Harness Racing New South Wales has unveiled an exciting new $100,000 bonus points system that will add another layer of competition to the 2026–27 Carnival of Cups, rewarding consistency across the five feature races that headline the popular regional series.
The new initiative will see horses competing in the feature race at each leg of the Carnival of Cups series accumulate points relative to their finishing position. The owners of the three highest points-scoring horses at the end of the series will share in a $100,000 bonus pool, with $70,000 awarded to first, $20,000 to second and $10,000 to third.
The Bonus Points system is in addition to a commitment to boost prizemoney on the feature race at each Carnival of Cups series leg to $100,000.
Harness Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter Buckman said the new format was another step forward in enhancing one of the industry's most successful regional racing initiatives.
"The Carnival of Cups has continued to evolve and has undoubtedly become one of the highlights of the harness racing calendar. This new bonus system gives owners another significant reason to support every leg of the Carnival," Mr Buckman said.
"Rather than rewarding a single performance, this initiative recognises horses that consistently perform at a high level across the entire series.
"It also keeps the competition alive right through to the final meeting, giving participants and fans another storyline to follow while encouraging horses to travel and contest multiple Cups."
Under the new format, points will be awarded from first through to twelfth place, ensuring horses that consistently perform at a high level remain firmly in contention throughout the Carnival.
The Bonus Points system will apply to the results of the feature race at each of the five Carnival of Cups meetings:
- Wagga - The Bidgee on 6 November, 2026
- Bathurst - Gold Rush Cup on 11 December, 2026
- Newcastle - Steel City Cup on 8 January, 2027
- Penrith - Renshaw Cup – on 30 January, 2027
- Albury - Murray Cup on 12 February, 2027
The final standings will be determined following the running of the Murray Cup at Albury, with bonus payments made to the owners of the top three point-scorers.
The Carnival of Cups continues to provide a showcase for regional harness racing across New South Wales and this season's program again promises outstanding competition. In addition to the five $100,000 feature races, the Carnival will incorporate the Regional Finals of the TAB Regional Championships, while the Albury meeting will feature a Fast Pass race to earn direct entry into the lucrative $150,000 state final at Club Menangle.
The introduction of the Bonus Points Series ensures every placing counts, with horses able to accumulate valuable points at each stop of the Carnival. The result is expected to deliver stronger fields, greater continuity throughout the series and increased interest from participants and fans alike as the race for the $100,000 bonus unfolds across regional New South Wales.
For more information on the 2026/27 Carnival of Cups Bonus Scheme click here.
For more information on the 2026/27 TAB Regional Championships click here.
