Chief Stipe

Windsor Park shuttle stallion Charm Spirit. Leading Freshman Sire Charm Spirit continued his hot run of success in Europe with a hat trick of winners in England overnight at 1400m, 1600m & 2000m. Invincible Spirit’s highest earning son also enjoyed success earlier in the week at Longchamp in Paris when the exciting Aga Khan-bred and raced 3YO colt Shendam bolted in over 1,600m at their Gr.1 Grand Prix de Paris meeting. Their success provided Charm Spirit with eight winners in just over a week including in Australia where his two-year-old son Sansom scored back to back wins for leading Melbourne trainer Phillip Stokes. Charm Spirit has already sired leading NZ two-year-old filly Aretha, winner of the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders Stakes, who is targeting Spring riches in both Australia and New Zealand. A triple Group One winning miler of the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp and Ascot’s showpiece championship mile event the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Charm Spirit has arrived back in New Zealand to stand at Windsor Park Stud. View the full article

Novara Park’s new stallion Staphanos. Novara Park will host an open day on Sunday July 21 to parade their two stallions, Sweynesse and Staphanos. The first crop by Sweynesse, one of the top Australian three-year-olds of his year, are rising two while multiple Group One performer Staphanos will stand his first season at stud this year. The parade will start at 11:30am with a light lunch and refreshments to follow. For more information contact Scotty Buchanan on 022 613 1631 View the full article

Rule Number(s): 870(3), 1003(2), Breaking Horses RegulationsMr Renault alleged that in Race 1 the PAT HANSON / LANCE JOYCE MEMORIAL TROT horse number 3 THE NIGHT SWEATS broke in excess of 150 metres just after the start. Mr Renault sought disqualification of THE NIGHT SWEATS pursuant to r 1003(2). Judges placings were: 1st 8 CLYDE 2nd 11 MAJESTIC ROSE 3RD 10 ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 869(2) and Use of the Whip RegulationsFollowing the running of Race 2, the LETTY FERGUSON MOBILE PACE, an information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Renault, alleging that Ms Barclay, the driver of BETTERTHANBRIE, used her whip on more occasions than is permitted by the Use of the Whip Regulations. Rule 869 provides as follows: (2) ...View the full article

Rule Number(s): 869(2) and Use of the Whip RegulationsFollowing the running of Race 4, the RODNEY MOORE MEMORIAL HANDICAP PACE, an information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Renault, alleging that Mr Williamson, the driver of POCKET CALL, used his whip on more occasions than is permitted by the Use of the Whip Regulations. Rule 869 provides as follows: ...View the full article

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I thought the new betting platform was going to improve margins!

Alvins Dream. Cambridge trainer Mark Forbes is looking forward to taking a small team down to New Plymouth Raceway on Saturday where he believes the heavy track conditions will suit his runners. Tavistock mare Heliberry will line-up in the Sandfords Rural Carriers SC Maiden 1400 and Forbes is hoping the addition of side winkers will help settle the four-year-old on Saturday. She showed plenty of ability when winning her last start at Tauranga comfortably by 3-1/2 lengths despite running out in the closing stages to finish towards the outside fence. “It was a nice win and back to Taranaki where she has raced well before,” Forbes said. “She was just in front by herself at Tauranga and there were no challengers and she was just gawking around and was green, that’s why the side winkers are back on.” While Forbes believes 1600m is her pet distance, he has elected to drop back to 1400m on Saturday because of the lack of options available to her. “She probably does want a mile, but unfortunately there aren’t many (rating) 65 miles around, that is why we have elected to drop her back to the 1400m and stick in (special conditions) maiden grade,” he said. “She relishes the wet tracks and by the looks of the weather forecast it is definitely going to suit her on Saturday.” TAB bookmakers have set Heliberry as a $5 third favourtie in Saturday’s contest behind fellow last start winners Beckidboo ($3.60) and Cheeky Azz ($4). Forbes’ other runner at New Plymouth, Alvins Dream, will contest the Coastal Agri Services/ Delaval 1800. The five-year-old son of Iffraaj has been in good form over winter, finishing runner-up over a mile at New Plymouth in June before going one better at Te Aroha earlier this month. He pleased Forbes in both runs and he has put the gelding’s improvement down to his recent education over fences. “He is going to be a jumper eventually,” he said. “It has just come up a bit quick for him this year. “Shaun Phelan has done a lot of work with him over the last six months. He is going to be an exciting jumper, but that probably won’t come until next year. “The jumping has seemed to put a bit of speed back into his legs. He has definitely strengthened and the jumping seems to have turned his form around more than anything.” Alvins Dream has been favoured by the TAB, marked as a $6 favourite for Saturday’s race ahead of the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Beau Jeu at $6.50 While Forbes is enjoying working his small racing team over winter, things are set to ramp up over the next few months as he prepares his draft for the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs Sale at Karaka in November. “They won’t come in until the first of August, we will take 14 or 15 to Karaka, with four going to Australia,” he said. “We only have a handful of racing horses. We have a nice Dubawi filly (Arabian Gift) having her first start at Te Rapa on Saturday. “We are more into the trial them up and sell them to Hong Kong until hopefully the stakes improve and we can keep a few more.” View the full article

