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Diamonds Day is one of the biggest days on the harness racing calendar in the south with the culmination of many of the region’s major series, but it is also a big day for on course patrons.
Ladies who come along to Diamonds Day at Invercargill’s Ascot Park Raceway this Sunday, 23 April, may go home with a stunning diamond ring, independently valued at $5700, courtesy of Coats & Schuck Jewellers and the Invercargill Harness Racing Club. Each time a lady places a $5 bet on course they will receive a coupon to fill in and place in a bucket on the First Floor of the Main Grandstand.
The grand prize draw takes place in the birdcage during the afternoon. Club and raceday staff and officials are not eligible to enter the competition.
Ladies will also be welcomed onto the course with their first glass of wine free.
The other big prize at the event can be won by anyone – men, ladies, children – and it is so easy. The Heads/Tails game will take place in the birdcage and it only requires you to choose heads or tails prior to the toss of a coin. Get it wrong and you are eliminated but get it right and stay in the game until the end and you could take home a $250 Prezzy Card.
The children can also participate in a colouring competition plus receive a free lolly giveaway.
Of course, the reason for the day is one of the premier race days of the season which will see the Group 2 Diamond Creek Farm 2yo Classic for a stake of $55,000 at 1.59pm, the final of the Group 2 Macca Lodge/Nevele R Stud Southern Oaks at 2.24pm, the Group 2 Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes Final at 2.57pm, both finals featuring a stake of $45,000, and the Regent Car Court Southern Cups Final at 3.30pm.
Two Kidz Kartz races also feature on the programme while race goers are welcome to remain at the track after the final race as both the Invercargill Harness Racing Club and Harness Racing New Zealand make a presentation to Nathan Williamson who recently brought up the milestone of driving 1000 winners.
There are still a limited number of hospitality options available for the day with catering packages from the new on course caterers, Lees Catering, available for hospitality groups.
The first race is scheduled for 12.10pm.
Keep a look out on the Invercargill Harness Racing Club and Southern Harness Racing facebook pages for more information.
Admission to the course on the day will be free.