It’s rather fitting; the first metropolitan meeting of the new season will celebrate 50 years of night trotting at 'The Creek'.
The champions of the 2017/18 season return to the fold tonight when many past stars are also in attendance.
The leading driver last season was Peter McMullen, a surname that is synonymous with Albion Park while the leading trainer is Grant Dixon, a name that has become a constant for Queensland harness racing.
For McMullen, he becomes the first member of the family to land himself a metropolitan driver’s title after guiding home 49 winners last term.
While his father John and Grandfather John C (Hollywood) have driven plenty of winners at the famed Breakfast Creek oval, neither collected a driver’s title.
And Pete’s younger siblings Narissa, Danni-elle and Taleah also landed winners at Albion Park last season.
In fact, Narissa took 22 winning drives while Danni-elle had 21 trips to the winner’s enclosure at Albion Park which placed them 5th and 6th respectively on the standings.
Peter finished nine wins clear of his nearest rival, Grant Dixon.
He enjoyed considerable success with open class star Glenferrie Hood throughout the season.
Dixon, who operates the biggest stable in the state, claimed another trainer’s title with 88 winners for the season.
His nearest rival was Darrel Graham with 35 winners.
Since the 2009/10 season, Dixon has claimed the metro trainer’s premiership every term with the exception of the 2013/14 season (Vicki Rasmussen).
Dixon enjoyed considerable success throughout the season with the likes of Colt Thirty One, Alleluia, Our Overanova, Aqua Miss, Red Charmer and Fame Assured among many others.
Tonight, McMullen has 9 drives on the 10 race program while Dixon has 11 runners representing his stable.