A TROTS meet at Dubbo on Sunday that recognised Indigenous culture was a first for racing sports, NSW Harness Racing director Michael Brown said.
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An Indigenous drivers invitational was a feature race of the day, with the first and second place getters securing a place in a final on November 1.
A smoking ceremony performed by Lewis Burns, Aboriginal dancing and bush tucker added to the atmosphere.
"We're the first of the racing sports to have Indigenous recognition and an Indigenous invitational," Mr Brown said.
Mr Brown said the idea for an Indigenous drivers invitational race started about five years ago, and since 2011 it had been held at Menangle Park.
He said the concept had been embraced and the race was attracting more and more participants.
"In 2014, drivers had to be balloted out of the race, such was the concept growing and the increased interest of drivers wishing to drive in a race that was for Indigenous drivers only and therefore special," he said.
"After last year's race, several drivers, including Jimmy Brown, approached me and asked if the race could be taken to the country."
Dubbo and Wagga Wagga, which will host a heat on October 17, were the first to see the expansion of the concept to include the smoking ceremony, dances and bush tucker activities.
Mr Brown said they were planning to bring the series back to country NSW in future years.