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…
Category: Harness
Selections | Geraldine
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…
Darbys record first training success
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…
Gavin Forbes and Louies Girl are not following the script
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…
Franco Norton set for retirement
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk A speed machine and stable favourite, Franco Norton looks to have run his last race. “We are 99.9 per cent sure he’ll be retired,” says trainer Steven McRae. Bred and raced by Spreydon Lodge, Franco Norton has won 10 races from 24 starts, and just over $95,000 in stakes. “It’s frustrating because we know just how good he is.” Problems surfaced with the five-year-old gelding after his fast finishing second to Ohoka Connor in last weekend’s Methven Four Square Supermarket Green Mile. The…
Grand Prix Punting Guide
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
Latest from the trials – December 8
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…
Dolan shocked by Amore Vita’s death
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…
Several chances in revived Dunedin Trotters Cup
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…
Young delighted with Lady of the Light ahead of Northern Breeders’ Stakes
By Michael Guerin Lady Of The Light has decided her own tactics for tonight’s $40,000 Caduceus Club Northern Breeders Stakes at Alexandra Park. Because trainer Jeremy Young says her form and work dictate she tries to lead and stay in front of the other favourites Aardie’s Express and Manhattan in the mare’s Group 3 over 2200m. The race may be the lead-up to next Friday’s Queen Of Hearts but Pukekohe trainer Young says that doesn’t mean Lady Of The Light should duck for cover and try and conserve her energy…