News Briefs - November 5

150 wins beckons for the country's top trainers, Dex's run continues in North America, and a change of ownership and stable for a classy two year old all feature in this week's News Briefs.

Telfers one win away from 150 

The country's leading trainers, the Stonewall Stud team of Steve and Amanda Telfer are one win away from a major milestone. Having their best ever season the brother-sister combo are currently on 149 wins in 2025.That puts them 56 clear of closest challenger Michael House (93) and the in-form Robert and Jenna Dunn (87). In the drivers' premiership Blair Orange is streets ahead on 143 with Tim Williams next on 109. Orange, who's currently involved in the World Driving Championship around the country, is on 2998 career wins, just two away from becoming the fourth New Zealander to win 3000 races at home.

Double D heading to No 1  

Kiwi champion Dexter Dunn is closing in on  being the highest earner in North America this year. The five-time USA Driver of the Year has 267 wins and earnings of $US14.2m in 2025. That means he has closed the gap on leader Jason Bartlett ($14.4m). Yannick Gingras is third on $13.2m. The driver with the most wins in North America this year is Aaron Merriman with 765.

400 for Bobby B 

Bob Butt has had his 400th driving success when Star From Heaven won at Kaikoura on Sunday for trainer Aaron Swain. Butt had his first win as a junior driver with Unattached at Forbury park in 2006 for his parents David and Catherine Butt. This year has been his best ever in the sulky with 47 wins so far, two more than his previous best last year. Butt has also trained 216 winners. 

Change of stable(and ownership)

Purdon Racing has taken over the training of classy two-year-old Incentivise. The son of Bettor's Delight has won two from five for trainer Ross Houghton. Mark Purdon drove the horse in one of those wins (Oamaru September 14) and must have been impressed. He's now bought into the horse and will train with partner and son Nathan. He  was reportedly under offer to Australian interests but the sale didn't go through. 

Winton meeting moved 

Wyndham's meeting on Sunday, November 16 has been transferred to Winton because of the damage to the Wyndham grandstand. It will still be run by the Wyndham Harness Racing Club.

Regal Girl for sale 

Five-race winning mare Regal Girl is up for sale on gavelhouse.com. She is one of three lots up for sale. Trained by Tony Herlihy the five-year-old has had her five wins from 50 starts, the latest success being at Alexandra park in July. At last look she'd attracted a top bid of $16,500.

To see the latest auctions click here 

Get your punt on 

Entries for the TAB Show Day Punter of the Year Challenge at Addington Raceway are now open. The Friday (November 14) meeting is always a massive part of Cup week and includes the two $500,000 slot races, the Majestic Horse Floats THE ASCENT and the Hill, Lee and Scott THE VELOCITY. This year's Challenge will see one major change from previous editions - all transactions will be done on-line whereas last year teams were given a voucher and then had to bet on the tote. Each syndicate can have up to four members per team. Each must have a on-line TAB account but only one account will be used by the syndicate. It must have an opening balance of $600 at the start of the challenge. There will cash prizes of $5000 as well as plenty of giveaways during the day and a buffet lunch will be provided. All beverages will be available to purchase at the cashless bar(eftpos/debit/credit only). Entries close at 4pm Thursday, November 13. For more information go to :  https://www.addington.co.nz/events/tab-punter-of-the-year-2025/ or contact rachel.deegan@addington.co.nz