The Bathurst Paceway is set to host an Inter Dominion heat Wednesday, December 1, bringing some of the best pacers and trotters to the city.

It's the first time an Inter Dominion heat has been brought to Bathurst and one of the rare few times it has been brought to a track outside state and territory capitals.

Bathurst Harness Racing Club CEO Danny Dwyer said it's an honour and privilege for the region to be given hosting responsibilities for this year's series.

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"The facilities at the Gold Crown Paceway are world class and we have seen through our Group 1 events such as the annual Gold Crown Carnival that it delivers an elite racing experience, not just for the competitors but for patrons and spectators alike," he said.

"This is a significant milestone for harness racing in Bathurst and the Central West region and as a club we are thrilled to have been handed the keys for a night to this year's Inter Dominion pacing and Trotting Championships."

Bathurst will host a church service at St Michael's and St John's Cathedral on the morning of the local heats, with the service to commemorate the life of the late Tony Turnbull, who won the Inter Dominion Pacing Championship twice with Hondo Grattan (1973-1974).

The race night will also coincide with the official opening of the new harness racing museum on site at the Gold Crown Paceway.

Bathurst's Inter Dominion heat on December 1 is the second round of three heats, with the first being held at Menangle on Saturday, November 27, and the third at Newcastle on Sunday, December 5.

The Inter Dominion has received 103 pacing and 64 trotting nominations, with that to be cut 36 pacers and 24 trotters.

At each round, three heats will be held, with 12 runners in each pacing heat and eight runners in each trotting heat.

The leading horses will qualify for the final based off the points they accrue in the heats.

The Bathurst Harness Racing Club is expecting a big crowd on the night, especially with the campers nearby for the Bathurst 1000.

"Our tracks are open again and crowds are welcome to come and see the best of the best in harness racing compete for the ultimate prize in what is the biggest test of both speed and endurance," Harness Racing NSW CEO John Dumesny said.

The final 36 pacers and 24 trotters will be announced on Friday.

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