By Peter Wharton
The opportunity to see Australian champion Pete McMullen compete against the top reinsmen from 10 countries in the 2023 World Driving Championship in Europe and to see the best young trotters in North America vie for the prize in the Hambletonian.
They are among highlights of the 2023 World Driving Championship Tour being conducted by horse travel specialists Equi Tours during August.
To be hosted by well-known Victorian identities Geoff and Lorraine Barnes, the tour starts on August 12 and ends on August 21 with an option to attend Hambletonian Day at The Meadowlands, New Jersey on August 5.
The tour feature stopovers in leading hotels in the major cities of the three host countries, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands.
The 32nd edition of the bi-annual Championships will be held at four tracks over 20 races at Gelsentrabpark and Rennbahn Berlin in Germany, Victoria Park, Wolvega near Amsterdam and Hippodrome de Wallonie near Mons, Belgium.
The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity provides sightseeing at some of the world’s most beautiful cities including four days in Berlin.
The tour price of $4,400 per person includes bus transfers, entry, seat reservation, food and beverages at the four tracks, transport in comfortable tour buses and all local taxes. Airfares are not included in the package.
The price cover nine nights in a shared room with breakfast every morning. There is an option of a single room.
The tour is limited to 28 people with a minimum of 20.
The Barnes’ have both been in the industry for most of their lives and have travelled extensively to major race days including Elitloppet, Hambletonian, Gold Cup and Saucer and the Carl Milstein in Canada, Meadowlands Pace, Little Brown Jug, Prix d’Amerique, Inter Dominions and all major carnivals in Australia and New Zealand.
For an itinerary, bookings and further information phone Lorraine Barnes on 0418 516 564.