We’re just weeks away from the new season at Collie and the club is already gearing up for a bumper calendar with the Coalfield Bonus Series running across all four meetings, with the first one kicking off on Sunday, October 5.
The four meetings are spread over a six-week period, with race meetings scheduled for October 5, October 12, November 2 and November 16, the final race being the George Ashcroft Memorial.
Points are awarded throughout the series, with 1st gaining 8 points, 2nd – 7 points, 3rd – 6 points, decreasing in single increments all the way down to 8th placing – 1 point.
With $5000 on offer, the winner of the series will pocket an incredible $3000, $1000 to second placing, $500 to third, $300 for fourth and fifth placing taking home a bonus $200.
With the series run over four races, one at each meeting, the October 5 meeting will feature a NR 30-45 race, with a preferential barrier draw on national rating, with novice driver concessions and mare’s concession allowances on each race, with 5 rating points in each case.
Preference will go to westbred pacers for the series, with future reference that field selection will be given to pacers that have started in races designated to the Coalfield Series at Collie.
“We’ve revamped it this year so that horses are eligible for all meetings.
“It means that horses that have won can still continue to run in these races.” Club President Brian Wheeler said.
The first meeting features the $8000 King Coal Cup (2670mSS) and the first meeting sees the return of the South West Pony Trotters for their new season.
Having taken out the King Coal Cup eight times now, Matt Scott is hoping to make that nine King Coal Cups with plenty of hopes aimed for the feature.
"I'll probably have Franco Mecca, Lukes Mistake, Mikipelo and Mydadtheterror heading that way." Matt Scott said.
Mikipelo took out the 2024 King Coal Cup for Scott, with the stable on a roll after taking out the feature in 2023 as well with Follow The Music.
The club continues with their community spirit, with Wheeler confirming that each race carries a winning trophy, as well as plenty on offer for the crowds, with a bike up for grab for the kids, the chocolate wheel and for something different this year, they’ve brought in the Grab for Cash, with $500 up for grabs.
The Grab for Cash gives one lucky patron a chance to win at each meeting, with a fan in a large container blowing cash around, the player is given 30 seconds to grab as much money as they can.
The club is looking forward to their 2025 return, with the first meeting just weeks away.