Club News 11 September

TAB News

Pick6 this week - $25K Pick Six Addington Friday.

August and September - Harness First4

$6,000 Bonus First4 on a Race 4 Every Friday Night in Aug/Sept and on Race 4 at Addington on Thu 19 Sept.

Addington Raceway and Events Centre – Friday 13 September

Hello Everyone,

It is all go at Addington!  We are pretty much racing every week up until Cup Week!  We have exciting racing ahead with the Road to the Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup underway and the Road to the Airpark Canterbury Dominion Trot soon to commence!

Below we have outlined all the fun areas for the week.  Be sure to read what is available and visit addington.co.nz to book your spot and to be part of the magic!

CHRISTCHURCH CASINO NZ TROTTING CUP DAY – PUBLIC TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

A big congratulations to Christchurch Casino, our naming rights sponsor and principal partner, on celebrating their 25th anniversary in November!  Please join Christchurch Casino and Addington Raceway as together we offer an exceptional range of places to toast their anniversary and enjoy Australasia’s biggest harness racing day.

#letscelebrate
#nzcup19

GENERAL ADMISSION

You will be right in the heart of the action to view all races on the trackside grassed area or via big screens.  Venture into The Edge Public Village to have an epic experience in The Edge Activation Garden.  Thanks to The Edge, there will also be a phone charging station to keep you up to date with your social media and betting.

The cutting-edge fashion heats and semi-finals of The Crossing Fashion Starts Here Best Dressed Competition are now open and will be held in The Edge Public Village.  If you wish to become fashion royalty of the year and to be in to win thousands of dollars in prizes, make sure you enter this elite event. 

You will be at crossroads of what to do between races!  Make sure you check out the Speights Beer Garden with your mates as The Rock will be on course with their ‘Beat The Bar Activation Challenge’.

Check out our crossroads signage in The Edge Public Village to choose a bet you won’t forget at one of our many totes.  For refreshing beverages and delicious treats, race over to our bars and some of Christchurch’s top international food providers.

Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup Day headline act on The Edge Public Village Stage will be ..…… avoid FOMO, make sure you follow our social media pages to be the first to hear who will be entertaining you!

2019 General Admission Ticket Prices:

• Earlybird (2 September to 31 October) – $25 per person + booking fee
• Standard (1 to 12 November) – $35 per person + booking fee
• At the gate (12 November) – $45 per person (cash only)

Reserved Seating Tickets – only $65 per person + booking fee

A reserved seat offers prime viewing to capture all the entertainment and thrilling racing action.  There are only 100 tickets available in the public stand (uncovered), so be sure to get in quick!  Anyone booking a reserved ticket is able to access everything that is available in the General Admission area! 

LINDAUER LAWN

You will be making a beeline to the sought after revamped Lindauer Lawn to watch spectacular racing, fashion finals and presentations from the lawn, or via an elevated view from the rooftop.

But wait, what is Lindauer doing this year? For the first time, Lindauer are giving the first 100 people on course an elaborate glam gift.  Prior to entering the Lindauer Lawn be sure to stop, a complimentary Lindauer will be served to the first 1,000 stylish and racing ready people!

For delicious treats and thirst-quenching refreshments, make sure you trot over to one of our many bars and food offerings. To make a bet you won’t forget, race over to one of our tote operators who will be happy to assist.

Addington is also raising the stakes!  Only those who purchase a Lindauer Lawn ticket will be in to win!  But, to win what…watch this space!

Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup Day headline act on the Lindauer Lawn Rooftop Stage will be……??? All will be revealed about Addington’s prize and entertainment on the Lindauer Lawn & Rooftop via our social media pages!  Make sure you follow us to be the first to hear everything that will be on offer in this fabulous area.

Please note this is an R18 Area. Guests will be age-verified.

2019 Lindauer Lawn Ticket Price:

• Lindauer Lawn (available 2 September until sold out) – $75 per person + booking fee

Oops, you were after Corporate Hospitality as you wish to provide the ultimate hosting experience to thank valued clients, staff, and friends, and to network with business leaders who attend this iconic event every year? That’s fine, for further details or to book visit addington.co.nz.