Entries are now open for Australasia’s leading horses in training sale, New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs, to be held on 20 & 21 November. Breeze Ups will take place at Te Rapa Racecourse on 21 & 22 October. The 2019 Sale is set to build on its renowned reputation as being the preferred destination for international buyers to secure the best bred, and prepared, juveniles available in Australasia. New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale results outperform neighbouring Sales on key measures including aggregate, average, median and clearance and the performance of its graduates is second to none. In the current six seasons, the Sale has produced an unrivalled 19 Group One wins and 140 Stakes wins with graduates excelling in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Macau. The Sale also continues to produce an outstanding record of Derby winners and classic types with graduates having won five Derbys and 13 Guineas over the same period. Entries can be made at https://portal.nzb.co.nz/ Entries close 5pm Friday 16 August 2019. View the full article

17 July 2019 NZ Trotting Owners’ Association Inc NZ Harness Racing Trainers & Drivers Association NZ Jockeys Association NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association NZ Trainers Association Inc NZ Standardbred Breeders’ Association The Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA) Board met in Wellington for the first time on Wednesday, 10 July. The agenda was extensive covering progress with the implementation of the recommendations in the Messara Review; the development of regulations necessary to give effect to the provisions of the Racing Reform Act; and a detailed discussion about distributions next season in the context of the ongoing development of the RITA budget for the 2019/20 year. I am pleased to confirm that on the basis of that discussion the Board agreed that: Distributions to the Codes for the 2019/20 season will be held at the current level of $151.6 million. This will enable Codes to continue to pay stakes at the same level as this season and deliver the agreed racing calendar. RITA will increase the amount of money available through the Industry Enhancement Fund to $4.0 million in the 2019/20 year, to be applied across Stakes, Infrastructure, Youth and Promotion of Racing. A working group, to be chaired by RITA CEO, John Allen and comprising DIA and RITA representatives has been formed to progress as a matter of priority for the industry, the regulations required to give effect to the new revenue streams established under the Racing Reform Act. We are making good progress in dealing with a range of complex issues in relation to the regulations and will provide a further update in the next few weeks. There are, as you will all be aware, continuing challenges with the sports’ margin in RITA’s betting business. While the management team is confident that this will normalise over time the Board has required further work to be undertaken to reduce expenditure so as to increase confidence in our ability to support the agreed distribution level for next season. This work will be reviewed at our next meeting on 23 July, and we will report further on progress. This is just the start. There is a great deal to be done over the next few months. The passing of legislation and the establishing of the RITA Board puts us in a unique position to implement the changes required to sustain the industry in the long-term. Completion of the regulations and the finalising of the second Bill are now firmly in our sights. Yours sincerely, Dean McKenzie Chair View the full article

Distributions to the Codes for the 2019/20 season will be held at the current level of $151.6 million. This will enable Codes to continue to pay stakes at the same level as this season and deliver the agreed racing calendar. How are they managing to keep the distributions at the current level with the drop in revenue? Also weren't we promised INCREASES?

17 July 2019 NZ Trotting Owners’ Association Inc NZ Harness Racing Trainers & Drivers Association NZ Jockeys Association NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association NZ Trainers Association Inc NZ Standardbred Breeders’ Association The Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA) Board met in Wellington for the first time on Wednesday, 10 July. The agenda was extensive covering progress with the implementation of the recommendations in the Messara Review; the development of regulations necessary to give effect to the provisions of the Racing Reform Act; and a detailed discussion about distributions next season in the context of the ongoing development of the RITA budget for the 2019/20 year. I am pleased to confirm that on the basis of that discussion the Board agreed that: Distributions to the Codes for the 2019/20 season will be held at the current level of $151.6 million. This will enable Codes to continue to pay stakes at the same level as this season and deliver the agreed racing calendar. RITA will increase the amount of money available through the Industry Enhancement Fund to $4.0 million in the 2019/20 year, to be applied across Stakes, Infrastructure, Youth and Promotion of Racing. A working group, to be chaired by RITA CEO, John Allen and comprising DIA and RITA representatives has been formed to progress as a matter of priority for the industry, the regulations required to give effect to the new revenue streams established under the Racing Reform Act. We are making good progress in dealing with a range of complex issues in relation to the regulations and will provide a further update in the next few weeks. There are, as you will all be aware, continuing challenges with the sports’ margin in RITA’s betting business. While the management team is confident that this will normalise over time the Board has required further work to be undertaken to reduce expenditure so as to increase confidence in our ability to support the agreed distribution level for next season. This work will be reviewed at our next meeting on 23 July, and we will report further on progress. This is just the start. There is a great deal to be done over the next few months. The passing of legislation and the establishing of the RITA Board puts us in a unique position to implement the changes required to sustain the industry in the long-term. Completion of the regulations and the finalising of the second Bill are now firmly in our sights. Yours sincerely, Dean McKenzie Chair

