Year: 2025

Greg Sugars’ win in the 2022 Chariots of Fire

NZHarnessNews

Presenter-driver-trainer Brittany Graham knows a thing or two about racing on both sides of the Tasman and now that the Queenslander is working for Trackside in this country she’s (reluctantly) agreed to write a weekly column. My favourite Candyman moment By Brittany Graham  In a week that continues to feel unbelievable for all the wrong reasons, there was no other subject to discuss than that of Greg Sugars. The harness racing world was shattered on Saturday evening when the shocking news of the passing of Greg Sugars became apparent. Whether you…

Wagga Gold Cup Day betting tips & top odds | May 2, 2025

AAP

What Wagga Gold Cup Day Where Murrumbidgee Turf Club – Travers St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 When Friday, May 2, 2025 First Race 12:45pm AEST Visit Dabble The $200,000 Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) headlines proceedings on another cracking country racing program at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club this Friday. With pristine conditions forecast in Wagga Wagga this week, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 circuit for Day 2 of the carnival. The rail remains in the true position, with racing on Wagga Gold Cup Day scheduled to get underway at…

Stablemates finding the winning groove with Rathbone

NZRacingDesk

Progressive stablemates Overdraft and Oscar have flourished in the care of Jo Rathbone and they put that on display with winning performances at Woodville on Wednesday. Dannevirke Dairy Supplies Woodville-Pahiatua Cup (2100m) contender Overdraft had trialled once before joining the Wanganui horsewoman, and after three seconds, the son of Burgundy broke through for his maiden success in a highweight at Waverley. Rathbone had been wary of the step into Rating 65 grade, but punters had confidence in her charge, closing him among the favourites for the Cup in a market…

Cambridge stable covering all the stakes bases

NZRacingDesk

Stephen Marsh’s travelling road show continues this weekend with stakes contenders in two Australian states and a strong hand in a domestic age group feature. The Cambridge trainer has Roctave in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2000m) at Morphettville while Tardelli will do battle in the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm. On the home front, in-form fillies Lady Iris and Mazino will go head-to-head at Te Rapa in the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1200m). Marsh, who returned this week from Hong Kong where El Vencedor was below…

Cashla Bay has experience on her side

NZRacingDesk

With five races under her belt, Cashla Bay (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) is one of the more seasoned runners in Saturday’s Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa, and trainer Andrew Forsman is hoping that works in her favour. Bred and raced by The Oaks Stud, Cashla Bay made her debut in the Gr.3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (1200m) at Ellerslie in February where she beat just one runner home. She improved on that result when placing in her subsequent three starts, before breaking through for…

Thursday’s top horse racing bookie promotions & offers | May 1

AAP

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Thursday, May 1. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for May 1, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Warrnambool Races 1-3 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $25 Apply from bet slip. Available one per fixed odds win bet per eligible races. Min 5 runners. Excludes boosted…

Houses looking to back up at Manawatu today

NZHarnessNews

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk  The “House” party looks set to continue at Manawatu today. The red juggernaut will be represented by 11 runners at Palmerston North this evening with all of them backing up from Tuesday’s meeting. Trainer Michael House had five winners then to take him to 903 career victories while son Wilson drove three of them on his 21st birthday – not that there was any huge celebration to mark the big event. “It was just a few drinks with dinner, nothing out of the…

Northern Final to be held at Cambridge on May 15

NZHarnessNews

The Northern Regional Pacers Final has been re-scheduled to Cambridge on Thursday, May 15. Originally the race was going to be held at Alexandra Park on ANZAC day (last Friday) but didn’t go ahead because of insufficient entries. The Final will be programmed similarly to the Auckland edition but with a $27,500 stake and a lower rating limit of R45 to try to attract more intermediate grade pacers. The race will still have a maximum back mark of 30 metres and be run over 2700m. Horses will be eligible to…

Emotions to flow on Rowe Cup night

NZHarnessNews

By Michael Guerin Canterbury trainer-driver Gavin Smith says it will be a painful privilege to honour his close friend Greg Sugars in Friday night’s Reharvest Rowe Cup at Alexandra Park.  Like many in the industry, Smith was left stunned by the shock news on Saturday that 40-year-old Sugars had passed away in his sleep. Smith was close to Sugars, having spent plenty of time together over the years, even more so in the last year as Sugars campaigned Just Believe and Better Eclipse in New Zealand. Sugars and his wife…

News Briefs – April 30

NZHarnessNews

Milestones for Michael and Wilson House at Manawatu,  the first Warriors – harness racing joint promotion, and a new driver for Keayang Zahara all feature in this week’s News Briefs.   Dual milestones for Michael and Wilson House  The country’s leading junior driver Wilson House celebrated his 21st in a most unusual way yesterday – he drove three winners at Manawatu. He started his run by winning the first with Matai Harry, then won race 5 with Jaccka Baylis before bookending the programme with hot favourite Nickel And Dime in…