Truro Raceway announced on Thursday, April 25 changes to the 2024 Inglis Jewellers Diamond Classic after the required number of slots for both the filly or colt divisions did not sell.
After discussion with industry representatives and horsepeople, Truro Raceway has adjusted the race's eligibility and purse distribution.
The race will change from only Atlantic-sired two-year-olds being eligible, to both Atlantic-sired and foaled two-year-olds being eligible.
There will also be a change to the purse distribution, with only the top five finishers now being paid out. In an eight-horse field, the purse distribution will be 45-25-15-10-5. The winner will also receive a $2,500 diamond necklace courtesy of Inglis Jewellers and an original artwork of their horse courtesy of harness artist Michelle Hogan.
Slots will remain at $6,000 each, with a guaranteed purse remaining at $50,000. The deadline to purchase a slot will be extended to Friday, May 31, 2024. The race is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2024 at Truro Raceway.
“The industry spoke loudly by not buying anywhere close to enough slots to fill either division," said Steve Fitzsimmons, Truro Raceway's General Manager. "We made these changes, after considering feedback we received from the industry. Allowing Atlantic-foaled two-year-olds as well as Atlantic-sired will open up the race to a significant number of additional horses and those horses were still bred in Atlantic Canada, so we feel it still significantly supports our breeders, one of the goals of this race.
"We made some changes as well to the purse distribution, to be better aligned with what our industry felt was appropriate.
"Given these changes, the new deadline will be May 31 and we’re very hopeful that two-year-old owners and trainers of an Atlantic-sired or foaled two-year-olds will be more inclined to support this race.”
To view the new conditions of the race, click here.
(With files from Truro Raceway)