'Horse of Steel' galvanises Dubbo and Parkes

The progressive Dubbo Harness Racing Club planned to run three unique race series' during the 2014/15 harness racing season. Firstly the flagship event, the Gr. 3 Red Ochre Mares Classic was this year won by Freedom Is. The highly popular Club Dubbo Dooza Hobbyist series was taken out by Peggyville while the season long Dooza Horse of Steel is just starting to heat up in the central west.

Following on from its previous outstanding Iron Horse Invitational series conducted for the 2012/13 racing season, Dubbo this year invited neighbouring club Parkes to participate in its season long promotion. Horses that race at either Dubbo or Parkes earn points towards a final called the Dooza Horse of Steel Invitational which will be run at Dubbo's final meeting of the season on Sunday 30 August.

The point score is set up in such a way as to encourage trainers to continue to race at both places. Winners receive five points, second four, third three with all unplaced starters receiving two points. The final is open to the 10 highest point scorers with invitations issued to others in order of points earned should any eligible horse not participate.

The final carries a Dooza Racing Gig valued at over $7000 as a trophy to the winning trainer.

Currently 599 horses have started at either or both Dubbo & Parkes this season. Hayes & Kidd from the Jason Gaffney stables leads the way on 43 points followed by Saint Dal Santo on 42 with Laser in Flight a further point away in third. Sunnybrae, despite only having run one place all season currently sits in equal 18th on the list with 29 points. Of the top 20 horses in contention 16 have different trainers.

Any horse within the top 100 remains a chance while they continue to race at Parkes or Dubbo. With eight meetings remaining for horses to earn points the competition for a top ten spot is still wide open.

Greg Hayes