TAB Trackside Retreat -  For the ultimate betting experience with friends or colleagues there is no better place to view all the top racing action.  TAB Trackside Retreat is positioned in a reserved area in The Edge Public Village directly in line with the 75m mark.  It has easy access to a private viewing area and direct views to the large screen.  Be in to win – book your spot!

PLEASE NOTE

• This is an R18 Event
• Fully licensed venue and no food or alcohol is able to be brought on course

SHOW DAY RACES – PUBLIC TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Show Day Races is truly a fun cost-effective day out for everyone.  There will be no public surcharges, and entry will be by gold coin donation to Maia Health Foundation.   So be sure to pop along and celebrate elite racing at its best on one of NZ’s richest race days.

Racing highlights of the day are the Woodlands NZ Free-For-All and the Airpark Canterbury Dominion Trot.  The NZ Kidz Kartz Final is definitely a crowd pleaser for all ages.

This year we will have again having a FREE kids’ entertainment zone, home to many exciting activities for all ages including, for the first time a FREE petting zoo.

There are numerous public areas available with your gold coin entry including the Lindauer and Blanc de Blanc Lawns, Twiggers and the Christian Cullen Lounge where tasty Kiwi treats and refreshments will be available.

Show Day Races headline act on the Lindauer Lawn will be……, make sure you follow our social media pages to be the first to hear who will be entertaining you!

SPECTATORS BAR & BISTRO

A seat in Spectators to watch all the racing action on TV’s or via the exclusive outdoor area to the Lindauer Lawn.  You’ll have the opportunity to order one of Spectators famous pizzas amongst other delicious treats, snacks and refreshments off the menu.

Yay – children aged 14 years and under are FREE.  Be sure to get in quick as numbers are limited.

2019 Spectators Bar & Bistro Ticket Prices:

• Adult (available 2 Sept until sold out) – $30 per person + booking fee
• Children (aged 14 years and under) – Free (limited tickets)

Spectators will be open to everyone after the last race.

#letscelebrate
#showdayraces

Have a great week everyone.  We look forward to hosting you soon!

World first coming to Addington Raceway

Addington Raceway, in conjunction with Catch Driver and Harness Racing New Zealand, are thrilled to announce that there will be a new feature present oncourse from this Friday.

In a world first, the three parties have been working together on a live viewer function which allows those at the track to participate in 3D Catch Driver games on their smartphone in exclusive Addington race events, while the live race viewer footage is played out on the big screen oncourse.

Recently relaunched with 3D graphics, the Catch Driver game allows the player to experience the thrill of harness race driving literally at their fingertips, while competing live against other players in a race scenario over one mile.

The difference with the Addington events will be that the players must be oncourse to participate, creating a competitive atmosphere between the race rivals as they compete against each other on their own phone – with the whole course watching via the big screen and selected television screens around the complex.

The live viewer function is still in its final stages of development and will be available for the Addington Catch Driver Championship on September 27, however HRNZ and Addington Raceway will be holding trial events to help test the software and game entry process. 

Trial race events will be held at Addington Raceway during the first part of this month, culminating in the Addington Catch Driver Championship later this month.

Ryan Clements is the founder of The Farm Ventures, the Canadian company behind the creation of Catch Driver, and has been working closely with HRNZ and Addington Raceway to present the world’s first Esports harness racing game.

He first visited New Zealand last September when his good friend Anthony MacDonald held his ownership seminars, and was impressed with the youth initiatives in this country via the likes of Kidz Kartz, the Cadet scheme and Junior Driver races and events.

Promoting harness racing to the next generation has been a huge part of the reason Ryan developed the game, and he has been a generous sponsor of the Kidz Kartz New Zealand Cup and this year’s Cadet of the Year competition.

“We are excited to partner with Harness Racing New Zealand and Addington Raceway to bring the world’s first harness racing Esports event to New Zealand!” said Ryan.

“We believe Esports represents an incredible opportunity to bring new fans to the sport we love, and New Zealand is leading the way - Addington is the first track in the world to host this type of event.”

He also commented on how crucial it is to be forward thinking and for tracks to embrace new technology to attract people to attend their meetings.

“Catch Driver’s players average age is 25, representing a significantly younger demographic than the average harness racing fan globally. This engagement of younger fans is how we believe we can reach a new generation to carry harness racing forward into the future.”

