Royce Gregory set to drive in Indigenous race on Inter Dominion night

First introduced in 2011, Gregory went back-to-back in 2012-13 and most recently won the race in 2016.

Traditionally the race has been held on the last Sunday in October.

But for the first time this year it will coincide with the finals of the Inter Dominion pacing and trotting championships.

An excited Gregory compared the experience to playing in the curtain raiser to the AFL grand final.

"The Inter Dominion series is the grand final of harness racing," Gregory said.

"So to have a drive on the night is a bit like playing in the curtain raiser to the grand final I guess.

"It's very exciting to be part of and I can't wait to get out there on the big stage.

"I think I've had six drives in the race now for three wins and hopefully I can add to the tally on Saturday night."

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Gregory will partner Monsieur Delacour for Ross Creek trainer Stephen Clarke.

Monsieur Delacour will make the trek from Victoria where he has been racing ultra-consistently at Melton.

The four-year-old gelding has one win and two minor placings from his past four starts.

Gregory said the tricky draw of 12 was the biggest hurdle to overcome.

"I think I'm on the best horse in the race but I've got the worst draw," he said.

"There are a few horses drawn inside me with a bit of speed.

"I haven't had the chance to talk tactics with the trainer yet, so I'm not too sure what he wants me to do.

"If he gets his fair share of luck and a cart into the race he should be hard to beat.

"I rate him as a nice horse."

The race not only boasts the best Indigenous drivers but the Indigineous culture is also a feature.

"I rate it a privilege to be able to drive one of the biggest night's on the harness racing calendar," Gregory said.

"It gives us Aboriginal drivers a bit of recognition and hopefully encourages a few younger people to participate in the sport.

"The club also pays tribute and recognises our culture on the night.

"There is a function for all the drivers with a smoking ceremony before the first race to welcome everybody.

"One of the elders is also a guest speaker at the function.

"After the race most of the drivers get interviewed and then we can relax and enjoy one of the best night's of harness racing there is."

Gregory trains a small team of pacers from the Albury Showgrounds.

Most of his horses are returning after a spell over the winter and spring.

Gregory hopes to have several runners on New Year's Eve which is the Albury Harness Racing club's most popular meeting of the year.

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