Racing: Traditional Inter Dominion looms

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The Inter Dominion could be about to return to its traditional format with provisions to fuel Kiwi interest in the series.

What was once harness racing's greatest event has been diluted in recent seasons, firstly by the trotting series being dropped and secondly, by a radical change to heats being held around Australasia on one night before a final at Menangle two weeks later.

That format, which will be staged again next year, has resulted in two stunning finals and has anchored what is now Australasian harness racing's highest-quality meeting of the year at Menangle in early March.

However, the Inter Dominion Final overall has lost some of its aura, with critics blaming the departure from the three rounds of heats format, while other races like the Miracle Mile, Victoria, Hunter, New Zealand and Auckland Cups regularly attract better or comparable fields.

Perth harness racing officials are hoping to reignite that flame, though, with their bid for the series from 2016-18 based on it returning to its traditional three rounds of heats, followed by a Friday night final.

The Inter Dominion hosting rights go up for tender, with the winning state or club granted the series for three years.

Menangle's tenure runs out with the final next March and bids for the 2016-18 series close in Australia on Monday.

It is doubtful whether Victoria, which has the busiest carnival programme of any Australian state will bid for it, while NSW is not showing its hand.

Neither Addington nor Alexandra Park will bid for the hosting rights.

Gloucester Park in Perth will and has the backing of the WA State Government, via its racing board RAWA (Racing and Wagering WA).

If their bid is successful, and they would have to be a warm favourite at the moment, they will hold three rounds of heats, possibly with one or two of those rounds held at a track outside of Perth, most likely Pinjarra.

Then there would be a Friday night final, which has the potential to lure a huge crowd by modern-day harness racing standards, because Gloucester Park is located close to the CBD of Perth.

A return to the traditional Inter Dominion format will be popular with racing traditionalists and Perth bosses told the Herald yesterday if they are successful they will endeavour to make series participation as easy as possible for visitors.

That would include putting on free air transport for leading horses from the eastern states of Australia, where many Kiwi pacers will already be competing in races like the Victoria Cup.

Gloucester Park officials say if their bid is successful, they will entertain an earlier time slot for the final to accommodate harness racing fans in eastern states and New Zealand who may not be keen to stay up until, in the case of New Zealand, 1am to watch the series climax.