Author: NZHarnessNews

New junior driver to make debut at Alexandra Park

NZHarnessNews

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk A new name will join the junior driving ranks in the north tonight. Holly Moralde Sands, who was judged the Most Promising Cadet at the latest North Island Harness Racing Awards, will drive Grace N Elegance in the NZ Trainers and Drivers Association North Island Handicap Trot at Alexandra Park.  Adding to the occasion, the 19-year-old also co-races the six-year-old mare. “I’m actually leasing that mare. It was Crystal’s idea (Hackett) to get me a horse that I could have for trial drives…

Akuta to take centre stage at Alexandra park tonight

NZHarnessNews

The return of Akuta after last racing in December 2023 will be of huge interest at Alexandra Park tonight. The millionaire pacer has had a long road back from a tendon injury ahead of his appearance in the World’s Best Hoof Oil – Here For The Horse Mobile Pace (7.51pm). Trackside presenter Brittany Graham and racing journalist Michael Guerin share their thoughts on the return of the former superstar, who’s a $1.35 favourite to resume on a winning note. A perfect kick off point for Akuta By Brittany Graham  New…

Nathan Williamson lines up four in Southern Surge

NZHarnessNews

By Jonny Turner  Nathan Williamson’s tactics are going to have to be as flawless as Passchendaele’s record from his barn on day one of the Southern Surge at Winton today. A quiet winter for the trainer’s stable is set to heat up with the Southern Surge series luring four Williamson runners back to the races. Among them is Passchendaele, who has unleashed two outstanding performances in his only two starts for the trainer-driver. The four-year-old is arguably the best horse in the Diamond Creek/SBSR Southern Surge Series Mobile Pace (3.18pm)…

Thomas Borcoskie to debut with two drives at Addington on Sunday

NZHarnessNews

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk There’ll be a new Borcoskie in the sulky at Addington on Sunday. Just 17, Thomas Borcoskie will make his race day debut when he drives two horses trained by his father Paul. Mount Thomas will be at big odds in Race 2, the Thank You , Bill and Helen Bishop and Canty Equine Trot (1.07pm), while Archer will be well-supported in Race 3, the Woodlands Stud Producing World-class Equine Athletes Pace (1.45pm). In Race 2 he will line up against some very familiar…

Addington to get Friday night Smackdown

NZHarnessNews

By Michael Guerin Trainer Steven Reid almost doesn’t want to use the big “J word” when assessing the chances of debutante filly Smackdown at Addington tonight. But as is always the case Reid can’t help but be honest and frank about the recent stunning trial winner. “When she was coming up earlier in the season I thought there wasn’t anything between her and Jumal,” says Reid. There it is. Reid has mentioned Smackdown in the same breath as Jumal (pictured above), the Diamond Creek Stakes winner in April who is…

Draw huge help for Hawkeye at Alexandra Park tonight

NZHarnessNews

By Michael Guerin Hot favourite Hawkeye Pierce could be forgiven for being a touch confused when he scores up from barrier 2 in the race of the night at Alexandra Park tonight. Because the four-year-old is far more used to bad draws and hard runs that what he faces in the Join TAB Racing Club Mobile over 1700m tonight (7.24pm). An impressive last-start winner when fresh up for trainers Logan Hollis and Shane Robertson, Hawkeye Pierce has been brave but often beaten, winning just three of his 16 starts. While…

HRNZ Statement: Actions in Response to Review Panel Findings

NZHarnessNews

Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) will adopt all 12 recommendations from the independent review into the 2YO Young Guns Trot Series Final, held at Alexandra Park on 10 May 2025. The review was conducted by an independent panel of experienced professionals with regulatory and industry expertise, following concerns raised about the eligibility criteria for the Series. These concerns were prompted after a horse that had not competed in a heat was permitted to start in the Final and went on to win the Final. HRNZ CEO Brad Steele says implementing…

Independent Panel Releases Findings on Young Guns Final

NZHarnessNews

Letter from Panel Chair, Lee Robinson In May 2025, stakeholders and racing participants voiced concerns about late changes to eligibility conditions for the Young Guns Series Final at Alexandra Park on May 10, 2025. Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) responded to these concerns by establishing an independent review panel, with myself as chair and Felicity Caird and Paul Black as fellow panellists. As part of our review, we spoke to a wide range of industry participants, HRNZ staff members, and various stakeholders to gather comprehensive perspectives on the matter. We…

Williamson searching for success in the sulky at Southern Surge

NZHarnessNews

By Jonny Turner  Phil Williamson is looking to turn back the clock to 2021 on the first day of the Southern Surge at Winton on Sunday. Four years ago, Williamson’s form in the sulky at Central Southland Raceway was red-hot. But the undisputed king of New Zealand trotting hasn’t driven a winner since. Not that he’s tried too hard. The master trotting trainer can get back on the board on Sunday when he teams up with two runners from his powerful team of six starting on day one of the…

The Trials Report – July 30

NZHarnessNews

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week 31/7/25 they head back to the racetrack. Pretty In Pink (3f Father Patrick – Tickle Me Pink) Tr. A Herlihy Well-bred young trotter who hasn’t started since November 2024 but primed by recent workouts at Auckland. The latest workout (18/7/25) where she trailed before sweeping up around final turn and proving far too good for three rivals, with plenty of petrol left. MR:2:07.6, 800m in 59.7, 400m in 29.2. Resumes this Friday at Auckland in Race 7 and with…