With interstate travel still being CV19 restricted, this year's event for the first time will feature an all-Victorian line up including past winners of the "Smith Crown" - Chris Alford (1994, 2011 & 2027), Kerryn Manning (2005), John Caldow (2000), Jodie Quinlan (2005), Greg Sugars (2015) and Kate Gath (2020).

The older brigade will be joined by Jason Lee who is chasing the title at his third attempt and talented newcomers Jack Laugher, James Herbertson and Josh Aiken.

The Championship is part of an eight-event program of harness action to commence at 12.58pm and concludes at 5:38pm with a heat and final of the Allbenz Pony Trot also conducted during the afternoon.

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"It's great to be able to open the gates to the public for the first time in nearly twelve months," said Club CEO Jo Cross. "The strict CV19 protocols will apply and pre-registering online for individuals and groups is essential. Patrons simply go the following link at Eventbrite and enter their details. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/142618679309

While the 10 invitees may claim most of the spotlight on Monday afternoon the prestigious event simply wouldn't happen without the 365-days-a-year contribution to the harness racing industry, made by trainers, owners, drivers, breeders, stable-hands and their families.

"We are proud to incorporate recognition for all Industry Participants into our Drivers Championship race meeting," said Club President Terry Lewis.

"We provide a hospitality area for participants with the support of the Victorian Trainers and Drivers Association and give away a host of products, merchandise and vouchers donated by Decron Horse Care, Carbine Chemicals, Hygain-Mitavite, Finn Tack, Mustad Australia, Oringi Protection Wear, Tabcorp Park Melton, Zilco, Hyland Racing Colours, Claire Weston Photography, Roma Pocock, GrafxInc, Norton Estate Wines and Fly Veils by Deign.

The Invitational was staged for the first time under the lights at the Horsham Showground in 1990 and was taken out by Gaita Pullicino. The late Gavin Lang won the first of his four championships at the "new track" in 1992.

MAKING NEWS:

In 1995 the Invitation was named in memory of the late Noel Smith, past president and delegate of the Horsham club who made an enormous contribution to the Victorian industry at the grass roots level through many years of tireless work for the M&CTA and South West Zone Clubs.

The series consists of four $7000 ratings-exempt races with the invitees being randomly allocated a drive in each heat. Points in each heat are awarded according to finishing order and tallied to determine both the winner and recipient of the dreaded "Gary Chequer" commemorative wooden spoon.

They're off @ Birchip (D) Mallee Bull Cup, Sunday 7th March; Horsham (D) Labour Day Monday, March 8th (Invitation Drivers Championship) & Charlton (D) Sunday 14th (Cup meeting).

(*pre-final fields)

Best bet: Batman Barry $4 each way

Value bet: Let Me Rock $3 each way

Next best: Jilliby Roy $3 each way

Last return: $10.15 @ Stawell Trots

Balance: $506.05