M8 Starting at 5:26pm. 9 Race Programme. Multiples Doubles: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Trebles: 1-2-3, 4-5-6, 7-8-9 Quaddies: 2-3-4-5, 6-7-8-9 Place 6: 4-5-6-7-8-9 Pick 6: 4-5-6-7-8-9 Form PDF 2019_07_19_Harn_M8_Book Download View the full article

M5 Starting at 6:04pm. 9 Race Programme. Multiples Doubles: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Trebles: 1-2-3, 4-5-6, 7-8-9 Quaddies: 2-3-4-5, 6-7-8-9 Place 6: 4-5-6-7-8-9 Form PDF 2019_07_19_Harn_M5_Book Download View the full article

The Shark dives in looking for winners from Friday night harness racing action at Addington Raceway. Race 1 9 Linton Shard: Big effort to fin the lead told late last time out. Better than most in this field though and can keep them honest. 7 Russian Express: Form on the board and was brave at Timaru last time. Heading in the direction of a win and no surprise if it’s here. 2 Caesar’s Quest: Offering up some nice value considering the handy form recently. Good draw and won’t be far away form the action. 8 Kruizr: Talented horse, but can beat himself. Big drop in grade form some recent assignments and big respect for the stable. Selections: 8-7-2-8 Race 2 9 Unique Marshall: Won as he liked last week. Dominant effort. That bodes well for this week considering he’s only back the 10 metres and has Orange in the bike. 7 Bright Glow: Took a while to get clear air last week but charged when it came. In the zone and trotting well – a good chance again. 8 Jerry Garcia: Made a bit recovery after the gallop last week. Manners the main issue, but with them he’s a big chance here tonight. 6 Midnight Assassin: Much more like it in last three or four runs. Heading in the direction of a victory and can give them a bit to think about here. Selections: 9-7-8-6 Race 3 1 Stick Man: Nice type back from a spell for a strike-rate stable. Blair Orange in the bike adds a couple of lengths too. Gets the right draw to make the presence felt. 2 Jazzy Star: Classy customer back in action after a break. Should be stronger this time in and can be a major player fresh up here tonight. 7 Jay Tee Tyron: Been taking on some pretty smart fields lately and hasn’t been too far away from the action either. Good chance to go close here. 8 Brantley: You can only but win and for the last three times, that’s all Brantley has done. Wide draw and harder field mean four might be a stretch but a chance all the same. Selections: 1-2-7-8 Race 4 3 Sierra Gold: Good manners lead to the chocolates nearly coming at Ashburton last week. That form will stack up well and anything close to that effort will result in success tonight. 9 It Wasn’t Me: Turning the good workout and trial form into race day stuff now with two good efforts behind nice types in recent runs. Has to be a chance here. 13 Spy Da Moment: Good effort for second behind a nice one at Rangiora last time. Swift beginning was the key there and with another one tonight can go close to winning this. 12 Majestic Action: All around it at the moment, but just not quite landing in the right spots. Due a change of luck and might be the surprise of this field here. Selections: 3-9-13-12 Race 5 3 Chubby Checker: Barron trained first start with trial form behind some smart ones including Louis Litt and Peraki Lincoln. Should be right in the action here from the draw. 2 Silk: Run last week was huge. Had no right to finish that close to them. This is harder though but with a nice trip there’s every chance of going one better. 6 Flashazz: Nice type back from a spell with some good trial form on the board. Not the worst hope in this line up. 7 Down To The Bone: John Dunn elects to drive this runners over the #6 which should tell you something. Nice trial form for this. Can surprise on debut. Selections: 3-2-6-7 Race 6 4 Tartan Robyn: Two huge runs in last two starts should see him the horse to beat tonight. Good draw, aggressive driver. Yes. 2 Duke Of Dundee: Broke maiden status in style last week and looks to have the game to carry on with it now too. Good draw brings him right into it. 7 Unloaded: Ottley magic played a big role last week but still got the job done in style. Doesn’t meet a field that’s any harder so that would suggest no surprises if winning again. 8 Ay Boy: Big win a few weeks back in first heat of this series. Looks ready made for the challenge and will be running on strongly at the business end of things. Selections: 4-2-7-8 Race 7 11 Fynn Frost: Huge run after the early gallop last week only to be disqualified. Gets in form junior for this and a good tempo up suit will only further enhance the chances. Big hope. 8 Proviseur: Liked the run last week at Ashburton. Hit the line with purpose. That should stack up nicely here tonight, especially with the leading junior in the bike. 7 Immortal Change: Form on the board and stable is really starting to warm up for winter. Not a deep field, just needs the right run and it’s game on. 9 King Of Heroes: Done a good job since arriving at the beach. Wide draw here but driver knows how to win these races and can swoop on them all with the chance. Selections: 11-8-7-9 Race 8 6 Madeleine Stowe: Just destroyed them last week down in grade but the way in which it came would suggest this week won’t pose too many problems either. 8 The Dominator: Beat a strong field last time out, but not completely bombproof. If Thornely’s got the magic hands on again then look out. 9 Destiny Jones: She’s been chasing valiantly all season and deserves to sign things off with a win. Handicap makes it hard but she’s always a chance. 5 Sugar Cane: Stuck on well for third last week when fresh up. Should be better for it and can get a slice of the action here again with a quick get away. Selections: 6-8-9-5 Race 9 3 Montefalco: Took on some nice types last time and wasn’t far away. This looks a little more within range, especially from the good draw. Should have the final say. 2 Koromiko Eyre: On speed runner who will give them all a bit to think about tonight. Likely to get the sweet trip just off the speed and then try the luck up the lane. 7 Amore Lancome: Running on last time out but smaller field here suits. Best is good enough to feature just needs the right kind of run 6 Major Deal: Better than recent efforts. Right driver in the right kind of race to potentially turn things around here. Not the worst. Selections: 3-2-7-6 BEST: 3 Montefalco (Race 9) NEXT: 4 Tartan Robyn (Race 6) VALUE: 1 Stick Man (Race 3) View the full article