Addington Raceway CEO Brian Thompson was thrilled to be able to bring this cutting edge technology to the track.

“We are absolutely thrilled to break new ground and see Catch Driver Esports events held at Addington Raceway,” he said.

“To have this kind of technology available to us from the other side of the world is just fantastic, and we hope that it will provide a great entertainment option between races for not only harness racing fans, but those visiting the track on a casual basis.”

“We are looking forward to getting this trial underway and utilising Catch Driver in future to keep our fans feeling like they are part of the action.”

Harness Racing New Zealand’s marketing department have been a part of the initiative, utilising the relationship formed last year during Ryan’s visit to work as a united front to spread the harness racing virtual experience.

“This is such an exciting initiative and one that we are sure will create a fun and entertaining atmosphere at Addington,” said Jess Smith of HRNZ Marketing.

“Catch Driver is an innovative game and allows players to drive against their friends and their heroes, with top drivers from all around the world currently playing the game.“

“We are grateful for the support the Catch Driver team and Addington Raceway have given, and cannot wait to see Catch Driver and New Zealand featuring in a world first for the sport.”

The Addington Catch Driver Championship will be held on Friday 27 September and will hold heats and a final on the same night with some great prizes on offer.

The first trial races will be held this Friday at Addington Raceway, stay tuned for further updates to come around the Addington Catch Driver Championship.

If you have a smart phone, make sure you download Catch Driver from your app store and start your own Championship training today!

Or download by visiting http://onelink.to/p9zknf

Alexandra Park News – Friday 13 September

• TENDER:

Auckland Trotting Club in Conjection with Alabar have a Service Fee for Tender to Ultimate Machete.

All tenders to be received by 8.00pm on Friday 20 September.

For more information or to lodge your tender, contact Karen Blanchard at [email protected] or call 027 808 3150

• MEZZE: A Night of Sharing |  Friday 13 September from 5.30pm

Inspired by the Mediterranean. Join us in Alexandra Park’s premier restaurant, Top of the Park for a night of sharing and harness racing action. Begin the night with a drink on arrival and an antipasto platter to your table followed by a grazing buffet filled with goodies and scrumptious desserts to finish the night. We have group discounts available with packages starting from $65pp. Please note; groups of less than 8 may be required to share a table. Embrace the family traditions of the Mediterranean and book today!

Save time, book online www.alexandrapark.co.nz/whats-on/mezze-a-night-of-sharing/

• [WIN!] Journey to Thailand with Thai Airways |  Friday 27 September from 5.30pm

Revel in the beauty of Southeast Asia, a tropical wonderland known for its’ rich culture, diverse communities and flavoursome food. Our ever popular Thai-inspired night at the races will take place in the Tasman Room located on level one with direct access trackside. Those who book and attend have the chance to go in the draw to WIN Flights for Two to Bangkok, Thailand thanks to our friends at Thai Airways. This is a night you do not want to miss so we recommended booking sooner rather than later!

Save time, book online www.alexandrapark.co.nz/whats-on/journey-to-thailand  

Methven Trotting Club – Sunday 15 September

As winter slowly fades  the Methven Trotting Club committee are hard at work preparing for the first grass track meeting of the season scheduled for Sunday September 15 at the picturesque Mt Harding course. Track supervisor Carl Markham and groundsman Pete ‘Stalky ‘ McLeod have overseen a complete removal and replacement of 400 meters of topsoil  just after the winning post which appears to have rejuvenated nicely ready for the new season.

Among the patrons on-course will be a large number from working men’s clubs all over Canterbury. One of the highlights is always the presidents race which usually generates plenty of colourful comment from the crowd as the ‘drivers’ reveal a few unusual tactics in endeavouring to grab bragging rights for the next year.

Over the last season the Mid Canterbury harness community lost some wonderful members including hardworking Methven committee men in John Stackhouse and Bernie Davidson. Both made huge contributions and will be irreplaceable. Popular trainers Doug McCormick and Pat Melville were also huge losses their big smiles will be sorely missed. Lastly Pauline O’Reilly who along with late husband Pat  were friend to so many in all walks of life. The Methven Club acknowledges and is grateful for all their contributions. Rest in peace.

Recently the club had its annual awards night and results were as follows;

Morrison Saddlery leading driver-John Morrison

John and Robyn Nicholl leading junior driver-John Morrison.

