2025 TAB Eureka Presentation - Photo Courtesy of RacePix
FIVE new slot holders have joined the world’s richest pacing race, the $1.5 million TAB Eureka.
They join five foundation slot holders, who have signed on for another two years for the 2300m feature ro be run at Club Menangle in a new November 21 timeslot.
Rob Watson through his Soho Standardbreds successfully teamed with Bay Of Biscay to win last year and he is thrilled to be back.
“I jumped at the opportunity to grab a slot as soon as bids originally opened,” he said. “So, I didn’t hesitate to extend for another two years this time.
“It’s such an important race for the industry and the attention it brings, let alone the crowds they get at Menangle, is everything the game needs.
“Being of part of it was a huge thrill, teaming up with the winning horse like we did last year was something else.
“As a sport, it’s critical we have mega races like this, really aspirational races to stay relevant.
“Look at the massive impact the Everest has had in thoroughbred racing.”
The others returning are: Cordina Racing, Kevin and Kay Seymour, Team Zav and Western Jewel.
Joining them as slot holders for the next two years are: Go Racing, Levarg Racing Group, The Don, Rampant Standardbreds and Harnesslink.
"I've been lucky enough to win the TAB Eureka as an owner with Don Hugo and what a thrill that was," The Don's Tony Licastro said. "It's fantastic to come onboard as a slot owner and hopefully one of my horses will be good enough to run in my own slot."
The TAB Eureka, restricted to Australian-born three and four-year-old pacers, has proven a launching pad for greatness in its three-year history with contestants – headed by Leap To Fame and Don Hugo - winning the past three Inter Dominion finals, past three Miracle Miles and past two Blacks A Fakes.
As part of a scheduled review of the TAB Eureka after year three, the time slot for the race has been changed from early September to November 21.
“It makes strategic sense to ensure the TAB Eureka is a true Grand Final for our three and four-year-olds,” HRA chairman Graeme Campbell said.
“By staging the race in late November, our three-year-olds are a little stronger and a little more mature, whilst providing slot holders with more exposed form to ensure the best field possible.
“From a promotional viewpoint, we also find a strong place in the Australian sporting calendar, not just the racing calendar, with a view to casting more eyes on our industry.”
This year’s race is evolving by the month with much focus on whether a three-year-old can win it for the first time.
Fox Dan came the closest so far when second to stablemate Bay Of Biscay last year. He looks like a major player when he returns as a four-year-old this year.
NSW Derby winner Hollywood Strip has everybody talking and many predicting he could be the three-year-old to create history in the TAB Eureka.
He posted his 12th win from just 13 starts in last Saturday night’s Nutrien 3YO final at Wagga and will continue his TAB Eureka build-up through races like the Group 1 Rising Sun and Group 1 Queensland Derby at Albion Park in July.
