Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) advises the industry of important amendments to the Harness Racing New Zealand Regulations – Conduct of Meetings, Programming, Handicapping and Rating Regulation, specifically relating to Clause 17: Junior Driver Rating Concessions. Correction to Clause 17.1 – Eligibility Threshold Increased Effective immediately, the wording of Clause 17.1 has been revised to correct the eligibility threshold for junior driver concessions. The original clause stated: “Race-winning 4YO and older horses driven by a junior driver that has driven up to and including 10 career wins at the commencement…
Month: July 2025
Kiwis fare well in Inter Dominion first night draws
by Adam Hamilton The barrier draws have given the Kiwi raiders their chance to make statements on Inter Dominion opening night at Albion Park on Saturday. The biggest winner was young trotting star Bet N Win, who snared the pole in the second of the two trotting heats. In contrast, his main danger and prepost favourite for the final, Arcee Phoenix, has drawn outside the front row (gate seven). Earlier, NZ’s other contender in the trotting series, old Oscar Bonavena, has drawn a back row trailing draw (gate nine) in…
Kiwis fare well in Inter Dominion first night draws
by Adam Hamilton The barrier draws have given the Kiwi raiders their chance to make statements on Inter Dominion opening night at Albion Park on Saturday. The biggest winner was young trotting star Bet N Win, who snared the pole in the second of the two trotting heats. In contrast, his main danger and prepost favourite for the final, Arcee Phoenix, has drawn outside the front row (gate seven). Earlier, NZ’s other contender in the trotting series, old Oscar Bonavena, has drawn a back row trailing draw (gate nine) in…
Thompson celebrated for NZB Kiwi innovation
Emma Thompson was stepping into the unknown when taking on the role as Programme Lead for the NZB Kiwi, and after executing an outstanding inaugural running in March, she was recognised at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards. For the duration of 2024 through to Champions Day, Thompson was immersed in promoting the $3.5 million slot race, the first of its kind in thoroughbred racing on Kiwi soil. She brought a modern, innovative approach to the event, whilst maintaining the history and culture of New Zealand and our racing industry. Thompson’s effort…
Istataba adds international flavour to National Online Breeding Stock Sale
Buyers can currently bid on 11 stakes-performed mares in the National Online Breeding Stock Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, including one that brings South American bloodlines and Singaporean racetrack performance. The Argentinian-bred Istataba is by the Galileo stallion Treasure Beach, who won the Irish Derby (2400m) and is the sire of nine Group One winners among a total of 21 stakes-winning progeny. He has already racked up 15 winners as a broodmare sire including Group Three winner Candlelit (Equal Stripes). Istataba’s dam is Coordenada (Equal Stripes), who was a standout two-year-old…
Cleese to make raceday return
Cambridge gelding Cleese (NZ) (Sweet Orange) will make his first appearance at the races in more than nine months when he heads to Arawa Park on Wednesday to contest the Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua 1560. The seven-year-old son of Sweet Orange was last sighted on raceday when runner-up behind Group Three performer Nest Egg at Ellerslie last September, with trainer John Bell nursing a couple of niggly issues with the gelding. Bell reported he is now in full fettle, and he is looking forward to his gelding resuming on Wednesday,…
Vale Joe Yorke
The racing industry has lost one of its more colourful characters with the passing of Joe Yorke on Sunday. The Manawatu horseman was a respected breaker and pre-trainer for a number of top Central Districts racing stables before becoming a bloodstock agent, but he is more known for his feats in the Equestrian world, having competed in showjumping at the 1976 Montreal Olympics with Big Red. The pair were inducted into the Equestrian Sports New Zealand Hall of Fame at their 75th Anniversary dinner on Friday night, alongside thoroughbred trainer and…
Winter Weigh In, June 30
Emily Murphy brings you Winter Weigh In, your place for Thoroughbred racing news, reviews and insights throughout the colder months. The team look back at some brilliant jumping performances as well as the best of the Winter Championships from Ruakaka. Winter Weigh In, June 30
Blane’s passion rewarded with Entain Award
Transitioning into the breeding side of thoroughbred racing reignited Olivia Blane’s love for the industry, a passion that was recognised at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards where she was named winner of the Stud, Stable and Kennel Excellence Award. Blane leads the yearling preparation team at Waikato Stud, one of New Zealand’s premier breeding operations. Despite holding such a pivotal role, she was caught by surprise when announced the winner on Sunday night. “I was surprised, but really honoured to be announced the winner,” she said. “It felt great to be…
Levakia continues Curraghmore’s run of form
Emerging filly Levakia (NZ) (Proisir) has given Curraghmore further cause for celebration. The Ken and Bev Kelso-trained three-year-old struck for the second time from a handful of starts when she won the Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Ruakaka last Saturday. The Proisir filly’s success followed the good time enjoyed by Curraghmore at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Weanling Sale at Karaka. They ended the auction as the leading vendor by aggregate with eight youngsters sold for $465,000 and a top price of $120,000 for a colt by Sword Of State who…