Author: NZHarnessNews

By Jonny Turner A buck and a kick told trainer Denis O’Connell Aveross Majesty was on song ahead of his victory in the Icon Dunedin Trotters Cup at Wingatui yesterday. O’Connell pulled off an excellent training performance, having his seven-year-old ready to win after testing the horse against open-class star Oscar Bonavena in the Methven Trotters Green Mile on Sunday. The trainer gave Aveross Majesty an easy week in his work on Waikouaiti Beach, and it proved a winning formula at Wingatui. “He didn’t have much work through the week,…

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk In 2021 Laurence Hanrahan went to the National Standardbred yearling Sales in Christchurch looking for a Rock N Roll Heaven. He decided on Tanzania (Rock N Roll Heaven – Mashika) and duly purchased him for $30,000 for Geoff and Margaret Kelk. “He just looked a nice type.” And he hasn’t disappointed. “He did everything nicely, Leo O’Reilly broke him in and liked him, and then we slowly progressed from there.” And right now it looks like it was pretty good shopping. Heading into…

Trottech’s selections for Geraldine.              Race   TrottechForm Analyst  Race 112.10pm 1 Bella Lindenny2 Here Comes Jane3 Transtasman Bubble5 High Noon  Race 212.35pm 1 Lewey Maguire5 Flying For Me4 The Mandalorian3 Samvasa Race 31.02pm 11 Ultimate Counsel12 Festus Haggen2 Lamarli8 The Night Fox  Race 41.27pm 1 Hi Hopes13 Didjaseemiki9 Good Time Betty8 Rosie Richter Race 51.52pm 2 Feel The Moment3 Aiguille14 MM Sunshine17 Ali Lindenny  Race 62.17pm 7 Hayley’s Meddle2 Tremendous Lover8 Apatchofgold10 The Real McCoy  Race 72.42pm 4 Sunny Louis5 Holly Highlander8 Barrytown19 El…

By Brigette Solomon The father and son training partnership of Ray and Jeff Darby had their first winner at Cambridge Raceway last night with Neymar taking out Race 2, the Dunstan 100% New Zealand Mobile Pace. To make it extra special Jeff Darby was also the successful driver, in the amateur drivers’ event. It was a patient and composed drive from Darby who dropped Neymar back to settle last on the fence after starting from barrier 8. Neymar enjoyed an easy trip before coming off the markers just after the…

By Frank Marrion, courtesy of the HarnessXpress This just isn’t supposed to happen.  A Southland hobby trainer with just the odd horse in work downing the might of the All Stars in a race for two-year-old fillies at Addington. A ‘stallion’ with no more than one foal per crop beating up on fillies by Bettor’s Delight and Captaintreacherous. But that is exactly what happened at Addington last Friday night when the Lord Forbes filly Louies Girl downed Treacherous Baby and Madrid. And it could easily happen again in a Group…

Meetings don’t get much better than Grand Prix day. On Sunday Addington will host eight Group 1s as part of an action-packed 10-race programme. So we’ve produced a Punting Guide to provide with all the information you need to enjoy what should be a brilliant day. Punting Guide Here

Every week we look at the trials and workouts from right around the country. Who’s impressing and who looks ready to race? The Ashburton trials Tuesday 5th DecemberWeather Overcast Track Good Jukebox Gypsy (2f Rock N Roll Heaven – Gypsy’s Choice) In the hands of her trainer Gerard O’Reilly, the filly went to the front then cleared out from her rivals over final 400m. MR:2:02.5, 800m in 60.5, 400m in 29.9. She is the first foal of a mare that won five races herself and this effort suggested that she…

By Adam Hamilton  Star Kiwi-bred mare Amore Vita has collapsed and died in track work. Devastated owner-breeder Steve Dolan said he was still trying to come to terms with losing the mighty mare. “I’m still trying to digest it all,” he said. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed some tears. “It’s a huge financial loss with a mare like her, but it hurts a lot more emotionally. “I’m gutted to be honest. Clayton (Tonkin) told me she just dropped dead of a heart attack while jogging.” Amore…

By Jonny Turner Though the trotters are long gone from Forbury Park, the locals can still claim victory in the revived Dunedin Trotters Cup at Wingatui on Friday. The dust has been wiped off the trophy for the feature event, which will be back up for grabs after a hiatus. Carrying Group 2 status in its prime, the return of the Dunedin Trotters Cup will carry a $20,000 stake and be run over 2200m under handicap conditions. With horse numbers in the Dunedin region having free-fallen in the months following…