The Shark goes looking for winners from Alexandra Park on Friday night. Race 1 5 The Moonshadow: If we’re honest, he’s been a little bit disappointing recently with some sub-par runs. However, we also know just how good he can be and therefore he’s on top tonight. 4 Delightful Deal: Lovely first look at Alexandra Park when running second. Natural improvement from that should see him right in the middle of the action once more. 3 Adieu Flirt: Racing like a horse possessed at the moment. Been a busy season, but she’s thriving on it and sure to give some cheek here from the handy draw. 1 The Stunning Nun: Never far away from the action and comes up with the ace draw here. That means no extra work and more in the tank for when things get serious. Selections: 5-4-3-1 Race 2 4 Rubens: Knocking on the door for a fair while now and surely must get the win soon. Even field here and a handy enough draw so has to be considered a very strong winning hope. 1 Ruby Rose: Handy enough wee pacer who appreciate a slight drop in grade for this. Could look to keep on the speed here or hand up to the right one, winning chance either way. 8 Troubador: Really rounded things up nicely last time out to finish fourth. Cops another awkward draw here but is clearly going good enough to win it if things fall into place. 2 Simon: Better than some of the recent form and only needs to land the right trip behind the right horse to get right into the middle of the action. Selections: 4-1-8-2 Race 3 10 All American: Classy customer who was oh so very good winning a fresh state. Workout win since then to prep for this and all looks in readiness for another victory. 9 Mr Good And Evil: Bounced back last week with a very good third. This field is no stronger than that and with good manners again, must be considered a strong option. 5 Thatgirltrouble: Looks the place bet of the night. Consistent we trotter who was so good last week and will just get out and get on the speed here. Has to be a chance. 7 Sertorious: Got the manners right last time out and the win can quite easily. Confidence builder and might go on with it now? We find out tonight. Selections: 10-9-5-7 Race 4 3 Sea Change: No star, but does seem pretty genuine. Can get on the speed here an be out of trouble and might take a bit of catching in what is a very even field. 1 Changed: Stepped it up a notch with a bold third last time out. Headed in the right direction and might get the sweet trip here. 5 Akarana Prince: Taken on stronger fields than this and it would be no surprise to see a really strong effort here. Good draw and aggressive driver. Each way all day. 2 Chillysjustashadow: Nice effort last week behind the rampant stablemates. Not the worst here from the handy draw either. Selections: 3-1-5-2 Race 5 11 Mogul: Big handicap to overcome but a few scratchings help the cause. In great form and can carry it on here. Needs to make a flyer. 9 Red Reactor: Form is on the board and 25m better off than main rival. That makes him the main danger, especially if he can jump and run and get on the speed. 2 Black Art: Consistent performer with form on the board across the North Island. Genuine pacer who won’t mind a dog fight and can play a role in this. 3 All Yours: Stunning victory last time out. In good form, clearly and can build on that by getting a good slice of the action here. Selections: 11-9-2-3 Race 6 7 Matua Tana: Huge run last week after an early mistake. Just needs to find the right rhythm early and it’s hard to see him beaten to be fair. 12 Magnafique: Genuine enough performer who is getting a bit of a class drop for this race and with the right sort of run wouldn’t be the worst chance. 8 Kimkar Dash: Really good run fresh up from a spell last time out and with natural improvement should be able to play a role here tonight. 6 Commando One: Strong effort late in the running here last week and is clearly in good nick. Not the deepest of fields, so has to be a chance. Selections: 7-12-8-6 Race 7 5 Hit The Sky: Nice effort fresh up from new quarters last week and meets an even field for tonight. Natural improvement means there’s strong hope at a nice price here. 8 Young Conqueror: Big run here last week to finish second. Class horse of the field but does need things to fall into place to be able to win this. 2 I’m Jimmy James: Tried to run them off their feet last week. Not a bad effort. Better when having a cold shot at them late which might be the tactic here. 6 Final Delight: The form is on the board and the stable is low-flying. Big respect for anything that lines up from the House barn at the moment. Selections: 5-8-2-6 Race 8 4 Highland Queen: Now in the Hackett and Wallis team and a nice workout win last week suggests there’s good things ahead. Can win tonight fresh up. 3 Minnie Bow Tique: Doesn’t know how to run a bad race. Good manners will mean out of trouble and right in contention here. 1 Our Spitfire: First starter from noted trotting stable. Has shown plenty of ability in public runs so far and can certainly get a big slice of the action here. 9 Aoraki: Continues to sneak under the radar with good efforts. Race winner taking on maidens here so always a chance in those conditions. Selections: 4-3-1-9 Race 9 5 Sagano: Getting some serious grade relief tonight and hasn’t been bad in runs since coming north. Best when saved for one run and can win this race here. 2 Carrera Sky: Always there or thereabouts and comes up with a nice draw tonight so should get onto the speed and stay out of trouble. Each way. 6 Au Revoir: Hitting the line nicely last week and meets an even looking field here tonight. Could be the blow out chance in the race with the right kind of run. 4 Janet Guthrie: There’s been plenty of good in runs recently. Just needs to land the back of the right one here and can play a major role tonight. Selections: 5-2-6-4 BEST: 4 Rubens (Race 2) NEXT: 2 Sea Change (Race 4) VALUE: 5 Hit The Sky (Race 7) View the full article

