The Tommy Reay Memorial Sapling Stakes is an exciting annual feature race series held at the Newcastle Harness Racing Club in NSW (Newcastle Paceway) that celebrates the enduring legacy of a Hunter Valley harness racing icon.

 

Devised by his son, Harness Breeders NSW Vice President and Club Director Darren Reay, this prestigious series shines a spotlight on the industry's newest talent, specifically showcasing premier two-year-old (2YO) pacers.

 

While Tommy Reay began his early career as a skilled trainer and driver, his true, lifelong passion was standardbred breeding—a field he championed in the region for over 60 years with a special enthusiasm for watching young horses take their first steps onto the track.

 

Proudly supported by Harness Breeders NSWalongside local partners like Medowie Lodge, the annual event brings high-stakes action and a lucrative final to the paceway, serving as a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to shaping the future of the sport.

​

Heats are conducted annually during February with a final at Newcastle Paceway run in March.