Racing WA Announces Enhanced Harness Racing Programming for January 2025
Introduction of the Summer Series
The Summer Series marks the commencement of enhanced heat-and-final series' which are planned throughout the year for all categories of horses. This exciting series is designed to provide a clear and rewarding pathway for horses of all abilities to race for metropolitan stakes.
The Summer Series Finals will take place on 31 January, featuring metropolitan stakes races in the following categories:
- Maidens - $21,000
- 1 win fillies and mares - $21,000
- 2 win horses - $23,000
- No Metro Win fillies and mares - $25,000
- No Metro Win open - $25,000
- Two metro win open - $27,000
- Up to NR 60 - $23,000
The 2025 season will kick off its first two-year-old race on 27 January at Pinjarra, showcasing the next generation of racing stars. With many rising two-year-olds at trials already, it provides an early platform for emerging talent to shine. If sufficient nominations allow, the race will be split by sex.
Return of the Nights of Thunder
The always thrilling Nights of Thunder series returns in January, delivering high-octane racing action over 1730m. Heats for this $50,000 event will take place on Friday, 17 January, with the final set for 24 January at Gloucester Park. This series is open to horses with up to 4 metropolitan wins, with preferential draw on metropolitan wins ensuring a diverse and competitive lineup.
These updates reflect Harness Racing WA’s commitment to programming that aligns with the sport's seasonal patterns and the current horse population with a renewed emphasis on providing increased opportunities for concession drivers, and fillies and mares. By focusing on delivering full and competitive fields, the new programming aims to increase wagering opportunities and maximise returns to participants while enhancing the overall appeal of harness racing.