High hopes for horse racing syndicate in $150,000 country qualifier

The top two finishers will qualify for the $1 million final at Royal Randwick on April 6.

Lismore is hosting the Newhaven Park Country Championships Series for the first time.

Northern Rivers horse racing syndication business Viva Racing will be represented throughout the day.

Owner Mitch Lowe and his team have hopes for four-year-old gelding Tribeca Star in the 1400m feature.

It won a $120,000 Highway Handicap at Rosehill in November and is trained by Murwillumbah's Matt Dunn.

"He's our leading chance for sure and he's been set for the race," Lowe said.

"He finished second in Brisbane last start and loves a little bit of sting out of the ground at 1400m.

"Everyone is chasing that golden ticket for the million dollar race."

Lowe said it is a thrill to have a prestigious event on his home track.

His business is littered with local connections who will have the chance to be there for the big race.

"To have it in Lismore for the first time is massive for the town," he said.

"As a local boy if we could win the race or finish top two that would be a fantastic result for us.

"Racing NSW have done a fantastic job in promoting country racing.

"It's allowing for people to own horses in country areas and have an opportunity to win a big race in Sydney.

"There is a lot of buzz around these sort of events."

Lowe recently enjoyed success when five-year-old gelding Derry Grove won a feature race over the Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival in January.

"We only paid $30,000 for him, so to win a $1 million race on Queensland's biggest day was a massive thrill."

"He's won five of his last six races there's local connections there with owners from Ballina, Casino and Lismore.

"It had a real local flavour to the win and they certainly celebrated accordingly."

The Country championship will bring plenty of interest from owners and trainers across the Northern Rivers.

Local trainers Daniel Bowen, Ethan Ensby and Stephen Lee also have runners in the qualifier.

Plenty of work has been done around the course to have it in shape to host a big event.

"The Lismore Turf Club is proud to host the Newhaven Park Country Championships for the first time," the club said.

"This will be the most prestigious race meeting the club has ever held and we are excited to put on a show and highlight the North Coast of NSW.

"A huge thank you to Racing NSW for giving us the opportunity to host."

The first race is at 1.25pm with the country qualifier set down for 5.40pm.

There will be food trucks, pop-up bars and live music with Pink Zinc playing after the final race.

Money raised from ticket sales will go towards local sporting clubs. Tickets can be purchased at www.lismoretickets.com.au.

Regular tickets cost $10 for Adults, $6 Concession with kids under 16 free. A trackside party enclosure ticket will cost $20.