General News
22 January, 2026
Booming Christmas crowd rivals cup night
LAST year ended on a high note for the Terang Harness Racing Club with the club’s Christmas races drawing a crowd which rivalled its night of nights.
It was a very Merry Christmas for racegoers attending the ‘Christmas at the Trots’ on December 22.
Laugher and connection reverberated trackside as part of the concept to unite racing action and family fun behind the holiday-themed event.
Local talent was among the big winners on the night, with Terang Harness Racing Club president Chris O’Connor saying he was thrilled with the success of the event.
“You couldn’t ask for a better night,” he said.
“For the Christmas races we felt it was quite important to put a fair bit of resources behind the meeting because it was well timed for people to come out and enjoy the pre-Christmas time.
“Obviously around the course we had Santa along with giveaways such as lollies and face painting but the upstairs dining was also overbooked, so we were blown away with the crowd.”
Race one saw I Of The Hurrikane salute ahead of Huxham Chubb and Shiralee in the Scanlons Ag, Horse and Pet Pace Final.
Emerson Printers Pace winner American Squared managed to get the best of Rocknlena and Pretty Basic in race two.
Village Voice and Wichita Kansas were unable to surpass Olivia Rose in the Terang Co-Op Rural Store Pace race three.
Encouragement from the local crowd saw the Jason Lee-driven Bakers Bandit cross the finish line first, with Im The Wild One and Freak Out trailing in the Nirranda Football Club 2025 Premiers Pace.
Race Five saw Shadow Celt surge to victory ahead of Gunforhire and The Steel Dragon in the Victorian Harness Racing Club Pace.
Local talent earned another victory with Keayang Gypsy taking out the Mahogany Computers Trotters Handicap, leaving Happy Escape and Maoris Return more than 14 lengths behind.
The final race of the evening, the Terang Self-Storage Pace Final, saw another local winner with the Matthew Craven-trained-and-driven Lou Easyana putting in a spirited effort to keep Foregone Conclusion NZ and Caledonian Ranger at bay.
Mr O’Connor said the feedback had been so positive the club was already planning ahead for later thisyear.
“People had a great time so we’re hoping to repeat it again next season because it was so successful,” he said.
“We thought the attendance would have been up close to a normal cup night.
“We think it’s something which could rival the cup night if we can continue it in the future, so we’re pretty excited about that – it’s great to have the place booked out and full.
“The weather wasn’t perfect so, with better weather, it could be even bigger next time.”
The club will now look ahead to night racing again on Monday, January 26.
“On Australia Day we’ve got a meeting which will probably be more of an industry meeting – Australia Day will be quite hot and people will probably have other plans,” Mr O’Conner said.
“I think the Rafferty’s jackpot has reached $3750 and there will be free entry in what should be a good night of racing.
“On February 13 we’ve got a Friday night meeting which we’re hoping to build into a good night for people to come out and have a great time – should be good weather running into the weekend for a meeting.
“We will make sure is a special night for anyone wanting to have a meal and a good night out at the trots.”