Author: NZHarnessNews

By Michael Guerin Two horses who a few months ago were the best and worst in Jeremy Young’s team gave him a winning double at Alexandra Park on Friday night. Because while nobody should be surprised Lady Of The Light won the night’s main pace it was only a short while ago Young doubted Gladys Greenland would even get to the races. At only her second start the three-year-old filly led throughout to beat In Excess and My Way in 1:55.4, the last 800m in 55.4 seconds in what will…

By Michael Guerin Old Town Road’s tilt at the IRT New Zealand Cup is back on track after a slick private workout at Addington on Friday morning. The Cup third favourite missed the Cup trial on Wednesday as trainer John Dickie battled to get him over a skin infection but he is confident that is now behind him. “He actually got a dose of ringworm, which spread but we got on top of it,” says Dickie. “That saw him miss one hoppled run so what I did was free leg…

Statement in the name of Phil Holden, Chair of Harness Racing New Zealand: Harness Racing CEO Gary Woodham is in a stable condition in hospital following a medical event. The Harness Racing Board has appointed Mauro Barsi as Chief Operating Officer on a temporary basis until Mr. Woodham recovers. Mr. Barsi is a business consultant and a former CEO of Greyhound Racing NZ. Mr. Woodham’s family have requested privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary and his whanau at this time.

By Mike Love John Howe takes a team of six to Rangiora today. The West Melton trainer admits his team will need to put it together, but suggests they are all capable on their day. In Race one Desert Royal ($16.00FF) kicks off the day in the maiden trot, with Robbie Close to drive. “She’s got a bit of talent, but not quite 100% in the zone. She will get wins on the board at some stage.” Howe doubles up in race four with Sea Jay ($21.00FF) for Robbie Close…

By Michael Guerin Punters should expect a winning lead-up to Cup week from trainers Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan at Alexandra Park tonight. But champion trainer Purdon admits its not easy to nail down exactly which horse. Purdon and Phelan are looking forward to a Cup week at Addington that won’t see them have a Cup runner but they will still have elite level pacers like Merlin (Junior F-F-A) and one of the favourites for the Sires’ Stakes Final in Cold Chisel. “We have some very smart horses there so…

By Jonny Turner Miss Gracie again showed the progeny of Uramao just love racing in November. The half sister of outstanding New Zealand Cup week performer Missalyssa strode to a nice victory at Oamaru yesterday for trainer Andrew Faulks and driver Sam Thornley. Faulks admitted he isn’t exactly sure why Uramao’s foals are such good performers in November for Oamaru owner-breeder Bill Pitches. But he is glad they are. “I don’t know, to be honest, but I hope they can keep it going next week,” Faulks quipped. Missalyssa heads into…

A new series tailor made for mid-grade trotters has been confirmed for the top half of the South Island this summer. From December through to March, the Seddon Summer Trotting Series will be held at Westport, Reefton, Nelson and Marlborough. There will be nine meetings in all, with each leg of the series worth between $15,000 and $20,000. The stakes have been boosted in part through the new Regional Stakes Fund introduced by HRNZ this year. Points for each race will be allocated as follows: 1st – 7 points2nd –…

Here’s Greg O’Connor with the latest Addington News, featuring all you need to know for IRT New Zealand Cup Day.