Get into the Summer of Glory

By Tim O’Connor (HRV)

The return of the sport’s next potential megastar provides an added layer of excitement to this weekend’s Summer of Glory finale at Melton.

Captain Ravishing has the entire harness racing world talking after a brilliant end to 2022, and the Emma Stewart-trained speed machine will step out for his first race in more than two months this Saturday night at Tabcorp Park.

A sizzling trial at Ballarat last week has the four-year-old primed for a big season and fans will get to see him up close and personal when he contests the $100,000 COGS Services 4YO Bonanza.

It’ll be the first stepping stone in a campaign that will target the Chariots of Fire and Miracle Mile in Sydney, and likely include a shot at the world’s richest race – the $2.1 million TAB Eureka – in September.

Captain Ravishing’s return adds some extra star-power to a night featuring Victoria’s Grand Circuit classic, the Group 1 Del-Re National A. G. Hunter Cup.

The $500,000 heavyweight championship is the state’s biggest annual race and this year’s renewal will again feature a field jam-packed with stars.

And if the hot racing on-track isn’t enough to get you excited, there’ll be no shortage of fun on the other side of the fence with roving entertainment, bustling bars, food trucks, a DJ on the lawn, the ever-popular after-party and a plethora of children’s entertainment options.

While Saturday is poised to be a beauty, the action at Tabcorp Park heats up the night before with the first leg of the Melton double-header.

The Woodlands Stud Great Southern Star is one of racing’s most unique events and takes centre stage on Friday.

Contested by the trotters, the GSS requires horses to compete in heats early on the card before qualifiers back-up and race in a rich $300,000 Group 1 final later the same evening.

The two-night Melton extravaganza is a brilliant way to close the Summer of Glory carnival, with a gold coin donation all that’s required to enjoy the top-class racing on offer.

Gates open from 5pm on both nights and more information can be found at thetrots.com.au/events/tab-summer-of-glory.