By Jonny Turner Mark Hurrell will combine with a strong book of drives at Wyndham on Sunday before linking up with one of the rising stars of the sport on New Zealand Cup Day. The reinsman can’t wait to get up to Addington to combine with Wag Star following his outstanding performances at the same track recently. Hurrell looks a good hope of heading north in winning form if his drives at Wyndham stand up to their form. Louie’s Girl was a big winner first up for the Craig Ferguson…
Category: Punting
2023 Cup Day Form Guide
Cup Week is upon us! And we’ve got all the information you need to get amongst it on Cup Day! Our 2023 Cup Day form guide includes selections and previews from Michael Guerin, Jonny Turner and Mike Love; fun facts from Dave Di Somma; full fields and a Sweepstake kit for the office. Click here for the Form Guide Click here to download the sweepstake kit
Pinseeker wows on debut
By Mike Love Pinseeker turned heads yesterday at Rangiora when he won on debut in race three the Robyn Powell – Bayleys Maiden pace. Pinseeker is trained and driven by Leeston horseman Jonny Cox for who part-owner Peter Brindson describes are a “bunch of golfers” that purchased the gelding off gavelhouse during a covid lockdown in early 2020. “We weren’t surprised he won, but surprised how he won! We couldn’t have wished for a better start, said Brindson. The three-year-old came from well off the pace with a devastating finish…
Young snares double at Alexandra Park
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…
Graeme Jones – chef and now author
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk For 35 years food has played a huge role in Graeme Jones’ life. Right now, as Addington’s Events Centre Manager, he has a key role in feeding the thousands who will flock to the raceway on IRT New Zealand Cup day next Tuesday and then Show day three days later. But this year Jones has a side hustle – he is a published author and his brand new book, Bulls#*t and Barbecues, has just gone on sale. “It started as a project during…
Old Town Road “strong” in key pre-Cup workout
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…
Harness Racing New Zealand CEO Hospitalised
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.
Howe highlights best of his team for Rangiora
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…
Strong Purdon-Phelan team in at Alexandra Park tonight
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…
Faulks warms up for Cup week with Oamaru win
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…