Addington Raceway ‘Cup Day’ trials Wed. 8th NovemberWeather Overcast / Track Good 2yo Colts /Geldings 1980m Mob Vessem, in hands of Mark Purdon, worked over to lead after 400m from wide draw, left alone on sedate pace, did enough, without being extended to hold out Shard’s Matrix who led out then trailed, used passing lane to run leader to half a length. Cold Chisel trailed third (field in indian file), blocked for a run until inside final 150m, not pushed to snare third. Renegade and Quinn in latter two of…
Author: NZHarnessNews
Williamson heading to Cup week via Oamaru
By Jonny Turner Nathan Williamson has missions in his hometown before setting his sights on New Zealand Cup week. The trainer-driver takes two horses north to Oamaru today in Itoje and Ruby Roe, with both bringing excellent recent trial form to their assignments. Itoje had a reputation long before joining Williamson’s barn after his purchase by Australian owner Mick Boots. Whether the horse gets to strut his stuff during the New Zealand Cup Carnival will depend on how he performs in race 6 at Oamaru. “I have nominated him for…
News Briefs – November 8
Change of tact for Andrew McKerrow After being involved in the racing industry for more than 35 years, Salvation Army race chaplain Andrew McKerrow will take on a new job in the new year though he won’t be completely lost to racing. With his trademark chocolate treats ever present he’s been a regular at racetracks around the country, especially in the South Island, for drivers, trainers, jockeys and anyone else looking for support and guidance. His new job is a full-time ministry with the Salvation Army in the Christchurch suburb…
Kaikoura Trotting Club committee “over the moon” after successful meeting
Apart from a few “tweaks here and there” the Kaikoura Trotting Club believe they are close to the event they want it to become as a lead up to IRT New Zealand Cup week. “The racing was great, we got good crowds and the turnover was exceptional,” says Club President Ben Smith. The South Bay race course, generally acknowledged as one of the most scenic anywhere in the world, hosted eight races under the Ocean Ridge Fast 10 concept on Sunday October 29, followed by the more traditional Alabar Kaikoura…
Sires’ Stakes update – November 8
The NZ Sires’ Stakes Board wishes everyone racing over IRT NZ Cup Week all the very best of good luck & especially to those with horses in the: – Woodlands Stud NZ 2YO C & G Final– Nevele R 3YO Fillies Final– Dunstan Horsefeeds 2YO Fillies Final– Bob McArdle Southern Mares Classic While it is a busy time of year the Board also wishes to advise that 2YO Sustaining Payments have been emailed/posted but these are not due until Friday, December 1st 2023. This payment is for current yearlings that…
Second line draws for the favourites in IRT New Zealand Cup
By Michael Guerin As bad barrier draws go this is as good as it gets for Akuta in Tuesday’s $750,000 IRT New Zealand Cup at Addington. The hot favourite will start from wide on the second in the 3200m, which hardly sounds ideal but co-trainer Nathan Purdon isn’t worried for two reasons. Purdon was at Addington preparing for the Cup trials when he heard the news Akuta will, if the emergencies come out, start from four on the second line on Tuesday. His next question produced the answer he wanted…
IRT New Zealand Cup draw live
To see the IRT New Zealand Cup draw live from Addington
Luncheon and auction raises big money for Katie Cox appeal
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk The Katie Cox Appeal is now expected to be at around $300,000 after a massive last few days, including a Melbourne Cup fund-raising luncheon at Addington yesterday. The 33-year-old Canterbury trainer-driver is battling a rare form of lung cancer, with a trust fund set up to help pay for expensive medication. She recently started her first round of treatment. Trust founder Craig Wiggins told the 200 people at Tuesday’s luncheon that the total was already at $195,000, after a number of sizeable donations,…
NZ Cup and Dominion Trot Rankings
Beach Ball bounces into IRT New Zealand Cup field The final rankings are out for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington next Tuesday (Nov 14), with Beach Ball making the most of one last chance to make the field. Last week the Kevin Chapman-trained Somebeachsomewhere four-year-old was ranked 18th and three places away from the Cup field, but he is now up to 15th (and into the Cup field) after beating fellow Cup runners Macandrew Aviator, American Me and Republican Party at Addington last Friday night. A winner…
The latest from the trials – November 4
Now that many of the very best horses are coming out to play we are regularly updating what’s happening at the trials right around the country. Here’s the latest installment. Motukarara Workouts Saturday 4th NovemberWeather Fine Track Good I Spy Diamonds (He’s Watching – Supreme Gem) The McDermott trained filly did a nice job to outfinish her 3 rivals. MR:2:10.1, 800m in 59.0, 400m in 28.5. This filly is a half to handy types in Ruby’s Delight (11 wins), Sophie & Topaz (3 wins each) and the dam won eight…