by Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Andre Poutama is hoping to go out with a bang at Palmerston North this afternoon. The Pukekohe-based trainer-driver has a good book of six drives at the mini meeting in what will be a finale of sorts. “It’s actually my last meeting there for the season,” says Poutama. With a young family of three children and work commitments at Lincoln Farms and training his own team of seven, Poutama says something had to give and that’s why he’s decided not to make the…
Author: NZHarnessNews
Hard work pays off for Balfour trainers at Wyndham
By Jonny Turner Balfour trainers Shane Matheson and Lisa Barrie are enjoying the calm before the storm. The couple have been enjoying a strong run of success recently which continued when Abadabadoo ran to victory at Wyndham yesterday. Though their horses are officially trained by Matheson, Barrie is an integral part of their training operation which they run alongside their crutching business. With summer approaching, Matheson and Barrie’s days are about to get longer as they work on farms across Northern Southland. With horses to train as well, the couple…
The Box Seat – November 12
Here’s this week’s IRT New Zealand Cup Box Seat special with hosts Greg O’Connor and Michael Guerin.
Wyndham kicks off big week for Hurrell
By Jonny Turner Mark Hurrell will combine with a strong book of drives at Wyndham on Sunday before linking up with one of the rising stars of the sport on New Zealand Cup Day. The reinsman can’t wait to get up to Addington to combine with Wag Star following his outstanding performances at the same track recently. Hurrell looks a good hope of heading north in winning form if his drives at Wyndham stand up to their form. Louie’s Girl was a big winner first up for the Craig Ferguson…
2023 Cup Day Form Guide
Cup Week is upon us! And we’ve got all the information you need to get amongst it on Cup Day! Our 2023 Cup Day form guide includes selections and previews from Michael Guerin, Jonny Turner and Mike Love; fun facts from Dave Di Somma; full fields and a Sweepstake kit for the office. Click here for the Form Guide Click here to download the sweepstake kit
Pinseeker wows on debut
By Mike Love Pinseeker turned heads yesterday at Rangiora when he won on debut in race three the Robyn Powell – Bayleys Maiden pace. Pinseeker is trained and driven by Leeston horseman Jonny Cox for who part-owner Peter Brindson describes are a “bunch of golfers” that purchased the gelding off gavelhouse during a covid lockdown in early 2020. “We weren’t surprised he won, but surprised how he won! We couldn’t have wished for a better start, said Brindson. The three-year-old came from well off the pace with a devastating finish…
Young snares double at Alexandra Park
By Michael Guerin Two horses who a few months ago were the best and worst in Jeremy Young’s team gave him a winning double at Alexandra Park on Friday night. Because while nobody should be surprised Lady Of The Light won the night’s main pace it was only a short while ago Young doubted Gladys Greenland would even get to the races. At only her second start the three-year-old filly led throughout to beat In Excess and My Way in 1:55.4, the last 800m in 55.4 seconds in what will…
Graeme Jones – chef and now author
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk For 35 years food has played a huge role in Graeme Jones’ life. Right now, as Addington’s Events Centre Manager, he has a key role in feeding the thousands who will flock to the raceway on IRT New Zealand Cup day next Tuesday and then Show day three days later. But this year Jones has a side hustle – he is a published author and his brand new book, Bulls#*t and Barbecues, has just gone on sale. “It started as a project during…
Old Town Road “strong” in key pre-Cup workout
By Michael Guerin Old Town Road’s tilt at the IRT New Zealand Cup is back on track after a slick private workout at Addington on Friday morning. The Cup third favourite missed the Cup trial on Wednesday as trainer John Dickie battled to get him over a skin infection but he is confident that is now behind him. “He actually got a dose of ringworm, which spread but we got on top of it,” says Dickie. “That saw him miss one hoppled run so what I did was free leg…
Harness Racing New Zealand CEO Hospitalised
Statement in the name of Phil Holden, Chair of Harness Racing New Zealand: Harness Racing CEO Gary Woodham is in a stable condition in hospital following a medical event. The Harness Racing Board has appointed Mauro Barsi as Chief Operating Officer on a temporary basis until Mr. Woodham recovers. Mr. Barsi is a business consultant and a former CEO of Greyhound Racing NZ. Mr. Woodham’s family have requested privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary and his whanau at this time.