The Australian Grand Circuit for Pacers
History
The Circuit began in 1977 and was designed to be the showpiece of the Australian Harness Racing Industry with horses competing from every state within Australia. In 1992 New Zealand was admitted and the Circuit was renamed the Australasian Grand Circuit.
The owners enter what they believe are their best horses available, and they are brought together to race for monetary awards. This can benefit owners, harness racing clubs, and the harness racing industry overall. 1977 was the event’s inaugural year. Stake money for the eight races forming the Circuit was $554,020.
The Grand Circuit has eliminated date clashes of major races which so often prevented the best horses from competing against each other to the detriment of clubs and the public.
Points were awarded during the Circuit, five points for a win, two points for second and one point for third. The horse with the greatest number of points is crowned Grand Circuit Winner. The Australian Harness Racing Council holds in perpetuity the Australasian Grand Circuit Trophy on which the name of each Grand Circuit Winner is engraved.
In the past there were a larger number of races (for example: 16 legs in 2005/2006) but in 2012 major changes were announced which reduced the number of races in the circuit, established minimum prizemoney levels and a new points systemAustralasian Grand Circuit set for Makeover Harness Racing Australia, 17 October 2012, Retrieved 26 January 2016 This was not popular with all industry participants.Australasian Grand Circuit Changes, Harness Racing Australia, 26 October 2012, Retrieved 26 January 2016
In 2023 the Circuit reverted to being the Australian Grand Circuit again with the New Zealand races no longer involved.
Current events
+ Grand Circuit races Race Date Club/Track Western Australia Pacing Cup February Gloucester Park A.G. Hunter Cup February Melton Entertainment Park Miracle Mile Pace March Menangle Park Paceway The Blacks A Fake Queensland Championship July Albion Park, Queensland Victoria Cup October Melton Entertainment Park Inter Dominion Pacing Championship December selected hosting venues
Previous Grand Circuit races
+ Grand Circuit races Race Date Club/Track Auckland Pacing Cup March, May or December Alexandra Park, Auckland New Zealand Trotting Cup November Addington Raceway, Christchurch
Grand Circuit Winners
2025 - Leap To Fame 2024 - Leap To Famehttps://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=67926 2023 - Leap To Fame 2022 - King of Swing 2021 - King of Swing 2020 - King of Swing 2019 - Tiger Tara 2018 - Lazarus 2017 - Lazarus 2016 - Lennytheshark & Smolda 2015 - Christen Me 2014 - Christen Me 2013 - Im Themightyquinn 2012 - Smoken Up 2011 - Im Themightyquinn 2010 - Monkey King 2009 - Blacks A Fake & Mr Feelgood 2008 - Blacks A Fake 2007 - Flashing Red 2006 - Be Good Johnny 2005 - Elsu 2004 - The Falcon Strike 2003 - Double Identity & Young Rufus 2002 - Smooth Satin 2001 - Atitagain 2000 - Holmes D G 1999 - Christian Cullen 1998 - Our Sir Vancelot 1997 - Our Sir Vancelot 1996 - Sunshine Band 1995 - Golden Reign 1994 - Jack Morris 1993 - Franco Tiger 1992 - Westburn Grant 1991 - Westburn Grant 1990 - Westburn Grant 1989 - Our Maestro 1988 - Village Kid 1987 - Bag Limit 1986 - Village Kid 1985 - Preux Chevalier 1984 - Gammalite 1983 - Gammalite 1982 - Gammalite 1981 - San Simeon 1980 - Pure Steel 1979 - Koala King 1978 - Pure Steel 1977 - Paleface Adios
See also Harness racing in Australia Harness racing in New Zealand
References
External links Australasian Grand Circuit - Pacers Australian Harness Racing Council