Gloucester Park could be set for a new wave of interstate challengers for upcoming feature events later this year with subsidised flights offered for incoming horses.

A dedicated charter flight to Perth has been arranged for mid-November to be timed in conjunction with the rich gallops Pinnacles carnival.

Among races to be conducted in the time slot are the Group 1 $150,000 Mares Classic on November 20, Group 2 $100,000 J P Stratton Cup on November 27, Group 3 $50,000 Navy Cup on December 4 and Group 1 $450,000 TABtouch WA Pacing Cup on December 11.

Over the past decade or two, interest in some of WA’s best races from an interstate perspective has dimmed, though Cameron Brown, Racing WA’s Head of Harness Racing and Special Projects, says this opportunity could reignite that rivalry.

“Traditionally, one of the biggest challenges for Eastern States horses has been securing suitable transport to Western Australia,” Brown said.

“The timing of this flight through The Pinnacles carnival has created a fantastic opportunity for harness racing participants and gives trainers and owners greater confidence to target our feature racing carnival.

“Importantly, participants will have access to transport at a discounted rate and the certainty of knowing a flight is available. That’s something that simply hasn’t always been possible in the past.

“Western Australia has some of the richest and most prestigious races in the country, highlighted by the $450,000 Group 1 TABtouch WA Pacing Cup, and we’d love to see interstate stables take advantage of the opportunity to race here.”

With the introduction of The Nullarbor in recent years, it has been shown that not only can east coast horses compete strongly at Gloucester Park, but win.

Betterzippit, Catch A Wave and Max Delight have all flown to WA to win that race with only Mister Smartee keeping the trophy locally in four editions.