By Adam Hamilton The fascinating juggle for slots and runners in the $1m Race by betcha at Cambridge on Friday, April 4 has taken another twist. Moments after the connections of emerging Kiwi star Tact McLeod last night announced a change of plans and they would bypass the race, negotiations for a replacement sparked into action. In the late hours of last night, a deal was done where the slot owned by Victoria’s Matthews Family (owners of Catch A Wave) would be sold to Michael Brennan Racing. The Matthews Family…
Category: Harness
Beside Me wins northern debut in style
By Michael Guerin On a night when getting back in the field was disastrous at Alexandra Park, young driver Carter Dalgety found the best way to overcome it. He simply decided to let his equine girlfriend Beside Me prove she was the best filly in Friday night’s Caduceus Club Ladyship Stakes and the results were dazzling. The big girl had made quite an impression in the south but fresh up at Alexandra Park can be very testing at Group level, even more so when you are well back with 1400m…
Wag Star expected to bounce back in Wyndham Cup
By Jonny Turner Wag Star fans can keep the faith ahead of the MLT Wyndham Cup on Saturday. The pacer was largely luckless through the spring when clashing New Zealand’s best pacers and little has changed in his two runs back from a spell. In the latest of those at Ascot Park, Wag Star was forced to sit parked when unable to cross to the lead with a horse on his inner racing fiercely. In testing conditions, the pacer fought on for fourth and his effort was enough to get…
Job vacancy : Education & Training Coordinator and HERO Manager
Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) is looking for a highly motivated and organised individual to take on the role of Education & Training Coordinator & HERO Manager for a 12-month maternity cover. This dual role involves supporting and educating young industry participants while also leading the HEROprogramme, which promotes life after racing for Standardbreds. To find out more click here
“Wow” moment for local trainer in Manawatu Cup
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk A horse nicknamed “Boof” gave local trainer John Gommans a “wow” moment in last night’s Cartown Manawatu Cup Handicap Pace. Lord Delmar claimed the night’s feature thanks to a top drive from in-form junior Harrison Orange. Drawn five on the front line Orange made a quick start, getting the trail behind the pace-making Fredastaire. The combo then capitalized on the passing lane to make the lead and then fend off a challenge from Boudica, who had started off 20m and made a move…
Stars roll out on huge Friday night
Friday Night Lights steps up a level tonight, with four Group races at Alexandra Park and two at Addington, including the Group 1 $100,000 Fred Shaw Memorial New Zealand Trotting Championships. It promises to be a huge night with 22 races spread across five and a half hours of racing, from 4.49pm Marketplace’s eagerly-awaited return at Alexandra Park By Michael Guerin You know the young guns must be pretty special when they can put an Auckland Cup winner and a former Trotter of the Year in the shade. But that is…
Final flourish for Team Teal campaign
Harness Racing New Zealand’s eighth Team Teal campaign will wrap up with a big day at Motukarara on Sunday. The annual fund-raiser for ovarian cancer research started on February 1, with money raised every time a female driver wins a race. The money comes from HRNZ, clubs and drivers’ individual sponsors. So far the 2025 campaign has raised over $16,000, with 63 wins. Sam Ottley has the most with 14. On Sunday, the Team Hutchinson-sponsored race day at Motukarara, will see the campaign finish with a flourish. One of the…
Muscle Mountain and Queen Elida close in on $1m
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Dating back to the first race in 1908 no horse has a better record in the Group 1 Fred Shaw Memorial New Zealand Trotting Championships than Muscle Mountain. Heading into Friday’s edition of the race at Addington, the Greg and Nine Hope-trained star is vying for his fourth win in five years, with Sundees Son breaking his winning run with a race record 3:10.4 in 2022. That time is still the New Zealand trotting record (2600m – Mobile). Muscle Mountain is the only…
The Box Seat – March 11
Check out this week’s The Box Seat
In-form Crystal Hackett seeking more wins at Manawatu
By Brigette Solomon After a winning driving treble at Tuesday’s Manawatu meeting, in-form junior driver Crystal Hackett is hoping her luck can continue today when she partners Rough And Ready in the Cartown Manawatu Cup Handicap Pace (6.50pm). “It was nice to get rewarded with a treble after the trip down,” said Hackett, “Rough And Ready was really tough winning.” “I thought getting out and going was the only way to really get him into the race and he performs well when driven a bit tough as he doesn’t quite…