Volstead – Trotting Stallion from Sweden. Lets Elope retired Veteran West Auckland pacer Lets Elope has been retired. He raced for nine seasons in all, on both sides of the Tasman, and accumulated over half-a-million dollars in earnings for his connections. “He’s been retired and it’s well-deserved because done such a great job,” said co-trainer Tate Hopkins. Let Elope returned to Hopkins and breeder/former co-owner Frank Cooney last year after spending the best part of four years racing in Victoria with Brent Lilley. In a fairytale result, he took out the Holmes DG Handicap at Alexandra Park back in October, defeating the likes of Jack’s Legend and Northview Hustler. Lets Elope was a star youngster, winning the Group 1 $165,600 Sires Stakes 2YO Final at Addington for Cooney back in 2011. He also ran second in Smolda’s now-famous 1.52.1 3YO Emerald demolition at Cambridge’s 2012 Harness Jewels. The son of Real Desire retires with 26 wins and 45 placings from 171 career starts. New Swedish stallion Haras des Trotteurs have confirmed this week that it has secured the rights to Swedish Group 1-winning stallion Volstead. The son of Cantab Hall, who went 1.51.5 on a 1000m track, will stand the coming season in Victoria and will be available to both New Zealand and Australian breeders. He will become the first son of Cantab Hall to be available as a chilled semen option in the Southern Hemisphere. Cantab Hall is an established sire of sires with his sons Father Patrick, Explosive Matter and Uncle Peter all in the top 10 sires of three-year-olds in America this year. Volsted won 23 races for trainer Stefan Melander including the Gr. 1 King’s Cup and Sweden Cup. “Volstead was very fast from the beginning when we started training him and was a very very strong horse,” said Melander. “Volstead could race on the outside the whole race. If it was a distance race or a mile race, it didn’t matter and he could still win racing outside the entire race.” “I have retained breedings to breed my own mares in USA as I can see Volstead within the next five years becoming highly successful and one of the top trotting Stallions in the world.” Volstead will stand for NZ$5,000 + GST at Haras des Trotteurs’ base in Cardigan, alongside successful French stallion Used To Me. Both stallions will be available in chilled semen form in Australia and New Zealand and multi-mare discounts are available, with a special single mare discount available for VSTA and NZSBA members. Pukekohe pacer heads to Canada One of the pre-race favourites for Friday night’s $25,000 Franklin Country Cup has been scratched after being sold. Big Mach will leave the country tomorrow bound for Canada after a deal was finalised on Thursday morning, according to one of his trainers, Logan Hollis. “We’re disappointed to sell him as we thought he was a great show this week. “But the decision was based on the fact that he is basically a ‘cup’ horse now on rating but is a step below the best ones, although he has been racing great. “Shane (Robertson, co-trainer) bought him as a yearling so after all these years it is sad to see him go.” Big Mach won 11 races and just shy of $100,000 for Robertson and his fellow connections in the son of Mach Three. He recorded two wins this season – a double at Manawatu in April/May and previously won three races during an extended Australian campaign, in Victoria with Nathan Jack. View the full article

