Harness Racing New Zealand would like to remind everyone in the sport that last week’s draft dates calendar is just that – a draft. Since it was released there has been an outpouring of comment, and in some case strong criticism, with many believing the new calendar is set in stone. “There has been a lot of feedback from people thinking this is a done deal. It is not,” says HRNZ General Manager – Racing, Catherine McDonald. Included in the draft is the potential to have upwards of 86 more…
Author: NZHarnessNews
Bolt expected to bounce back for TAB Trot
By Michael Guerin One of the reasons for Bolt For Brilliance’s below par spring has been revealed. After returning with a brilliant win at Alexandra Park after 10 months off the scene, the former Rowe Cup winner never hit his true peak on his southern campaign that left trainer-driver Tony Herlihy scratching his head. Bolt For Brilliance didn’t appear to be breathing well when he ran fourth in the Dominion and vet checks back in Auckland failed to diagnose why. It was only when Herlihy was able to get a…
Money flows in for Wavewatcher at Ashburton
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Oamaru trainer Eion Latimer says he “nearly fell over” after seeing the market move on his horse Wavewatcher at Ashburton today. The Downbytheseaside four-year-old will have his 19th start in race 3, the Red Park Farm Mobile Pace. While a win has so far proved elusive Wavewatcher has been crunched from an opening quote of $11 into $4.20 on the fixed odds, with Latimer as surprised as anyone about the amount of money on his horse. “It wasn’t me,” he said. “I didn’t…
Aussie stars return ahead of Hunter Cup
By Adam Hamilton Two of Akuta’s major Hunter Cup rivals return to racing this weekend. Recently crowned Inter Dominion champion Leap To Fame and Miracle Mile hero Catch A Wave will have their only Hunter Cup lead-up runs in different states. Leap To Fame, who has been freshened since his breathtaking Inter Dominion romp at Albion Park on December 16, returns at the same track in a 1660m free-for-all on Saturday night. While Catch A Wave, who sparkled winning a Melton trial last night (Monday), now looks set to resume…
Tim Trathen has birthday to remember at Nelson
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk What a day Tim Trathen had to mark his 55th birthday. On Sunday at Nelson Trathen’s speedy mare Ooga Chaka, a $900 purchase, won her third race in a new track record at Richmond Park. “The fact that we are from Nelson originally and friends and family were there and it was my birthday it just worked out super well,” says Trathen. And he’s dined out on the success a bit too. “I’ve watched a video a few times,” he admits. When pressed…
Dunn’s remarkable winning run at Richmond Park
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk To use a common cricket analogy, John Dunn extended his remarkable strike rate at Nelson with another “five-for” at Richmond Park yesterday. It was the fourth time he’s had five or more winners in one day at the venue, and the eighth time overall. “I love the track and there’s always great weather,” Dunn says, “it was a great day and a big team effort.” Making it all the more special was the fact the Diamond Racing partnership of Robert and Jenna Dunn…
New challenge faces Alta Meteor in Nelson Classic
By Jonny Turner A different kind of challenge awaits Alta Meteor following his outstanding win in the Nelson Cup. The Stonewall Stud pacer shrugged off mid-race work as he outstayed his rivals in the 3000m on Friday for driver Tim Williams. Race conditions couldn’t be much more contrasting with the four-year-old setting out over a mile, from the outside of the gate, in the Nelson Classic on Sunday. But with the form he is in, Alta Meteor looks right up for the challenge. “It will be interesting – it is…
Poignant win for Scott family at Nelson
By Jonny Turner The friends and family of the late Glenn Scott saw his colours shine in the Nelson sun as Ready Set Jet strode to victory on Friday. Bred by Scott, Ready Set Jet is raced by the late breeder-owner-trainer’s wife Jenny, along with his friends and family who make up the Scottie’s Leftovers Syndicate. A jubilant ownership group greeted Ready Set Jet in the birdcage following his debut victory in race 2. And Bob Butt was thrilled to be able to guide the promising trotter to victory in…
Sacred Mountain in record-breaking win at Cambridge
By Barry Lichter “We were running but I didn’t think we were going that fast.” It came as news to trainer-driver Nicky Chilcott that Sacred Mountain broke the New Zealand mares’ record for a mobile 2200 metres in Thursday night’s $40,000 Cambridge Trotters’ Flying Stakes – but she described as “insane” the feeling she had while flying along in front. “It’s just the best feeling when you’re in front and charging. “I like to look at the sectionals on the semaphore board but it wasn’t working tonight. The way she…
Frocking it up for Team Teal – Fashion in the Field
Some next level glitz and glam will feature in the 2024 Team Teal campaign. Since 2018 Harness Racing New Zealand has been involved in the annual campaign to increase awareness of ovarian cancer, and raise funds for research. This year it will be involved again and a number of fresh initiatives have been confirmed, including a new competition to encourage racegoers to get dressed up in their best teal-coloured outfits. “Frocks at the Trots” is a fashion in the fields competiton – but with a twist. The top two contestants…