Category: Harness

Owner and Breeder of the Month winners in May

NZHarnessNews

Every month HRNZ selects an Owner and Breeder of the Month award. It is done randomly with the only proviso being that you must have won a race during the month. For May Michelle Caig was named Breeder of the Month after Abull’s win at Winton on May 4 while Jono Ansley was the Owner of the Month after Double Parked’s success at Alexandra Park on May 23. Breeder of Month – Michelle Caig Abull’s more than five length win at Winton was his first success at start number seven.…

“Dead keen” Southland syndicate members buy second trotter

NZHarnessNews

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Buoyed by the success of their first purchase, the Southland-based Broke Boys syndicate are doubling down. The group of 20 and 30-somethings started out with the very handy Ah Dinnae Ken and have more recently acquired a second trotter in Massive Merc. “With Ah Dinnae Ken we had a bit of money in the kitty so we thought we’d go again,” says syndicate spokesman Rory McCall, a sheep farmer from Gore (pictured above, third from right). McCall had previously raced some good performers…

HRNZ releases 2YO Winter Schedule

NZHarnessNews

Harness Racing New Zealand has released a provisional 2YO winter schedule, starting at Auckland and Addington this Friday. The schedule is for two-year-old pacers and trotters in both islands. “The idea is to provide owners and trainers with a clear runway to plan campaigns through the colder months and into spring,” says HRNZ’s Head of Racing and Wagering Matthew Peden. The schedule outlines over 30 race dates at Auckland, Cambridge, Addington, Gore, Wyndham, and Oamaru, with indicative stakes ranging from $8,000 to $30,000. “It is indicative only at this stage…

Written submissions for Young Guns review to close tomorrow

NZHarnessNews

The Independent Review into the Young Guns Trot Final is underway, with interviews starting today. The deadline for written submissions is tomorrow afternoon. They should be sent to : review@hrnz.co.nz The review is looking into the circumstances of the 2YO Young Guns Final Mobile Trot at Alexandra Park on May 10,2025. A final report is expected this month.  To see the terms and reference for the Review click here 

Milestone win for Tony Barron at Addington

NZHarnessNews

By Mike Love  Aspirational Dream provided Tony Barron with his 400th training win in his own right yesterday when winning the Neumann & Sparks Families 40 Years Plus “Silk Road” Mobile Trot at Addington. The Royal Aspirations four-year-old was on the back up from Friday night where she ran sixth to Royal Del.  Yesterday was a different story with driver John Morrison going straight to the top from barrier rise. From there she trotted the 1980m in commanding style, never out of second gear, winning by three lengths from runner…

Deadline looms for New Zealand’s richest age-group racing

NZHarnessNews

The clock is ticking for June’s New Zealand Sires’ Stakes payments. “Breeders and owners looking to maximise the value of their bloodstock have until July 1 to stake their claim in New Zealand’s premier age-group racing,” says Sires’ Stakes Executive Martin Pierson. Foal nominations and yearling sustaining payments are now due for Series 43 and 44, along with key entries for the Nevele R Fillies Series, Caduceus Club Fillies Series, and 3YO sustaining payments. “Whether you’re prepping for the NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales or retaining to race, there’s over $2.5…

Standing start no issue for Leap To Fame

NZHarnessNews

By Adam Hamilton  The standing start will be the least of the challenges to Leap To Fame’s New Zealand Cup hopes. Having just his second race from a stand, the Queensland champion stepped safely and quickly before making light work of a 30m handicap and winning easily at Albion Park last night. It was his first try from a stand since coming off 20m to win the Flashing Red at Albion Park a year ago. And it will likely be his last standing start race before tackling the iconic NZ…

Major Happy a major chance at Addington today

NZHarnessNews

By Mike Love  The first of what will be regular Sunday racing at Addington kicks off today in what promises to be true Canterbury winter conditions.  The Diamond Racing stable is today’s sponsor and although they will not be represented by any runners today, John Dunn will take the reins behind nine runners on the card. He looks to have a range of chances that include Yosemite ($3.70FF) in Race 6 and Waihemo Hannah ($5.50FF) in Race 9.  Perhaps another of Dunn’s better chances comes in Race 8, the Master…

Chilcott with race-to-race training double at Cambridge

NZHarnessNews

By Jordyn Bublitz  Local trainer Nicky Chilcott was quietly confident about her chances but still delighted to walk away with a double at Cambridge on Thursday night. She went race-to-race with Pukunui Beach, who was a $1.30 favourite on debut in the TFS Horse Transport Mobile Pace and then Alwaysbesecret in the Garrards Horse and Goud Mobile Pace.  “I actually get scared going into race nights thinking I’ve got chances because that’s normally when you get your bum kicked,” she laughed. “But it was nice to think that I did…

Did You Compete on a Standardbred During the 2024–2025 ESNZ Season?

NZHarnessNews

The inaugural HRNZ and ESNZ Standardbred Competition recognises and rewards the achievements of Standardbred horses competing in ESNZ disciplines. If you rode a Standardbred registered with ESNZ in competitions between 1 August 2024 and 31 May 2025 this is your opportunity to submit your season’s results and be in the running for the HRNZ & ESNZ Standardbred Competition. Results can be from Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Competitive Trail Riding, or Para Equestrian or a combination. Points are allocated to the horse, not the rider. Prizes:1st – $500 | 2nd –…