Tasmania battling to hold 1989 Inter-Dominions

Press, 28 January 1988, Page 37

Tasmania battling to hold 1989 Inter-Dominions

NZPA-AAP Sydney Tasmania appears to have lost its financial battle to stage the 1989 Inter-Dominion Pacing Championship. Plans to run the series there have been shelved because of the failure to find a sponsor and the withdrawal of Government funds. Nevertheless, a financial rescue mission has been launched by the Australian Harness Racing Council in conjunction

with the controlling bodies and host InterDominion clubs in each ’ state and New Zealand. “The announcement has come as a big shock for Tasmania harness racing and it is also a big disappointment for our rotation system under which the Inter-Dominion is conducted,” Ken Dyer, chief executive of the A.H.R.C., said. “If the other states can help out by contributing

finances then Tasmania still has a chance of holding the event, but it is asking a lot because some states are facing tough financial times themselves.” Mr Dyer said he hoped to know by early next week whether the Tasmanian series could be. resurrected. “Perth officials have been keeping a close eye on the crisis in Tasmania and they are willing to

hold the 1989 series a year ahead of schedule,” said Mr Dyer. An Inter-Dominion series such as the one to be held at Harold Park in March costs almost $1.5 million. “Prizemoney for all the supporting events as well as the Inters comes to about $1 million. Then you have advertising, promotions and extra employment costs to contend with, ” said Mr Dyer.

"I have my fingers crossed that we can keep the ’B9 series in Tasmania but we will have to wait and see.” The Harold Park series is shaping up as one of the biggest ever. I Leading Sydney trainerreinsman, Brian Hancock, has nominated five of his south coast stable, headed by the outstanding five-year-old Thorate, winner of his five races this

season. Others are Barwen Bill, Our Stretto and the Mr Alan Hunter-owned pair Young Pride and Fist of Fury. Mr Hunter will also have last year’s InterDominion winner My Lightning Blue in the series. The Bathurst-trained Cruise a Long, winner of 37 races and $146,398 in stake money has also been nominated.