Rich provincial event

Press, 19 June 1986, Page 28

Rich provincial event

" NZPA Sydney - A new sAustl 00,000 ‘ ($NZ131,000) pacing event at Bankstown on September 1 has become / the richest provincial event in Australian harness racing. The race, the Max Treuer Memorial Cup (2540 m was announced at a function in Bankstown by the Bankstown Hamess Racing Club president, Mr Paul Fitzpatrick. The race becomes one of the richest events in Australia, exceeding the previous top provincial events, The Carousel (sAust3s,ooo), the Kilmore Cup (sAust4o,ooo), and Cranbourne Cup (sAust3s,ooo). It compares favourably with New South Wales’ richest race, the sAustlss,ooo Miracle Mde, and the main city class race,

the sAustl2s,ooo Hunter Cup. The Treuer Memorial is the largest single unsponsored event offered by a provincial club. “The race is named in honour of the late Max Treuer, senior, the undoubted father of trotting at Bankstown,” said Mr Fitzpatrick. The Treuer Memorial will act as an ideal leadup event for the Grand Circuit, which begins in Brisbane in mid-Septem-ber. The race will be started from a mobile barrier over 2540 m, with preferential barrier draw applying to prizemoney. To be eligible a pacer must have won a minimum 10 races and the club anticipates that most of Australia and New Zealand’s top horses will be nominated when entries close on August 21. Bankstown will also

stage two sAustlo,ooo Prelude Free-For-Alls over the 1740 m sprint distance on August 25. Pacers contesting these events will be considered for a start in the Treuer Memorial the following Monday. The Recreation Club and Harness Racing Society believe that this is an outstanding opportunity to promote the city of Bankstown.They have planned a street parade on Saturday, August 30 nad a “Breakfast with the Stars” and a function to welcome visiting owners and trainers on Sunday, August 31. The Mayor of Bankstown, Aiderman Kevin Hill, said: “Our ambition is to see Bankstown with the number one track.” “Hamess racing is important to the people of Bankstown and we are only-Joo pleased to offer the club our support.”