Sulky challenge

THREE media personalities and a lucky competition winner will join some of the industry’s best drivers in the sulky as part of an exciting new feature added to Decron Cranbourne Pacing Cup night.
For the first time, the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club has introduced the Double Seater Sulky Challenge to the Decron Pacing Cup night program on Saturday 6 December.
The club has had four purpose-built double seater sulkies made for the challenge, where the media personalities and the lucky member of the public will be seated alongside a professional driver for a pacing race.
The challenge will be conducted like a normal harness race and start from the mobile barrier, including being filmed and broadcast over the course.
Richmond legend and the club’s record game holder Kevin Bartlett will call the race and SEN Harf Time presenter and former Hawthorn star Daniel Harford, retired champion jockey and racing media personality Simon Marshall and a TAB media identity, soon to be announced, will be in the sulkies.
SEN is running a competition where people can win the fourth and final spot in the race.
Harford said he couldn’t wait to get in the sulky and be involved in the exciting event.
“I have often thought about what it would be like to drive in a sulky,” he said.
“A few years ago, I went in the back of the ‘mobile’ before a few races at the Decron Cranbourne Cup night and thought it was a brilliant experience.
“I have a feeling though that being behind the horse in the double seater sulky challenge and actually racing will blow my mind.
“I just hope I hit the front early, so I don’t have to swallow too much track.
“It must be said though, that when I race, I race to win – so it’s game on!”
Cranbourne Harness Racing Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge said the Double Seater Sulky Challenge was sure to be one of the highlights of cup night.
“Where else can you see Simon Marshall and Daniel Harford seated alongside some of the best drivers in the industry battling it out in a race called by an AFL great?
“The club is thrilled to also be offering a member of the public the opportunity to experience the thrill of being behind a horse through the SEN competition.
“We are sure this new feature will entertain the crowds on pacing cup night and I’m looking forward to seeing who will take out the inaugural challenge!”
To enter SEN’s competition to win a seat in the challenge visit www.sen.com.au/competitions/decron-cranbourne-pacing-cup-night-competition.
The entries are open to businesses and individuals.
The winner will also receive a table for 10 in the Legends Room, including a two-course dinner and full beverage package.