'The Clarence' is a middle-distance event introduced by Greyhound Racing NSW in 2024 to bulk up the feature racing calendar in the Northern Rivers of the State.

The race is named after the iconic Clarence River that runs through the heart of Grafton and doubles as the Grafton heat of the Ladbrokes Country Classic.

In 2024, the Tom Tzouvelis-trained Scintillate claimed the inaugural running of the event after she steamed past long time leader and pre-race roughie, Mean Girl, in the home straight to record her thirteenth career victory.

The daughter of Konomi and Sherbini had earlier avoided the interference at the first turn to land in a perfect stalking position midway through the contest. From there, it just seemed like a matter of time before the recent Group 1 Gold Cup placegetter would make her presence felt, and once she found top gear, she quickly hit the front and ran her rivals into the ground to claim the $20,000 winners cheque by 6.25 lengths.

Rising star, Off The Richter, was luckless in second, Mean Girl gripped on for third while Adelmo Bale finished fourth. All four greyhounds qualified for the semi-finals of the Ladbrokes Country Classic at Dubbo.