Only one point separates top two in amateur drivers’ championship

[Wandering Eyes]

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk

The Gavelhouse.com New Zealand Amateur Drivers’ Championships looks headed for a close finish on a cold and rainy day in Christchurch today.

Just one point separates Michael House and Cheree Wigg with two races left at Addington this afternoon.

Wigg, who is New Zealand’s representative at the world championships in Finland later this year, won the opening race at Cambridge on Thursday night with Midfrew Lucre, with House second with Dom Toretto.

Despite being “crook all week” House then turned the tables by winning with Lord Mudrick at Addington on Friday, with Wigg finishing third with Sargent Best.

It was also House’s 50th career driving success. He’s had three in the amateur driving ranks and 47 as either an open or junior driver, dating back to his first win with Hurricane Jo at Timaru in 1986.

Going into the final two races, House has 12 points, with Wigg on 11, from Andrew Sharpe, Warren Rich, and Warren Frost (5), Michelle Northcott (3), Craig Sharpe and John Kriechbaumer (2), Colleen Negus (1) and Alan Edge (0).

House will drive White Star Orlando ($12FF) in race 1, the Diamond Racing Thanks Our Outstanding Staff Mobile Pace at 12.32pm, with Wigg driving the $2.50 favourite Kennedy.

And then in race 4, the Diamond Racing Thanks Vets, Smithies, and Breakers Mobile Pace (2.20pm) House teams up with one of his own horses, Avenger ($13FF) while Wigg drives Wild Irish Rose ($7.50). The favourite is Henry Winkler ($4.40), to be driven by Andrew Sharpe.

When asked what his game plan was for the weekend House wasn’t giving much away.

“I’m just going to take it as it comes.”

House is currently fourth in the trainers’ premiership with 27 wins this year while son and stable driver Wilson House is third in the junior drivers’ premiership on 27 wins, behind Carter Dalgety (35) and Sam Thornley (31).

View the full article