News briefs : May 11

[Wandering Eyes]

Addington tops weekly turnover

Of the four harness racing meetings in the country last week Addington had the highest turnover ($1,063,361). The Friday meeting, featuring three Uncut Gem races, was well ahead of Rangiora on Sunday ($846,956) followed by Auckland on Thursday ($497,183) and the Saturday meeting at Invercargill ($482,904). The weekly total was $2,937,700 – down $304,209 on the same week last year.

Close gets full set at Addington

Robbie Close achieved a unique treble at Addington on Friday, claiming gold, silver and bronze in the three Uncut Gems races. The in-form driver won with Majestic Lavros in the NZB Standardbred Trotters Classic, was second (Cheezel) in the Bodyguard Health Mares Classic behind Darling Me, and was third with Got You Covered in the Betavet Geldings and Entires Classic.

Start 334 for Alexy

The country’s most experienced horse Alexy was back at it at Addington yesterday, though this time with a new trainer. It was start number 334 for the 12-year-old veteran. The winner of 11 races is now being trained by Darryn Simpson, after previously being with Denis O’Connell. There was no fairytale return though with Alexy finishing eighth in the TK Plastering Young At Heart Mobile pace.

Pink fund-raiser big success

The Pacing for Pink fund-raiser has been a massive success at Shepparton in Victoria. The Mother’s day promotion was run in conjunction with the McGrath Foundation with former Australian cricketing great Glenn McGrath on course for the day. His wife Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer at 31 and died 11 years later. Ever since he has been a tireless campaigner to raise funds for the cause. The day raised more than $30,000.

Amazing Dream doubles down in US

Super mare Amazing Dream has made it two from two since moving to North America. The multiple Group One winner won by a head in a 1:50.66 mile rate at the Meadowlands over the weekend, after winning at debut at the famous Big M just last month. Meanwhile Andrew McCarthy has recorded his 3000th success in North America. McCarthy is part of a strong Australasian presence in the USA that includes brother Todd and former Kiwi champion Dexter Dunn.

Big selection on Gavelhouse

The latest gavelhouse.com standardbred auction closes tonight from 7 pm and there is plenty to choose from. A total of 33 lots are going under the hammer, with plenty of interest in the Royal Aspirations, Imperial Count and Always B Miki colts up for sale. To see the Gavelhouse auction click here

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