From the Callers Box – September 2024

All the local feature racing has come and gone, for the time being.

The Constellations, the QBRED Triad Finals race night…. all are said and done now, congratulations to all feature race winners throughout 2024.

So, what’s next?

What’s remaining for Albion Park in 2024?

A smattering of features will take place during the summer carnival, but that’s about it.

The next big event will be the inaugural Ultimate Drivers Championship scheduled for February next year.

The Ladbrokes Ultimate Driver Championship will see 10 drivers compete in a 20-race series across two feature nights at the Creek in February 2025, with over $250,000 in prize money on offer.

The unique series will see slot holders pick both the drivers and horses to compete in the slots across the 20 races.

Of the 10 slots, nine will be available to purchase for $20,000 each, with Championship sponsor Ladbrokes to fill the remaining slot.

Syndicates, businesses or individuals were eligible to apply for slots, with a selection panel made up of RQ and Albion Park Harness Racing Club representatives to determine slot holders in line with the selection criteria should there be more applicants than slots available.

Applications closed on July 31, 2024, and announcements are expected any day now.

Promotion of this brand-new event will be fascinating!

Why are we falling behind with the promotion of harness racing on a broader scale? Many feel the Constellations proved that with the promotion (or lack thereof) of the world’s best pacer Leap To Fame failing to hit the heights expected.

More broadly, other new harness features have also struggled to hit the mark.

So, how do we right this wrong?

What’s the best way forward? Electronic/print media? Social Media? Word of mouth? Letterbox drop? What’s the right way to go forward?

How do we get this right? Some of the best drivers in the world will be competing and deserve to be feted in the best possible manner, it’s a perfect opportunity to create a new vibe for the code.

Can Albion Park lead the way?

Time is ticking, and we’re on the clock!

It’s time for innovative thinking, a fresh approach and a complete makeover.

We need to be better.

Until next time.