Year: 2025

Are the Aussie stars good or bad for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup?

NZHarnessNews

With nominations for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup closing yesterday it was confirmed that Aussie superstars Leap To Fame and two-time champion Swayzee are heading to Addington for their $1m showdown on Tuesday, November 11. Trackside presenter Brittany Graham has seen the dynamic duo in action plenty of times – so what does the now Kiwi-based Aussie make of it all? By Brittany Graham Larry and Lenny are New Zealand-bound once more – and it’s game on for all. Leap To Fame and Swayzee have dominated the Grand Circuit…

Duane Ranger’s prostate cancer diagnosis – “men over 45 must get checked”

NZHarnessNews

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk  With the New Zealand Prostate Cancer’s Blue September campaign just days away, a well-known harness racing figure is urging men 45 and over to get checked. Queensland-based Kiwi racing journalist Duane Ranger was diagnosed with the disease earlier this year and will undergo surgery in September to have his prostate removed. The 61-year-old got the news after a routine visit to his GP. “It was a bit of the spur of the moment thing,” says Ranger, “I was getting my flu vaccine and…

Mr Brightside heads to Memsie again

NZRacingDesk

The Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) would not be the same without the presence of Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars).  The Lindsay Park-trained galloper lines up in Saturday’s Group One contest over 1400m for the third time, having won in 2023 and finishing second last year.  Longevity has been the key with Mr Brightside who will be aiming to notch his 20th career win from 45 starts and go beyond A$17.5 million in prize money.  Mr Brightside has been the banner horse for trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes and all are in agreeance the ‘old boy’…

Damask Rose ready to bloom first-up

NZRacingDesk

Te Akau Racing are building a strong record in the Gr.3 Cockram Stakes (1200m), and they will look to continue that at Caulfield on Saturday when Damask Rose takes her place in this year’s edition. The daughter of Savabeel had a standout season in New Zealand last term, winning three of her five starts, including the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), both under Blake Shinn. The leading Australian hoop will rekindle his association with the mare on Saturday, and the pair will…

Hastings barn hold strong hand at Pakuranga Hunt meeting

NZRacingDesk

Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougall have a great association with the Pakuranga Hunt meeting, and they are hoping that will continue on Sunday at Te Aroha. The Hawke’s Bay trainers were rapt to take out the Grand National Hurdles (4200m) with 12-year-old gelding Suliman earlier this month, and they are hoping he can make it back-to-back prestige jumps titles in the Pakuranga Hunt “Vale Lamu” Hurdle (3100m). “The wet and loose track just played into his hands down south. He has come through the race well, he is very bright,”…

Vinny the “banana lover” takes home the top prize

NZHarnessNews

The winners have been decided for the first HRNZ/ESNZ competition for standardbreds. Run by Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) and Equestrian Sport New Zealand (ESNZ), the competition is all about recognising and rewarding the achievements of standardbreds competing in ESNZ disciplines. Points were accrued every time a standardbred, registered with ESNZ, competed between August 1 2024 and May 31, 2025. Results could be from Show Jumping and Show Hunter, Eventing, Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding, or Dressage and Para Dressage or a combination, with points allocated to the horse, not…

Walsh hoping for ace day at Riccarton

NZRacingDesk

Riccarton trainer David Walsh couldn’t believe his luck when he saw the fields for his home meeting on Saturday, with his trio of runners all drawing the ace marble in their respective events. “We normally get bad draws all the time, we continually draw outside, so it is amazing that all three runners have drawn barrier one,” Walsh said. “I just hope it is a good place to be.” Six-year-old gelding Toa Haka was in stellar form for Walsh last season, stringing together a series of placings and victories, and…

Friday’s top horse racing bookmaker promotions | August 29, 2025

AAP

Check out the great racing offers available from horse racing bookmakers on Friday, August 29. Enjoy bonus back deals and other promotions to boost your betting experience. Explore these specials from top online bookmakers and get more value from your bets. Top Australian racing promotions for August 29, 2025, include: Today’s horse racing promotions 10% Winnings Boost! – Gosford & Tamworth Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bets only. Max bonus $100. Eligible customers only Login to…

Caulfield races betting tips & quaddie | Memsie Stakes Day 2025

AAP

What Memsie Stakes Day Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, August 16, 2025 First Race 12:05pm AEST Visit Dabble Group 1 racing returns to Caulfield on Saturday afternoon as the Memsie Stakes (1400m) headlines a 10-race program. With plenty of rain forecast for Friday and up to 8mm on race day, the track will likely be in the Heavy range. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the opening race of the 2025 Melbourne Spring Carnival…

New fixed odds feature on website

NZHarnessNews

A new fixed odds feature is proving popular on hrnz.co.nz Displayed in the “Fields” section of the website, the odds are posted alongside the horse, driver and trainer information. Anyone clicking on a runner’s price will then be directed to the TAB website or app, and to the race in question. The odds go up on hrnz.co.nz as soon as the TAB has framed their market for the meeting, with the updates getting more regular the closer it gets to race time. “Harness racing is a wagering-driven sport, and punters…