Stephanie Rice Named as 2014 Inter Dominion Ambassador

Three-time Olympic Gold Medallist, Stephanie Rice has been appointed as the ‘face’ of the 2014 Inter Dominion Championship Sydney, the pinnacle event in Australian harness racing.

The announcement was made by the Member for Camden, Chris Patterson, at an event in Sydney this week, alongside Stephanie Rice and Harness Racing NSW CEO, Sam Nati.

Mr Patterson also congratulated Ms Rice, and said the Government is proud to support the Inter Dominion Championship Sydney, having secured the event in NSW for three consecutive seasons, from 2013 to 2015.

“Stephanie Rice is a world-renowned athlete, and she promises to raise the profile of the 2014 Inter Dominion in her role as event ambassador. I congratulate Stephanie on this announcement, and also Harness Racing NSW for securing her involvement,” Mr Patterson said.

“The inaugural Inter Dominion was a great success this year, delivering an estimated $4m in direct visitor impact from overseas, interstate and intrastate visitors with future events promising solid results. It also gave a big boost to the local economy of South-Western Sydney.

“This year’s Inter Dominion is set to be bigger and better than before, with an impressive program of events in the lead-up to the Grand Final on Sunday 2 March at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

“The main event will be broadcast on SKY Racing and Channel 9 from 3.00pm-4.00pm, showcasing this wonderful event to sports lovers and those new to harness racing across the nation.”

Mr Souris said: “Stephanie is a remarkable sportswoman and her appointment as the 2014 Inter Dominion Ambassador will highlight the important role women play in all sports, including harness racing.

“I am pleased she was joined at this announcement by three very talented, established female harness racing drivers – Amanda Turnbull, Sammy Kilgour and Seryn Adams.”

Stephanie Rice said: “I am most privileged to be the Ambassador for the Inter Dominion as it is an exciting time for harness racing. I am very passionate about helping women in sport raise their profiles. There are many amazing women currently dominating harness racing."

Ms Rice is no stranger to harness racing, having purchased a 10 per cent share in the Kerry Ann Turner-trained pacer, ‘Steffi Rice’. All prize money earned from the pacer goes to Stephanie’s charity of choice, the Melanoma Institute of Australia.

Harness Racing NSW CEO, Sam Nati, said: “When we met with Stephanie, the synergies were apparent. Firstly, she resonates with the critical 18-35 year-old demographic that our industry needs to tap into. And secondly, her enthusiasm to promote the success of women in sport provides tremendous leverage for obtaining mainstream media coverage.

“I encourage everyone to come along to Tabcorp Park Menangle on Sunday 2 March for the biggest and best Inter Dominion Championship Sydney yet.”

Photo: Three-time Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice (centre) was named the TAB.COM.AU 2014 Inter Dominion Championship Sydney Ambassador on Monday with (from left) CEO of NSW Harness Racing Club John Dumesny, harness racing industry ambassadors Amanda Turnbull, Sammy Kilgour and Seryn Adams, CEO of Harness Racing NSW Sam Nati, and Member for Camden Chris Patterson MP.