Category: Meeting Previews

by Adam Hamilton The barrier draws have given the Kiwi raiders their chance to make statements on Inter Dominion opening night at Albion Park on Saturday. The biggest winner was young trotting star Bet N Win, who snared the pole in the second of the two trotting heats. In contrast, his main danger and prepost favourite for the final, Arcee Phoenix, has drawn outside the front row (gate seven). Earlier, NZ’s other contender in the trotting series, old Oscar Bonavena, has drawn a back row trailing draw (gate nine) in…

From Monday, 4 August 2025, the deadline to notify drivers will be 24 hours from withdrawals. For example: For Addington on Friday, nominations will close at 12:00pm Monday and withdrawals at 2:00pm Monday. The driver notification deadline in this case will be 2:00pm Tuesday. This change is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining professionalism and ensuring wagering information remains accurate and consistent. If you have any queries regarding this update, please contact bureau@hrnz.co.nz.

by Adam Hamilton The Kiwi rampage in Queensland rolled into a third week when young guns Captains Mistress and Rubira starred again at Redcliffe last night. Captain Mistress set the tone when she made two wins from as many starts in Queensland with a narrow but fantastic win in the $52,000 Group 3 Redcliffe Oaks. With trainer Grant Dixon having five of the 10 runners in the Oaks, Captains Mistress; Kiwi trainer-driver Nathan Williamson made a surprise trip across the ditch to drive her. It was never going to be…

by Rob Courtney When your horse wins at Addington on a Sunday & pays $48 to win its probably fair to say that your confidence levels were most likely ‘luke warm’ to say the least but for part owner Stewie Sutherland it must have been something of a ‘time warp’ as the Superfast Stuart-Foot Loose mare put on a faultless display in recording her 2nd win from just her 9th raceday start. “She had gone a couple of nice trials recently but run ‘no time’ “ according to her trainer…

As Executive of the NZ Sires’ Stakes Board, Martin Pierson has a reminder for breeders, owners, and trainers considering their next move. “Now’s the time to confirm your commitment,” says Pierson. “Foal nominations, yearling sustaining, and three-year-old sustaining payments all close on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025.” This deadline arrives as the Sires’ Stakes Series continues to gain momentum, following increased funding through Harness Racing New Zealand’s The Future Starts Now strategy. “For the cost of a few bags of feed, you can ensure your horse remains eligible for some of…

By Mike Love Moonlite Blood and driver Robbie Close delivered a poignant victory in the Remembering Murray Brown Leading Southland Trainer Mobile Pace at Addington yesterday, providing Loburn trainer Andrew Stuart with one of his most meaningful racing moments. Stuart had a special connection to Brown through his early harness racing education, making the victory all the more significant when Close guided Moonlite Blood to success wearing Brown’s colours. “If it wasn’t for him I probably wouldn’t be in the game,” said Stuart. The race unfolded perfectly for the five year old…

By Mike Love Woodend Beach trainers Ben and Greg Hope will be looking for some luck with their four runners at today’s Addington meeting. “All runners are a chance with a bit of luck on our side,” said a statement on the Ben and Greg Hope Racing Facebook page. In the main event of the day, race eight, the Lisa Latta Racing ‘Silk Road’ Winter Series Final over 1980m for a good stake of $25,000, the Hope pair Rena and Our Shangri La will need to overcome some tricky draws…

By Mike Love Splashem produced an impressive debut victory at Addington Raceway last night to win the Chester’s Plumbing And Bathrooms Mobile Pace for Russley trainer Laura McKay. In conditions that tripped up a few runners throughout the night, Splashem splashed through the surface without a worry. Driven by junior driver Sam Thornley, the three-year-old Downbytheseaside gelding was restrained toward the rear of the field. There they bided their time until the 600-metre mark when Thornley unleashed the winning run three and four wide, seizing the lead from the 400…

By Courtney Buchanan Relief and emotion came hand in hand as Fergus Schumacher brought up his 50th career driving win at Alexandra Park on Friday night. Guiding Dear God to victory in the Junior Driver race for trainer Wayne Anstis, Schumacher broke a dry spell in the best possible fashion, notching up a milestone. He admitted it had been a while since he last tasted success, with his last win over a year ago aboard Matty A but described recent times as a quiet patch. “I’m not in a racing…

Harness Racing New Zealand has released a new regulation that will shape how meetings are conducted and races are programmed, handicapped, and rated. The new Conduct of Meetings, Programming, Handicapping and Rating Regulation comes into effect on Monday 30 June 2025, and replaces the existing Handicapping Regulation, Programming Condition  – General Regulation, and Ratings Handicapping System Guiding Principles. HRNZ acknowledges the short notice of this release. However, it follows a lengthy consultation process across the industry. The organisation has aimed to give due consideration to all feedback and incorporate it…