\u201cWe are so proud of our once-a-year meeting, and this new race is an incredible addition to the day in 2026 and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n
With\u00a0major sponsor Cargill on board, the feature event in Birchip will be run for\u00a0$125,000 in each of the first two years\u00a0and boasts a unique set of conditions that asks slot holders to find the right horse at just the right time in their career.<\/p>\n
Harness Racing Victoria chief executive Matt Isaacs said it was a \u2018terrific concept between the club and HRV, which will turn up the dial on what is already one of the great Sundays of country racing\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cI congratulate Birchip and its harness racing community in embracing this opportunity,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI am sure plenty will line up to be the first slot holder or trainer to win the\u00a0Running of the Bulls, and that many more will flock to be trackside on March 8.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each horse in the final field will represent one of 10 slot holders, which will include the race sponsor Cargill.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The remaining nine successful parties will be chosen based on criteria, including their previous engagement and co-operation with the club and HRV, and their capacity to promote and attend the race.<\/p>\n
Slots have been set at $10,000 per year, with a two-year commitment for 2026 and 2027.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Slot-holder expressions of interest close on November 14, before a committee selects the successful applicants, who will then be tasked with finding their perfect horse.<\/p>\n
The 2026 race conditions have been carefully crafted to draw a field of emerging types and country warriors. They include:<\/p>\n
A 2150-metre pacing race for horses four years and older, with a preferential barrier draw.<\/p>\n
Horses must have a national rating of no more than 90 and have not won a race worth $50,000 or more since January 1, 2024.<\/p>\n
Horses with a national rating of 91-plus are eligible, providing they have not won a race worth $15,000 or more.<\/p>\n
The horse must be Victorian-trained from December 1, 2025.<\/p>\n
Sharp said the club had already received outstanding community support for the concept.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe club thanks Cargill Cares for getting behind us, a small group of passionate club supporters for planting the seed, and HRV for its support to make it all happen,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Andrew Lee is the co-chairperson of Cargill Cares, an arm of multinational food corporation Cargill that supports initiatives with local impacts.<\/p>\n
\u201cCargill Cares is set up to support organisations and not-for-profit clubs, and we are really happy to get this project off the ground,\u201d Lee said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMyself and fellow co-chairperson Andy Barber are thrilled to support this event along with Cargill Cares.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe annual Birchip meeting is a special one for the local community, and it will now go to a whole new level with Victoria\u2019s very first harness slot race.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information, visit www.thetrots.com.au\/event\/2026-running-of-the-bulls.<\/p>\n
\u2013\u00a0 Harness Racing Victoria<\/p>\n