Training milestones, a Kiwi-bred creating a big impression across the Tasman, and a $2m earner all feature in this week’s News Briefs.
First solo training win for Kelly
After having five training wins in partnership with his father Paul, Gore trainer Shayne Kelly had his first win on his own account when Angus Finn won the Combined Sponsors Mobile Pace at Roxburgh last Saturday. Driven by Nathan Williamson, the four-year-old gelding was having his ninth race day start. For Kelly, an area manager for Fonterra and sheep farmer, it was his first solo win in 36 starts since 2017. He has also had 30 wins as a driver, his most recent being Marilyn Monroe at Gore in 2002.
Stuart hits 300
Andrew Stuart’s first winner for 2025 saw him bring up his 300th training success. Driven by Robbie Close ,Timbimboo brought up the milestone with a one length win in the Alexandra Four Square/ Harness Racing Unhinged Mobile Pace at Omakau on January 2. The Loburn-based trainer’s first win was with Free Shaver at Addington in 1998. His best season wins-wise was the 20 he had in the 2019 season.
Miki Pins going for five straight
As dual New Zealand Cup hero Swayzee prepares to go bush for his next race, trainer Jason Grimson has his sights set on another country feature. Exciting new stable addition, Kiwi-bred gelding Miki Pins, will step into open class for the first time in Saturday night’s $50,000 Group 3 Shepparton Gold Cup at 10.37pm NZT. Bred by Gore’s Terry and Dawn McPherson, the five-year-old son of Always B Miki has created a huge impression winning all four starts since joining Grimson’s Menangle barn. As well as having to overcome a back row draw (gate 11) Miki Pins will be against proven classy performers in Tact McLeod (three), Rock N Roll Doo (nine) and Cantfindabettorman (13).
“I’m sure he’ll be very competitive. The back row isn’t ideal, but he’s the sort of horse I can make a move on and put into the race, so that helps,” driver Jack Callaghan says.
Unraced in this country, Miki Pins has won eight of 18 starts in Australia.
Back to Swayzee, and Grimson will go straight to the third leg of the NSW Carnival of Cups at Tamworth on Friday week as his connections chase a five-win $1m bonus.
$2m in earnings
How’s this for success and longevity? In North America 13-year-old gelding JL Cruze became a $2m earner with a third at Bally’s Dover in Delaware on New Year’s Eve. A one-time performer on the Grand Circuit JL Cruze was the 2015 Dan Patch award winner for best older male trotter. He has now had 248 starts and 78 wins. A ceremony was held in the winner’s circle after the race to recognise him becoming a harness racing double millionaire.
Change to parade at Karaka
A minor change has been confirmed for the NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales. Around 340 yearlings will go under the hammer at Karaka on Saturday, February 15 and at Christchurch on Tuesday, February 18. Selling at the Auckland session will start from 1pm with the official parade at Karaka now taking place place at the earlier time of 10am on Friday, February 14 at the request of major vendors. Inspections at Christchurch take place on Sunday, February 16 and Monday, February 17 February at Canterbury Agricultural Park while selling begins on Tuesday 18 February from 11am.
For more information click here
Monte Trot at Cambridge
The Haras des Trotteurs Monte Trot will be held at Cambridge Raceway on January 17. The race will be a 1700 metre stand and be held later in the program to allow horses to both race and take part in the non-tote Monte. Monte is a form of trot racing where horses are ridden rather than driven and is very popular in Europe. Riders must be licensed with HRNZ or NZTR to compete. For more information contact Jo Ferguson – 021 1443709 or trackchatnz@gmail.com
