Author: NZHarnessNews

By Adam Hamilton Josh Dickie remains positive but realistic after Old Town Road’s horror barrier draw in Saturday night’s $500,000 Hunter Cup at Melton. Dickie, who part-owns the rising star of NZ harness, conceded it was hard for driver Zachary Butcher to have “any real plans” from outside the back row. “Unfortunately, somebody had to draw there and we’ve got to own it now,” he said. “There is no real plan from there and Zachary will have to take it as it comes. You’re dictated to by what happens speed-wise…

By Jonny Turner Gemma Thornley is hoping to get harness racing’s teal campaign off to a perfect start at Oamaru on Thursday. Thornley will compete as a teal ambassador in the annual campaign to raise funds for ovarian cancer research for the first time in 2023. It is an opportunity the junior reinswoman jumped at. “I definitely wasn’t going to turn it down, not only does it get my name out there a little bit more but it is also a really good cause.” Thornley is always striving to do…

Here’s Greg O’Connor and Darrin Williams with the latest Addington News. 

Purdon spends big Champion harness racing trainer Mark Purdon’s been busy at this week’s NZB national yearling (thoroughbred) sales at Karaka, outlaying $400,000 on three colts. He started out by buying a Savabeel colt for $200,000 with brother Barry to share in the ownership. He plans to train the horse himself. Purdon described the experience as “a great thrill” and says he used the same principle as buying a standardbred at the sales.“Being from a top sire is like buying a Bettor’s Delight – we are pleased to get a…

Alexandra Park will be out of action for the whole of February at least after Auckland’s record rainfall in the past few days. The deluge resulted in widespread flooding at the northern venue and the extent of the damage has now become apparent. “The track needs a full reconstruction,” says Harness Racing New Zealand’s GM Racing, Catherine McDonald. McDonald and Track and Venues Inspector John Denton have been in Auckland to see the impact of the weather event that prompted a state of emergency to be declared. A heavy rain…

By Adam Hamilton There wasn’t much to smile about at the Hunter Cup barrier draw for the Kiwi raiders at Melton on Saturday night. Dual NZ Cup hero Copy That drew awkwardly out wide on the front row (gate six), while Old Town Road landed the worst possible marble, outside the back row (13). Surprisingly, Copy That’s odds were slashed from $3.20 into $2.40 despite the draw. And trainer Ray Green remained optimistic. “I don’t mind the draw. He can make his own luck from there,” he said. “Sure, there’s…

By Adam Hamilton The Kiwis launch their Sydney assault from Saturday night. High-class pacers B D Joe, Alta Wiseguy and Republican Party all step-out at Menangle on Saturday night. It’s an important race for Republican Party in the Group 3 Hondo Grattan, a qualifier for the Group 1 Chariots Of Fire on February 18. “He arrived across last weekend and has settled into Menangle well,” co-trainer Chrissie Dalgety said. “He’s ready to go and the plan is for Carter (Dalgety) to drive him this week with Blair (Orange) down in…

By Adam Hamilton There was a sigh of relief when Josh Dickie saw the final field for the Hunter Cup at Melton this Saturday night. Dickie’s charge Old Town Road made the cut, but probably only just. The inclusion of Expensive Ego, Rock N Roll Doo and Hurricane Harley into the final 12 caused quite some angst among those on the fringe and ultimately forced out pacers like former Kiwi Cranbourne (first emergency), the unlucky Petes Said So and outstanding four-year-old Catch A Wave. Team McCarthy changed heart late last…

By Michael Guerin Arna Donnelly says there were two deserved winners when Rough And Ready captured the $20,000 Cambridge Gold Cup Final on Monday. One was the horse himself while the other were owners Robert and Sharon Symon for their belief and support of the horse when he often found himself in races beyond his reach. “This horse has won 13 races, which is no small feat,” says Donnelly, who quinellaed the race with Bad Medicine running second. “He has been a real warrior, racing all last winter and taking…

Harness Racing NZ would like to offer our thoughts and support to all those who have been affected by the current weather situation in the North Island. If anyone requires support the HRNZ funded Vitae Service for all licence holders is available, and we encourage you to use this service if you need some help – https://www.vitae.co.nz/ If you have water damage don’t forget to contact your Insurance company or broker, take photos of everything, check your policies and document all of your damage and potential losses. We are aware…