Following a successful debut in 2023, the harness code’s innovative slot race The Hayden will return in 2024.
Named after Queensland cricket legend Matthew Hayden, the race will again be run exclusively for three and four-year-old QBRED horses over 2138 metres at Albion Park on Saturday, July 20.
It will once again act as Racing Queensland’s qualifying race to determine its slot holder into the second running of the world’s richest harness race, the $2.1 million The TAB Eureka at Club Menangle.
A slot auction will take place on February 11, with each of the 10 barriers for The Hayden up for grabs, which will in turn form a part of the race’s funding.
The auction will be run as part of the annual Sunshine Stars Yearling Sale at Albion Park.
Aspiring slot holders will have the opportunity to secure their preferred barrier before they then turn their efforts to selecting a horse to meet the conditions of the barrier purchased.
The Hayden will again be a central part of the 2024 Queensland Constellations, and will be run for $100,000 in stakes, with proceeds from the slot auction to contribute further to the prize money pool.
With the winner of The Hayden advancing to The Eureka, RQ has committed 10% of all prize money from The Eureka to Shoreline to assist in funding its educational programs.
A minimum $10,000 will also be donated to ‘The Hayden Way’ to generate funds for Shoreline, which has provided education and employment opportunities for Indigenous students since 2009.
Additionally, the distribution of prize money for the race has been modified which will see horses finishing sixth to last receiving $2,000, along with 2% of the auction proceeds.
RQ EGM Operations Adam Wallish said it was exciting to see The Hayden return in 2024.
“Last year, we saw the Shannon Price-trained Speak The Truth take out the inaugural running of Queensland’s newest slot race, with prize money soaring to $231,000 following some solid bidding for slots,” Mr Wallish said.
“Echoing Matthew’s staunch Queensland pride, it is fantastic that The Hayden remains as a race for QBRED-only pacers, while also maintaining its spot in the successful Queensland Constellations.
“As a strong supporter of harness racing, we are ecstatic that Matthew will continue his role in 2024, with his status as a sporting icon resonating with those outside of the sport, as well as creating widespread interest in The Hayden and The TAB Eureka.
“Just as importantly, The Hayden will make a real difference to the lives of Indigenous students through its vital partnership with Shoreline.”
Founded on the Tiwi Islands, more than 500 students have participated in Shoreline programs over the past decade, igniting and inspiring positive change and self-determination for young Indigenous Australians.
Widely regarded as Australian cricket’s greatest ever opener, Hayden was one of the game’s most electrifying batsmen, representing his country more than 270 times across the three international formats.
Hayden was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010, as well as being inducted into the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2017.
Click here for more information on The Hayden.