Matthew Williamson. The trek from Oamaru to Addington for just one drive could be worthwhile for driver Matthew Williamson if Tartan Robyn keeps up his good form at Addington on Friday night. The Hamish Hunter trained pacer will start in heat three of the South Of The Waitaki Series over 1980m. Tartan Robyn has produced two good second placings in the first two heats of the series and there seems little reason he why he will not go another good race on Friday night. “He has gone two good races, his first one was probably a little bit better than his second one,” Williamson said. “But, in his second home they ran a 55sec last half off the front.” Tartan Robyn has hit the line strongly in both of his heat runs after not looking a strong winning chance in the running. Heat winners Ay Boy and Unloaded have led and controlled the speed in each heat making it difficult for their rivals to make ground. Tartan Robyn has crucially drawn inside both of them this week, which could help him turn the tables. “The way the heats have gone so far, he probably needs to be ahead of them to beat them.” “He has got a good draw, so hopefully he can position up alright and be there.” “He is running well in the series and if he can hold his form he is a chance in the next two races.” Williamson has been taking care of Tartan Robyn in Oamaru during the series. The Bettor’s Delight pacer should strip a fitter horse on Friday night than in his first two heats as he peaks for the series final. “Hamish sent him up thinking he would be a run short and that he would improve as the series went on.” The feature trot on the Addington card sees an intriguing clash between two last start winners on the track. Madeleine Stowe will attempt to continue her charge through the grades when she clashes with The Dominator. Madeleine Stowe dealt to a similar field to the one she meets on Friday night at Addington last week to make it back to back wins for trainer Margo Nyhan. The talented, but not always reliable, The Dominator was a good winner at Addington the week prior. Madeleine Stowe will have a 25m advantage over her main rival when she starts from the 10m mark and The Dominator starts from 35m. Though the pair look two of the toughest to beat, they will not have the 2600m event to themselves. Valley Star, Sugar Cane and Destiny Jones add to an intriguing contest. View the full article

