The TAB Eureka - The Eureka Race Discover Greatnessᵀᴹ is the world’s richest race for Standardbreds, with prize money and bonuses worth $1.5 million.

The TAB Eureka is a “Slot Race” created by Harness Racing Australia (HRA) as a flagship, high-stakes event designed to excite, energise and modernise the sport of harness racing – driving unprecedented publicity, interest and commercial investment.

In the context of a “Slot Race”, the “slot” refers to an automatic entry/starting position within the race. In this instance, The TAB Eureka.

These “slots” are sold as licenses, with the “slot” owner entitled to start whichever eligible horse they determine in the Race.

The TAB Eureka is a race for 3 & 4 year old Australian Bred Standardbred pacers who are authorised to race in Australia. Only those horses meeting this criteria are eligible to be nominated to start in the Race.

Australian Bred means the progeny of a Mare registered in the Australian Trotting Stud Book and domiciled in Australia when served by a Stallion who is also registered in the Australian Trotting Stud Book at the time of that service.

A registered Standardbred horse with its gait recorded as a pacer in the official records.

No. The eligibility relates to the horse itself, and not to any of the other connections.

The TAB Eureka is limited to 10 starters and as a result, there are only 10 slots available for new and existing slot holders.

No. Slot Holders can be any nationality and be domiciled anywhere.

An independent selection panel with extensive experience in: integrity and regulatory; legal; and, commercial functions; will consider the applicant submissions, undertake appropriate due diligence and provide recommendations to the HRA Executive.

From 2026/27, slots are $75,000 per annum on a two-year commitment.

A Slot Holder is not compelled to nominate their own horse for the race.

There is a right to transfer the Slot to another person or entity, but it must be to another eligible entity or person, and will require the approval of HRA before doing so. If this is not followed, the Slot may be forfeited without compensation.

Aside from a Wagering Service Providers and associated entities (TAB has exclusivity due to naming rights partnership), virtually anyone.

Slot Holders can be individuals, partnerships, company’s, organisations, members, industry bodies, associations, syndicates, charities, breeders, mates etc…

They could also be a mixture of some or all of the examples above.

Successful slot holder applicants will be required to pay the upfront amount of $150,000 upon signing the formal licence (slot) agreement. 

The slot holder application process opens on 8 April 2026, and completed applications must be received by no later than 5.00 pm (AEST) on 8 May 2026.

Only Australian Bred Standardbred pacers (see earlier definition) are eligible to be selected to start in The TAB Eureka by a Slot Holder.

A Slot Holder may own a horse that they nominate to participate in the race using their slot, or negotiate with the connections of other eligible horses to start that horse in their slot.

It is possible. For example, a Slot Holder may own a number of eligible horses, either outright or in partnership or syndicates with others. They may elect to nominate one of these horses, while another Slot Holder negotiates to nominate another.

The sale of Slots, as with transfers, needs to be approved by HRA prior to being executed. Full disclosure is required, including the Sale price. If sold at a higher price than the original Slot value (pro rata), then 50% of the gross profit is payable to HRA.

There is no limit or requirement. This is purely a decision based on negotiation between the Slot Holder and the connections of eligible horses.

Slots are an essential feature of the event. Therefore, due to both the magnitude of investment and expectations that they widely advocate the objectives of the event, Slot Holders also become important collaborative partners in decisions and event promotion.

Slots are not allocated automatically. Slot Holders must apply through an application process which will include the bona fides of the applicant(s) (including all persons and organisations involved), their motivation for purchasing a slot, details of how they can promote the event and a willingness to enter, and abide by, a formal license (slot) agreement.

The race is for 3 & 4 year old Australian Breed Standardbred pacers.

The field limit is 10.

There is a preferential barrier draw on age and sex.

The distance will be 2300m.

Competing horses may be subject to Retention Barn procedures in the lead-up to the race.

A number of (horse) Emergencies will be selected by a Panel of experts independent of the Slot Holders, and released following the closure of the nomination timeframe set out above. These horses will be selected having taken their prior and current form into consideration and allocated in order that they must be taken in the event of a late scratching.

Yes, as long as the horse meets the eligibility criteria.

Slot Holders can nominate the horse starting in their “slot” anytime up until 7-days prior to the race.