As the $300,000 Racing & Sports The Rising Sun approaches it is important to pass on some information regarding this race and the Consolation.
In previous years a $50,000 Consolation of The Rising Sun has been held on the same night.
However in 2026 due to a congested program of feature races the $50,000 Rising Sun Consolation has been scheduled to be run at Albion Park on Thursday July 2.
To be eligible for the Consolation horses must be nominated for the $300,000 Rising Sun on Saturday July 4.
Nominations close 10am Monday June 29 for both the Thursday July 2 and Saturday July 4 programs at Albion Park.
With some 4YO's likely to be dual nominated for the Inter Dominion and some 3YO's also having options in the South East Oaks and Derby on Saturday July 4 it is important for trainers to pass on their preferences for one race over another.
As there is a plethora of outstanding talent likely to be nominated for the Rising Sun and only limited spaces available in the race it is inevitable that a number of highly talented horses won't make the cut for the main race which is why a $50,000 Consolation is scheduled each year.
To date five horses have been invited to contest The Rising Sun including Captains Mistress NZ, Fate Awaits, Final Deadline NZ, Hollywood Strip (3YO) and Marketplace NZ.
If no other invites are forwarded the remaining seven places in the field may be comprised of The Queensland Sun winner and six horses selected on form by Racing Queensland handicappers with the intention that at least one other 3YO is selected.
The selection criteria will be according to Racing Queensland's Manual Field Selection Policy of form over the last 6 starts.
The winner of the $300,000 Rising Sun, if 4YO, will be eligible for the $1,000,000 Inter Dominion Grand Final on July 18 should all the relevant acceptance fees be paid and on the condition the horse also contests the Kevin Thomas 4YO on Saturday July 11.
Should anyone have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the Racing Queensland Harness Racing Office on (07) 3869 9775 or harnesshandicapping@racingqueensland.com.au