For most harness racing enthusiasts winter is a timely opportunity to catch a break in preparation for the fast approaching busy season. But for four young Cadets flying the flag for their regions respectively, the excitement is just beginning as they gear up to compete in the 2019 Catch Driver Cadet of the Year Final on Wednesday the 24th of July at Addington Raceway. Based on a similar concept to the Young Farmer of the Year competition, the event has been designed to test Cadets throughout New Zealand in a diverse range of exciting challenges on both a theoretical and practical level. Advancing from the regional competitions held in Canterbury, Southland and the Northern area the four finalists will have to call on not only their equine knowledge but acquired ‘life-skills’ in hope of securing the coveted Cadet of the Year trophy. For finalists Oliver Kite, who represents the Deep South and Kaleb Bublitz from the North, their pathway into the industry was carved at a young age by means of the invaluable Kidz Kartz scheme. Kidz Kartz has now firmly established itself as a major player in the Harness Racing Scene. Kidz Kartz programmes running throughout both the North and South Island encourage the younger generation to try their hand at driving in a fun, educational and safe manner. Experienced professional tutors and ponies carefully selected for their calm temperament help ensure the training programmes provided are committed to helping develop a well-rounded horseperson. Emphasis is put not only on Harness Racing but also the knowledge of caring for your pony. Kidz Kartz encourages friendship, fair play and friendly competition. Kidz Kartz is an all-inclusive initiative; youngsters from all walks of life regardless of their horse experience are welcomed into the industry and given the opportunity to transition their passion of horses into a foreseeable career. Oliver and Kaleb are perfect examples of how the Kidz Kartz programme offers a clearly defined path into the Harness Racing industry. Regular Kidz Kartz races throughout the year imitate the thrill of driving in real races including the biggest inter-club race of the season, the Kidz Kartz New Zealand Cup. This prestigious race is held annually on Show Day during the biggest event on the racing Calendar- New Zealand Cup and Show Week. The Kidz Kartz members along with their ponies have to qualify for this race where they will race for glory in front of maximum capacity crowd at Addington Raceway. Kidz Kartz also offers Trans-Tasman opportunities; a selected Kidz Kartz member each year travels to Australia to compete in the NSW Mini Trot Interdominion and there is a Lizzie of Rossland Rising Stars Drivers Series held in Auckland. Throughout New Zealand amongst both the Junior and Senior ranks are a number of successful Kidz Kartz graduates with Oliver and Kaleb already proving they too will be added to this list. At a young age Alana Cameron and Cameron Kirkwood, both representing Canterbury, already had a foot in the stable door so to speak however this industry involvement was cemented at High School with them both engaging in the Gateway programme that Harness Racing New Zealand offers. The Gateway programme was implemented as a way of providing wider educational opportunities to High School senior students, Year 11 and above. Gateway enables students, who are interested in or have a passion for horses, to gain credits towards their NCEA Qualification by completing equine related unit standards. Gateway is offered at most High Schools throughout New Zealand. The Education Team at Harness Racing New Zealand assist the students and school co-ordinators in selection of appropriate unit standards in relation to the level of learning including work placement in stables. Gateway provides valuable learning and employment opportunities and is available not only for harness racing enthusiasts but for anybody with an interest in the wider equine industry. Through Gateway, Cameron was able to experience life at the races by means of a work placement with the Stipendiary Stewards. Cameron learnt first-hand the rules and regulations involved in harness racing and was exposed to the judicial process in a practical manner. Cameron went on to secure a job at Harness Racing New Zealand in the racing and registrations department along with picking up a stable job at Regan Todd’s; an opportunity he credits to the Gateway programme . Cadet of the Year is the perfect initiative to showcase the talent of our emerging future stars and also to promote the various avenues available to those wishing to pursue a career in Harness Racing. We wish the four finalists the best of luck. The 2019 Catch Driver Cadet of the Year final will be held on July 24th, with the winner announced at this year’s annual awards ceremony at Addington Raceway on September 28. We thank the generous sponsorship of the Catch Driver game, which is a free harness racing game available for download from your app store and allows you to drive in live harness racing games with people from around the world. View the full article

Sacred Croix will attempt to give trainer Mark Walker his first Singapore Derby crown on Sunday. Trainer Mark Walker is confident four-year-old Savabeel gelding Sacred Croix (NZ) can provide him with an elusive Derby victory. The Raffles Racing-owned galloper is a leading contender for the S$1 million Singapore Derby (1800m) on Sunday after finding the line well for second in both legs of the four-year-old series to date, the Listed Silver Bowl (1400m) and the Listed Steward’s Cup (1600m). A winner of four of his seven starts, in addition to those two-runner up finishes, Sacred Croix will have to turn the tables on the smart Cliff Brown-trained mare What’s New (NZ) (Casino Prince), who has usurped Sacred Croix at his past two outings. “He’s been a touch unlucky in his first two runs in the four-year-old series. He has been caught three-wide without cover in both of them and the winner had all favours, so he deserves a bit of luck this time around,” Walker said. Drawn barrier 9 on Sunday, Walker is hopeful rider Benny Woodworth can find a position midfield with cover. “That would be a good spot for him,” Walker said. “We’ve had a second with Elite Invincible last year and Rockfast ran third in the race (in 2016) as well, so it would be nice to win it. “It would be great to win it for Raffles. They’re great supporters of ours up here. They always have some nice new horses coming up and Dato Yap and Bruce Sherwin are brilliant to train for.” Walker said the relationship with Raffles Racing began through hardy galloper Viviano (NZ) (Keeper), who won once for Stephen McKee in New Zealand before transferring to Walker’s Singapore barn. “He proved to be a good Class 2 horse and he has won in excess of S$560,000 since he has been up here. Dato Yap got a bit keen on the racing again up here and continued to send more horses up. “I think probably Sacred Croix and Sacred Rebel have been the best that he has sent to us and we had another two that came out of quarantine on Tuesday. “It is sometimes hard predicting which horses are going to improve and be suited to racing in Singapore. Some of them don’t show as good a form as they do in New Zealand and others get here and just grow another leg. “I’d say it is more to do with the climate, but as a rule most of the New Zealand horses that come here do perform well because they’re so adaptable. “Certain breeds like Darci Brahma has been outstanding up here because they have all got that fantastic temperament and Showcasing is another who gets a lot of winners.” Walker is enjoying another strong season and is well-clear in the trainers’ premiership with 48 winners, 13 clear of his nearest rival. “Last year we had a bit quieter year, but we had dominated the year before in the premiership and a number of our horses were highly-rated and had reached their grade,” Walker said. “It was a little bit of a rebuilding year last season, but we are seeing the benefits this year.” View the full article

