One of the biggest international events to ever come to Winton is set to go at Central Southland Raceway on Sunday 9 November.

Ten of the world’s best harness racing drivers descend on the town on that day to fight out the fifth of six rounds of the World Drivers Championship 25.

The drivers come from Italy, USA, Australia, the Netherlands, Canada, Sweden, Germany, France, Finland and of course New Zealand – represented by seven-time New Zealand champion Blair Orange.

Orange is rated as favourite by many of the other competitors, home advantage being a factor in that favouritism. However, luck will play a big part for all the drivers with drives in the championship heats decided by draw.

Rick Ebbinge of the Netherlands has won the last two World Drivers Championships and this year the Dutch representative is Jasp Van Rijn.

While he has 900 career wins Van Rijn has never raced with pacers before, only trotters, so has a big learning curve ahead.

2013 Champion Pierre Vercruysse of France is among the field while the 2017 Champion, Canada’s James MacDonald, is also in the line-up and has driven 4,087 career winners.

Another prolific winner over the course of his career is Giampaolo Minnnuci, who represents Italy.

Gary Hall Jr of Australia will be a familiar name to many kiwis having reigned 4,171 winners and has driven in New Zealand many times before. Hall says competing in this championship is a career highlight.

Completing the field is 22-year-old Brett Beckworth (USA), Santtu Raitala (Finland), Michael Nimczyk (Germany) and Mats Djuse of Sweden whose biggest win came in the Copenhagen Cup.

Racing will commence at 12 noon on the day with a full day of races highlighted by four World Driver Championship heats.

Drivers are matched to horses in each heat through a random draw, ensuring a level playing field, and points are awarded based on race finishes.

Elsewhere on the day great prizes will be up for grabs in the Ladies Fashion In The Field competition where judging will be based on the most stylish and best dressed lady so hats and heels are essential.

Hospitality and sponsorship opportunities are almost sold out so be in quick.

Trackside marquee packages are also available for groups of all sizes.

To make inquiries or arrange sponsorship or hospitality bookings contact the Winton Harness Racing Club through Lindsay Beer at either 021 351 499 or at [email protected]