WESTERN Australia is set to get a significant economic and cultural boost when it hosts a trans-Tasman horse racing carnival later this year.
The Inter Dominion pacing series, which is the world's oldest harness racing event, is set to return to its birthplace of Gloucester Park in Perth which was the inaugural host in 1936.
The series which features three heats before the $1.3 million final tests the best horses from Australia and New Zealand over a sprint, mid-distance and long-distance length.
The three heats will be held on November 27, December 1 and December 7 before the final in Perth on December 13.
For the first time in Inter Dominion history, one heat of the series will be held at a regional racetrack with Bunbury to host the second heat on Tuesday, December 1.
Standing on the track of Perth's premier harness racing venue on Wednesday, South West MLC Colin Holt, who is also the minister for racing and gaming, announced WA would host the prestigious event for the next three years.
"The opportunity to have the world's richest pacing race coming back to WA is fantastic and it is sure to bring with it the best horse in the region and a host of tourists," Mr Holt said.
"It is a real coup for the South West that Bunbury gets to host one of the heats and will help to create and build confidence in the industry in regional areas."
When WA last hosted the Inter Dominion final in 2012, a crowd of more than 30,000 people saw home-town hero Im Themightyquinn circle the field from last to win his second of three consecutive titles.
Gloucester Park harness racing President John Burt said he hoped their would be even more interest this time around.
"The 2012 series was one of the best Inter Dominions ever, but we believe we can create one even better this year," he said.
"There is so much to be excited about this year including the announcement that the final will be broadcast live across the country on free-to-air television through our partnership with Channel 7."
He also expressed his excitement that the event will take a trip to the South West.
"It is so important to utilise regional areas and we are excited to see the best horses in Australia get their chance to show off their skills on the Bunbury circuit," Mr Burt said.
After completing a hot lap of the circuit with champion driver Chris Lewis, Mr Holt said he had fond memories of gathering his mates "and a few coppers" together for a night of punting at Gloucester Park while he was studying at university.
He said this year's event would be a great chance for those unfamiliar with racing to see what all the fuss was about.
"There has been lots of interest in this event from the eastern states as well as drivers and trainers in New Zealand, Europe and America," Mr Holt said.
"We expect about 15 horses from interstate and overseas to participate in this year's series and it will be a great chance for all those who come to experience the great life that WA has to offer.
"I also hope the people of Perth and Western Australia show their support to this important industry which employs more than 33,000 people across the state."
Perth has a history of producing Inter Dominion champions including Village Kid and San Simeon along with a number of winning drivers including Chris Lewis, Kim Prentice and Gary Hall Jnr.
While the field of competitors won't be known for a few months, David Hercules, the number one ranked pacing horse in WA, is expected to feature prominently.
For more information about the Inter Dominion series visit gloucesterpark.com.au or search for the hashtag #harnessthemoment on social media.
