HRNZ has decided on the 26 May as the implementation date for new regulations on Handicapping, Programming and Ratings. This revised date was selected for two reasons. Firstly, to release everything at once. Secondly, to cause minimal disruption to planned race series in the autumn (for which conditions have been set), and to avoid significant races from now until then. The regulations will be in three parts: a. Part A – The Rating System. The major IT work for this has been completed.b. Part B – Updated Handicapping…
Category: Harness
Six of the best from the trials
These six horses have trialed pleasingly in recent weeks and this week they head back to the racetrack. Words (4m Downbytheseaside – Premier Crus) Tr. G ShirleyAs yet unraced but qualified back in August 2024, won a Pukekohe workout (16/1/25) after trailing in 5 horse heat then dashing along the inside to grab the win in impressive fashion MR:2:05.8, 800m in 59.3, 400m in 27.4Noted its won another 3 workouts last year and now finally makes a long awaited debut at Cambridge this Friday night and has secured a…
Teaz hoping for another good day at Otaki
By Brigette Solomon Ohaupo based trainer Jason Teaz starts three runners today at Otaki’s grass track meeting and is hoping that with a bit of luck they can feature amongst the placings. Teaz heads into the meeting fresh off the back of a winning double on Sunday, with both Major Break and Veronica Jane winning their respective races. Today Major Break starts in the Grant Plumbing Ltd Otaki Cup Mobile Pace, while Veronica Jane steps out in the Bebbington Country Cup Handicap Trot. “They both won well on Sunday but…
May Full of Praise for Wild Willow and Team in Marlborough Cup
by Michael Guerin Hall of Fame driver Ricky May couldn’t work out what he was more impressed with after Sunday’s $25,000 Donegal House Marlborough Cup. Because he was mighty impressive with the untapped giant winner Wild Willow but just as full of praise for the two trainers holding him together. Wild Willow made it five wins from just 10 starts but well over two years apart in the grass track Cup, overcoming an early check to do it. That saw him settle lengths off the pace but the big son…
Ellis Celebrates First Training Win with Cool Phelan in Kapiti Trotting Cup
by Brigette Solomon New Plymouth trainer Brodie Ellis was thrilled to train his first winner today at Otaki when Cool Phelan took out the Kapiti Coast Harness Racing Club Trotting Cup. “It’s been a long time coming after running a lot of placings along the way” said Ellis, “This girl has given us some good thrills already and it was pretty awesome to get my first win in a cup race, it definitely made the drive home tonight a pretty good one.” Driven by Dylan Ferguson, Cool Phelan started the…
Just Believe Retired
by Adam HamiltonChampion trotter Just Believe has been retired. It turns out his typically brave second to Oscar Bonavena in the Group 1 NZ Trotting free-for-all on November 15 was his farewell. Co-trainers Jess Tubbs and Greg Sugars today confirmed the global superstar had run his last after niggling issues emerged during that hugely successful NZ campaign late last year. “It’s with a tinge of sadness, but an overwhelming sense of pride we announce the retirement of our champion, Just Believe,” Tubbs and Sugars posted on social media. “We could…
Hibell Eyes Wellington Cup Glory with Idolou
Junior driver Leah Hibell has a handy book of drives at Otaki today including a strong contender in the Grant Plumbing Ltd Wellington Cup with Idolou, who she drives for Cambridge based trainer and her employer, Nicky Chilcott. “I think Idolou is a good chance today” says Hibell “She has been racing well in some strong fields and drops back in grade today which I’m sure she’ll appreciate.” The five year old mare by Sweet Lou has been lightly raced for three wins from just ten starts and has met…
Piccadilly Pete Primed for Marlborough Cup Challenge
by Michael Guerin Trainer Matt Purvis knows it won’t be as easy as the numbers suggest for Piccadilly Pete in today’s $25,000 Donegal House Marlborough Pacer’s Cup. Because if it was the pacing find of the summer would be almost a good thing to continue his grass track domination. The four-year-old comes into today’s 2850m beautifully, having won the lead-up on Friday but not being re-handicapped. That means he is a Rating 74 horse off a 10m handicap alongside horses rated 10 points lower than him while the Rating 76…
Doo You Want Me on Northern Derby Path
Stephen Doody likes the idea of being back in the big time. And in Doo You Want Me he just might have the horse to take him there again. The big son of Captain Crunch has only just turned three but scored his first win away from home (Manawatu) when he came from a tricky position to win the strongest pacing race at Cambridge on Friday night. It was win number four, all in a row, from just eight starts for Doo You Want Me and he is clearly the…
Barry and Blaze shine at Blenheim
by Michael Guerin There may have been stranger debut victories than Manakau Blaze’s stunner at Blenheim on Friday. You will be hard pressed to find them. The seven-year-old trotting mare was having her first career start and went into it without a trial in eight months. Yet she won by a staggering 15 and a half lengths from trainer-driver Barry Ford, who just to add to the fun hadn’t driven a winner for four years and only three in the last 10 years. And yet this trainer-driver who rarely trains…