Slot Races – Show Day Twilight Races
THE ASCENT and THE VELOCITY will see the country’s top three-year-old trotters and pacers battle it out over 1980 metres. At stake is a total prize pool of $1m, $500,000 for each race.
View full announcement of THE ASCENT and THE VELOCITY here.
The “Sold Out” signs are out for the first ever slot races to be held as part of the Show Day Twilight races at Addington Raceway on November 15.
View full article here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Slot Race and how much does it cost?
The slot refers to an automatic entry to the race. These slots are sold as licenses, with the slot owner, who may be one person or consortium, entitled to start whichever eligible horse they decide on. For THE ASCENT and THE VELOCITY each slot will cost $30,000.
Who Selects the Slot Holders?
Ultimate selection rests with the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club. The club has a specially-appointed panel who will decide who gets entry into the two races.
What happens if all slots are not sold?
There will be 10 slots available in both THE ASCENT and THE VELOCITY. If slots remain unsold then negotiations will be held between the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, HRNZ and other parties to buy the remaining slots.
What is the prize money for all horses?
Each race is worth a total $500,000. The connections of the winning horse will get $210,000 to be divided between the slot-holder and the horse owner, depending on what arrangement they have.
1st – $210,000
2nd – $65,000
3rd – $50,000
4th – $42,500
5th – $32,500
6th – 10th – $20,000
How much does the slot-holder get?
Slot-holder guaranteed 50% of stake to 5th, then 67% for 6th below, unless separately agreed in writing.
What other slot races does harness racing have in NZ?
The now $1m ‘The Race by Grins’, as part of the Night of Champions at Cambridge, was the first harness racing slot race in this country in 2022. It was won by Self Assured. Trotting got its equivalent with the first running of the TAB Trot Slot at the same meeting this year. It was won by Australian visitor Just Believe. THE ASCENT and THE VELOCITY will be the first slot races held at Addington.
Who’s Eligible?
All three-year-old trotters and pacers are eligible for the two races. It is up to the slot-holder to find the horses they think will be best for the races. They can be from New Zealand, Australia or beyond.
What’s the difference between a trotter and a pacer?
The difference is that a trotter moves its legs forward in diagonal pairs (right front and left hind, then left front and right hind striking the ground simultaneously), whereas a pacer moves its legs laterally (right front and right hind together, then left front and left hind). Generally speaking a pacer is quicker than a trotter.
Who would be the best NZ three-year-old ever?
This is very subjective but Millwood Nike and Courage Under Fire both won nine out of nine in their three-year-old seasons.
What is the timetable from here?
16 August – Race names announced
19 August – Applications open 9am
30 August – Application process finishes 4pm
9 September – Slot Holder Announcement
11 November – Barrier Draw
15 November – Race Day!