History was made when the Invercargill Harness Racing Club hosted the first ever Group 1 race in the region, the Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup, on Saturday.

Krug was the winner of the historic Cup race, winning by more than 4 lengths over a quality field.

Southlanders had a good day with several local horses saluting the judge including Wai Key Wee in the other group race of the day, the Group 3 Cox Family David Moss Stakes Handicap Trot.

A large crowd attended the event with a good walk-up crowd joining the many functions booked around the course.

Southern Harness Racing General Manager, Jason Broad said, “the day exceeded expectations. There was a great crowd, great atmosphere, great racing and it was enjoyed by all who attended.”

Lynley Morris won a 7-night stay at the Peninsular Beachfront Resort in Mooloolaba, courtesy of the resort with $1000 towards her travel contributed by the Beach Road Holiday Park in a lucky draw while the McLeay Jewellers Fashion In The Field was won by Colleen Bond.

Three punters were given an opportunity to have their bets placed on the Cup courtesy of the Invercargill Harness Racing Club in a sweepstake competition on an earlier race where the person who drew the winner received $1000 to spend, second $300 and third $200. 

The next Invercargill Harness Racing Club meeting is Diamonds Day on Sunday 23 April at Ascot Park Raceway, Invercargill but there is plenty of superb harness racing organised by the other clubs in the region in the intervening months.