Geelong’s Team Zav takes on TAB Eureka

GEELONG’S Team Zav is heading to Menangle and will represent the state in the second running of the world’s richest harness race, the TAB Eureka.

Local business owners and harness racing enthusiasts Danny and Joanna Zavitsanos were the only Victorians to secure a slot in tomorrow’s (Saturday, September 7) race, with the inaugural event running last September.

For the second time the team is not taking its own horse but is instead using one from the leading Victorian harness racing stable of Tonkin Stewart.

“We owe it to the race to put the best horse in our slot, we feel like custodians of harness racing,” Joanna said.

With $2.1 million up for grabs, Joanna said the team always wanted to put its best foot forward when choosing a horse, selecting Major Delight this year.

“Major Delight, has been a standout all season,” she said.

“Last year, the race was won by the four-year-old mare, Encipher, out of that stable and my husband’s hoping for a repeat of history, so hopefully the stars align.”

New South Wales driver Ashleigh Delosa will take the reins for the race after winning on the mare a number of times.

“She’s a young driver, but every time she drives Major Delight the horse goes for her, so she’s clearly got ability and they’ve got a mutual respect and an understanding of one another,” Joanna said.

Geelong local Sam Lockhart has been a big supporter of Team Zav and the Geelong Harness Racing Club (GHRC), and is heading to the race this year with the Zavitsonos covering his expenses.

A percentage of any winnings the team brings home will also be going back to the GHRC.

“We’re giving a little bit back to the club and I’m sure they will make very good use of it and put it towards whatever they need there,” Joanna said.

GHRC will be presented with a cheque at the Geelong Pacing Cup on February 21.

For more information, head to teamzav.com.au