Big guns on both sides of the Tasman come to the table for Cambridge’s first TAB Trot Slot

Many of Australasia’s key players are among the eight slot holders confirmed for the first slot race for trotters, the TAB Trot Slot, at Cambridge next year.

The inaugural edition of TAB Trot Slot, which will carry an initial stake of $575,000, will be held at Cambridge Raceway on Grins Night of Champions, April 12.

The slot holders who will be scouting for runners in the mobile 2200 metre race for trotters aged three or older are:

* TAB NZ

* Aldebaran Park

* All Stars Racing/ Chris Ryder

* Cullen Breeding

* Haras Des Trotteurs

* Hidden Honey

* Strike Won Racing

* Taylor St Racing Club Syndicate

Cambridge Raceway CEO Dave Branch said it was great to have key players in the harness industry involved.

“We have a really good mix of individuals and businesses which will bring their own energy to the promotion of the race,” he said.

“For us the goal was to get the race off the ground in year one, so that like The Race by Grins, we have something to grow in future years.

“This race wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Entain NZ & Australia and the slot holders who have backed this concept from the start.

“We’re excited to see the negotiations begin now as to who can secure which horses. That will be a huge part of the build-up. There’s already a lot of discussion underway and we think it could be one of the best trotting fields we’ve seen in New Zealand.”

While there was opportunity for 10 slot holders, the race will go ahead with just eight runners in the first year.