The well-travelled Simply Fabulous will commence his racing career at Te Rapa on Saturday. After a long journey that has spanned three countries, Simply Fabulous is set to kick off his racing career at Te Rapa on Saturday. The Danica Guy-trained gelding will line up in the Happy 60th Birthday Andy (1400m), with Michael Coleman to ride from gate nine. By Lawman out of a stakes-winning mare, and from a family stacked with black type, Simply Fabulous was bred in France. He was bought by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for 260,000 euro at the 2016 Arqana Yearling Sale in Deauville, then fetched HK$2.7 million at the Hong Kong International Sale two years later. But he never raced in Hong Kong. “He injured a hind foot up there and had to have a couple of minor operations,” said Guy, who now shares ownership of the four-year-old with her mother Gayle, along with Duley Nicolson. “They just weren’t able to get it to settle down properly in that environment up there. In the end the owners gifted the horse to me. I put him out in a paddock for three months and he came right – the circulation improved and he made really good progress.” Simply Fabulous improved to the point of coming into work, then having three hitouts at the trials. After finishing fourth at Taupo on June 11, he has scored stylish wins in two subsequent appearances – most recently by five and a half lengths over 1100 metres at Te Rapa on Monday. “He’s looked pretty smart in his trials,” Guy said. “He just keeps getting better. He’s still green. He hadn’t done much until recently, and everything he had done, he tended to do things wrong. “But he’s starting to put it together now and he obviously has a bit of ability. “Saturday’s race looks like a nice starting point for him. He’s bred to go over a trip, so we’ll get Saturday out of the way and take it from there. He’ll probably step up over a bit further later on.” A multiple Group One-winning trainer based in Matamata, Guy currently has 15 horses in work. She also stands Rios, the sire of her Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) winner Gaultier, for a fee of $2,500. She bought him from Waikato Stud on Gavelhouse last year. “He was ill last season with a lung infection and we didn’t end up being able to serve any mares with him, which was a shame,” she said. “But he’s all good again now, so he’s here and ready to go if anyone would like to use him this season.” View the full article

My Pendant is set to resume at Flemington on Saturday. After showing promise during her first preparation which included three city wins, talented filly My Pendant is set for a late-season return at Flemington. The New Zealand-bred daughter of Pins made her debut in October and after two second-placed finishes she pieced together city wins at Sandown, The Valley and Flemington. Trainer Danny O’Brien kept the filly ticking over for a crack at The Vanity (1400m) in February eight weeks after her Flemington win, but the three-year-old was spelled after finishing unplaced in the Group Two race. My Pendant resumes in Saturday’s TAB/ATA Trainers’ Trust Handicap (1200m) for three-year-olds and O’Brien says the filly is forward enough to perform strongly. “She’s really well,” O’Brien said. “She trialled at Flemington last Friday on the course proper and the trial was excellent. She had great form earlier in the season and we’re expecting her to run well. “We tried to keep her going for The Vanity in February. Obviously we were just trying to get that look at a black-type race, but it didn’t work out that way. “So we gave her a good break and now she’s ready to go again. “She appreciates a bit of give in the ground so it’s the right time to have her up and about. And obviously there’s some black-type races through August and September if she proved herself worthy.” -AAP View the full article

Matamata trainer Jamie Richards is poised to make an impact at the 2019 New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) today announced the finalists for five of the six racehorse categories. The finalists for Champion Jumper will be announced later this month. Richards, 29, is in his first season as a solo trainer and prepares a quarter of the 20 flat finalists. The Te Akau Racing stable provides three of the four finalists – Aotea Lad, Probabeel and Yourdeel – in the two-year-old section and will be represented by Melody Belle and Te Akau Shark in the sprinter-miler category. Melody Belle is also a middle-distance finalist. Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Lisa Latta, Tony Pike and Michael and Matthew Pitman are other trainers with more than one flat finalist. All finalists are eligible for the Horse of the Year title, which will be announced at a gala dinner in Auckland, at the Ellerslie Racecourse, on Sunday, September 8. The flat racing finalists are: Champion Two-Year-Old: Aotea Lad, Aretha, Probabeel, Yourdeel. Champion Three-Year-Old: Crown Prosecutor, Madison County, Media Sensation, Sentimental Miss, Surely Sacred. Champion Sprinter-Miler (up to 1600m): Bostonian, Enzo’s Lad, Melody Belle, Shadows Cast, Te Akau Shark. Champion Middle Distance (1601m to 2200m): Danzdanzdance, Melody Belle, On The Rocks, Savvy Coup. Champion Stayer (2201m and further): Five To Midnight, Glory Days, Rondinella. View the full article