News Briefs – May 14

[Wandering Eyes]

Mossdale Ben’s winning run in the USA, a poll on the greatest Sires’ Stakes champions and new phone and email details for the Racing Bureau all feature in this week’s News Briefs.

Kiwi-bred leading USA stakes winners

Mossdale Ben is turning into quite the buy for his American owners. The Kiwi-bred has had eight wins and two seconds from 10 starts and is the leading stakes earner in the USA this year. His earnings currently stand at $US404K ($NZ680K). Bred by Archie Affleck in Southland, the son of Rocknroll Dance  won eight in this country for trainers Greg and Nina Hope before heading to the USA in December. His latest win came in last weekend’s $516,00 MGM Borgata Pacing Series final at Yonkers Raceway in New York in 1:51.4. Trainer Peter Tritton also won the same final in 2016 with Kiwi star and $2.5 million dollar earner Bit Of A Legend.

Who is the greatest Sires’ Stakes champion?

Many harness racing legends have forged their path to greatness through the NZ Sires’ Stakes over the decades. So, ahead of Friday’s Group 1 $200,000 Garrards NZ Sires’ Stakes Series 3YO Colts and Geldings Final it’s time to debate who was the best?

To cast your vote for your favourite champion in the survey/poll in this week’s newsletter click here  

Industry Excellence Awards nominations closing soon  

There are just days left to get your nominations in for the Industry Excellence Awards, powered by Entain, to be held on June 29. Winners of the nine awards categories will receive $10,000 with finalists in each category receiving $2,000. The supreme winner will receive an extra $5,000 on top of their $10,000 category win, and a $5,000 educational package. These awards are designed to recognise the future leaders and rising stars under 40 of New Zealand racing codes. Category winners last year included Jo Ferguson (nee Stevens) and Chanelle Dickie, from within and around the harness racing industry. To nominate someone for the awards, simply visit https://entaingroup.com.au/industryawards/. Nominations close at 5pm on Sunday, 18 May. If you have any questions about the nomination process, check out the FAQs on the link above, or email industryawards@entaingroup.co.nz

HRNZ survey result

HRNZ would like to thank the many hundreds who responded to its recent marketing survey. The survey, sent out in April, asked for all sorts of feedback on what is done right and want needs improving. HRNZ is still going through the results. As promised one lucky respondent has given a $100 Prezzy card and that winner was Blenheim’s Tim Goodwin. Congratulations.

Ripples returns to Mark Jones

Mark Jones has taken over the training of former Aussie-based filly Ripples. The two-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight has had two starts in this country for trainer Emma Stewart, winning at Alexandra Park on April 25 and then finishing second to Cool For Cats in the Group 2 Delightful Classic on May 2. Ripples was with Jones originally before being sent to Australia to race in the Gold Tiara, which she won in March.

Robyns Playboy ready for new Life After Racing

Robyns Playboy, the so-called “Beast from the East”, has been re-educated and is now awaiting his new home. He joined HRNZ’s rehoming programme HERO earlier this year after being retired from racing. He had 15 wins from 105 starts. An Ascot Park specialist he won nine times at Invercargill with Craig Ferguson driving him in 12 of his wins. The Shadow Play nine-year-old was a great performer for the Wilsons at Gore, with Ross breeding the horse and then training him in partnership with son Chris.

To see more check out HERO’s facebook page by clicking here

Age no barrier in Queensland

At start number 290, Theresachance has shown he still has plenty of speed in his 11-year-old legs. The Australian veteran whipped around “The Triangle” at Redcliffe in the Trot Rods, covering the 947 metres in a heat winning 65 seconds. It was his 35th career win. A bargain buy for trainer Graham White Theresachance has so far amassed nearly $200,000 in stakes, with the prospect of more to come. The popular Trot Rods series culminates in a big finals night on May 28.

New number/email for Racing Bureau

The National Racing Bureau now has its own dedicated email and phone accounts. The hotline is 0508 BUREAU  = 0508 287328 and the email is : bureau@hrnz.co.nz. The bureau has been in operation since Monday, April 7. It is a centralised system overseen by HRNZ that streamlines the nomination, acceptance and field release process for the sport across the whole county. Trainers should nominate and manage drivers via the HRNZ Website or app.

NI awards coming up soon

The North Island Harness Racing awards will be at Cambridge Raceway this Saturday (May 17) from 6pm. The cost per ticket is $40. For more information click here

Club News – Invercargill

In addition to a great day of harness racing this Sunday the annual ILT Race Day at the Invercargill Harness Racing Club’s meeting at Ascot Park is always a popular one as on-course patrons have the opportunity to win several $50 meal vouchers at ILT establishments. Each time someone on-course has a losing tote ticket they can drop them into one of the buckets around the course before a lucky draw later in the day will pluck 15 of those tickets from the buckets and pair them up with a meal voucher from an ILT establishment – it could not be easier. The annual ILT Punting Competition will also take place in association with various teams from ILT establishments with the defending champions from the Waikiwi Tavern looking to defend their title. The day will feature nine races from 12.05pm and admission on the day will be free.

Clubs News – Addington 

The always popular Ladies Night will be held at Addington on Friday, June 13. Tickets are from $100.

To see more click here 

 

 

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