat improve through to their rich final.

This occurrence begs the question, are there too many Group 1 races on the Australian calendar?

Related News

13 June 2026
Banjo Star shines first-up in Launceston: Three-year-old gelding Banjo Star ($1.09 fav) opened his Tasmanian account when claiming a no more than one lifetime win race over 2200m in Launceston on Friday night. Banjo Star was first-up from a spell after winning on debut at Kilmore in November. Victorian trainer Michael Breen gave driving responsibilities...

13 June 2026
Rixon hungry for more success: During the 2026 Queensland Constellations, Will Rixon will partner with a pair of horses at the opposite ends of their careers. Rixon is the regular driver for Max Delight which will tackle the Inter Dominion, while he also takes the reins behind Senses who will target all the three-year-old races for...

12 June 2026
Corey O'Donoghue's life in harness racing: Harness racing has always been part of Corey O’Donoghue’s life. The son of respected stud master and trainer Stephen O’Donoghue, Corey plays an active role in the family operation at Morley Park, helping train and care for the horses alongside his parents and grandfather. He also takes...

12 June 2026
Nieuwenburg's Numbers: Stats that shape Saturday at Melton: Bronte Nieuwenburg has taken a deep dive into the upcoming Saturday night meeting at Melton, using stats and sectional times to break down the key runners. From the quickest gate speed, to the fastest swoopers and top overall performers, here’s a look at the best of each race, with a focus on horse,...

12 June 2026
GOODFORM – TOC's thoughts on Melton: Tim O'Connor has done the form for the nine-race card at Melton Entertainment Park on June 13. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL FORM ANALYSIS

Click for more