Momentum building in South Australian Harness Racing

There’s plenty of positive news coming out of South Australian harness racing this week — with strong turnover figures from the SA Cup Carnival, a new incentive for juvenile pacers, a first winner for a notable broodmare, and the welcome return of a time-honoured classic.

Bonus Boost for SA Juvenile Racing

Following Harness Racing South Australia’s announcement that turnover across the two weeks of the Ladbrokes SA Cup Carnival rose by 17.5 per cent year-on-year — with Cup Night itself up 11.5 per cent — comes more good news for participants.

An additional $5,000 First Win Bonus will be introduced for eligible two-year-olds racing at Globe Derby Park in 2026.

Juvenile racing has long been an area in need of greater support, and this initiative from the South Australian Harness Racing Club (Globe Derby) in partnership with HRSA is a welcome boost. The incentive aims to encourage local breeding and greater investment in young stock.

To be eligible, a two-year-old must be Southern Cross eligible and have been trained and domiciled in South Australia for a minimum of 60 days.

Broodmare Breakthrough for Bubbles And Cheese

Former smart juvenile Bubbles And Cheese recorded her first success as a broodmare when Champagne Walsh broke through for victory at Mount Gambier on Friday night.

Bubbles And Cheese was one of the state’s leading youngsters — winning both the Golden Nursery and Southern Cross Final at two, and finishing runner-up in the Oaks and Southern Cross Series at three.

Champagne Walsh would have been a tonic for breeder Bob Maloney, who hasn’t been in the best of health recently. The pacer was bred and is owned by Bob and his wife Zita Maloney of Glencoe.

Trotters Oaks Returns to the Program

It’s also great to see the South Australian Trotters Oaks back on the program this Monday, with a field of six set to face the starter at Globe Derby.

Interstate stables make up half the line-up, with runners from Chris Lang (Jnr), Brent Lilley and Chris Svanosio among the key contenders.

by Gary Newton