Harness Racing New Zealand would like to remind everyone in the sport of the new rules regarding two-year-olds. From the start of 2024 it’s been decided that two-year-olds can only race against their age group, and not in rating races as they did previously. Around 150 two-year-old races have been programmed this year compared with 82 last season to ensure there are opportunities for all two-year-olds. Note that this policy will be reviewed as the season progresses. Two-year-old races will go ahead as long as there are at least five…
Month: January 2024
Tickets now on sale for HRNZ awards evening
With the big night a little over a month away, tickets are now on sale for the 2023 season NZB Standardbred Harness Racing New Zealand Awards. The awards, culminating in the naming of the 2023 Horse of the Year, will be held at the Christian Cullen Lounge at Addington on Monday, February 19. Tickets for the gala evening, featuring a three course dinner and drinks package, are $130, and $110 for any licence-holder aged under 30. A table of 10 has been discounted to $1170. Tickets are strictly first in…
Whale Watch – Cambridge
Craig “The Whale” Thompson looks at Cambridge tonight.
Winton winner sees Williams hit 800
By Jonny Turner Tim Williams couldn’t have been better dressed for his 800th driving win in New Zealand with Aardie B Miki at Winton on Wednesday. Williams weaved a path for the three-year-old to be able to sprint best to seal the milestone victory in the colours of his employer Stonewall Stud. Delighted to score his 800th victory, the reinsman couldn’t think of better colours to notch his milestone victory in. “It’s a big thrill, obviously great to get these colours on they’re a big part of what I do…
Dickie keen to keep hot streak going
By Michael Guerin Top driver Josh Dickie is loving being home and he hopes his successful return steps up a level at Cambridge tonight. Dickie returned to New Zealand officially two weeks ago and has driven four winners already for new bosses Stonewall Stud. He returns to his “first” home track of Cambridge tonight and picks up the drive on last-start Greenlane Cup winner Resolve in the $40,000 Dunstan Horsefeeds Cambridge Flying Stakes, a mobile 2200m in which she is one of only two genuine open class trotters. Resolve has…
Up in trip ideal for Interlinked
Interlinked (NZ) will have to concede weight to his fellow three-year-olds over 2000m at Flemington on Saturday as the unbeaten son of Savabeel aims to make it three wins from three starts. Trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young who purchased him out of Ohukia Lodge’s 2022 Ready To Run draft, the OTI racing gelding is certainly bred to stay and proved too strong when beating the older horses at Caulfield in a benchmark 64 over 1600m at just his second outing. “Got to carry a bit of weight, there’s…
Te Akau gelding ascends on Derby path
With the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) in their sights, Te Akau Racing were thrilled to see a classy staying performance by Ascend The Throne (NZ) (Savabeel) to break maidens at Matamata on Wednesday. Ascend The Throne indicated a step-up in distance would be well-suited after two creditable performances to date, first in his debut over 1300m, and last start when coming from last to finish fifth over 1600m at Te Rapa. Stepping up to the 2000m on his home track, the son of Savabeel was given a patient…
Monica and Max Aiming for Olympic Berth
Event rider Monica Spencer has always been a big fan of Thoroughbreds due to their speed, stamina and willingness which makes them great sport horse prospects. Her current stable star Artist has these traits in spades and the Taupo-based horsewoman has been named on the long list to represent New Zealand in the 2024 Paris Olympics Eventing Team with the 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. By Guillotine, ‘Max’ was bred by Windsor Park Stud and is out of the Group Two placed Volksraad mare Maxamore. He first caught Monica’s eye when making…
Bergerson stablemates face off in Group Three
Town Cryer (NZ) (Tavistock) may be the form horse in Saturday’s Gr.3 Dixon & Dunlop Anniversary Handicap (1600m) at Trentham, but the mare’s stablemate Sindacato (NZ) (Per Incanto) may pose as her biggest challenge. Prepared by Awapuni trainer Roydon Bergerson, Town Cryer claimed a career-best victory in the Gr.3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) in October, and has maintained solid form through her campaign, including a seventh in the Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m), though she was scorched out of the gates in the false start. A daring front-running ride aboard the…
Zabmanzor spot on for Levin Classic
Zabmanzor (NZ) (Almanzor) made a bold statement in his last journey down to the Central Districts, and Roger James is hoping for a repeat performance when the colt contests Saturday’s Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Levin Classic (1600m). The son of Almanzor built to an eye-catching entrance to the winner’s circle at Tauranga in November and followed suit in his maiden black-type test with a four-length demolition in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki. James, who trains in partnership with Robert Wellwood, elected to step Zabmanzor back in distance by design…