Horse Shoe Brands leading trainer-Greg and Nina Hope

Trouble Lodge and R.T. and J. May Young Achiever Award-Sarah O’Reilly.

This year the club is trailing an extra meeting which will be a eight race twilight meeting on Friday November 1. The club’s sponsorship  theme for the day will  be based around local rural contractors and their staff and a barbeque type social day. It is new ground for Methven and we have been encouraged by progress to date. So see you under the mountains on the 15^th at Methven where the sun always shines.

• Mike Heenan for Methven Trotting Club

Cheviot Harness Racing Club – Stallion Tenders

The Cheviot Harness Racing Club has two stallion tenders on offer.

DOWNBYTHESEASIDE – a son of Somebeachsomewhere

• Equal fastest 2yo in Standardbred history, paced 1.49 - Breeders Crown Final
• 2019/20 Service Fee RRP – $6,000+GST.

PEGASUS SPUR – sire of Speeding Spur

• Sire of Speeding Spur – now competing at the highest level in the USA
• Sire of Paramount Gee Gee
• 2019/20 Service Fee RRP – $3,000+GST.

Tenders close 14 October, please send all tenders before then to [email protected]

Southern Harness Website

Southern Harness is pleased to announce the launch of their new website. 

www.southernharness.co.nz

Cambridge - Waikato Bay of Plenty

Faulty Towers at The Races- October 3rd at Cambridge Raceway

In what is almost certainly a world first we're hosting a very special Faulty Towers Dinner Show at the races! 

Featuring the side-splittingly funny trio of Basil, Sybil and Manuel alongside thrilling harness racing action.

The Auckland-based comedy troupe is returning to Cambridge Raceway following their hilarious debut at the venue in June, but this time they're merging their renowned performances with the racing action. 

Enjoy their performance from the comfort of the Skyline Lounge, the custom show will take place between the races and it will be an interactive experience like never before. 

Fingers-crossed they'll be able to steer you into a winner or two! Tickets are only $35 per person!

For more info or to book tickets headlong to: https://www.cambridgeraceway.co.nz/page/faulty-towers-dinner-show/

INTRODUCING OUR LATEST INNOVATIVE RACE NIGHT EXPERIENCE AT CAMBRIDGE RACEWAY

START YOUR WEEKEND RIGHT... UNDER THE LIGHTS

Friday Nights Under The Lights is a fusion of harness racing action, social interaction, exciting light displays, inspired music and culinary adventure.

Held at Cambridge Raceway over seven Fridays, Friday Nights Under The Lights is the perfect event to take after work drinks to the next level or commit to a regular night out with your besties.

Feel the rush of the harness racing action, reach out and network, indulge in the food truck-style cuisine, witness the bright lights, catch up with your mates, make new friends, listen to the music, dance the night away and repeat.

It's light therapy for your senses!

For more info, head along to: https://www.cambridgeraceway.co.nz/page/friday-nights-under-the-lights/

Invercargill HRC Stallion tenders

The Invercargill Harness Racing Club has three stallion services from Woodlands Stud available for tender.

The club has two What The Hill Services and one Downbytheseaside.

The advertised service fee for What The Hill this season is $7000 plus gst while Downbytheseaside is advertised at $6000 plus gst for this season.

The club welcomes tenders for the stallions and tenders can be sent to Stallion Tender, Invercargill Harness Racing Club, P.O. Box 96 Invercargill or to [email protected] Subject – Stallion Tender.

Inquiries can be made to Lindsay Beer, Promotions Officer, Southern Harness Racing – at either 021 351 499 or [email protected]

Tenders close at 5pm on Wednesday 25 September. 

Kaikoura Trotting Club – November 3 and 4

The Kaikoura Trotting Club is already preparing for the annual two day meeting at South Bay Racecourse to be held this year on Sunday November 3 and Monday November 4.

Working bees are underway, and the club are calling for trainers to please contact them in advance to arrange horse accommodation and assistance with any accommodation for trainers/drivers and owners.

Minimum stake on Day One’s twilight meeting is $8,000, with other races with stakes of $10,000 and $12,000.

On Alabar Kaikoura Cup Day on Monday the minimum stake is $10,000.

If anyone has any questions or wants to book their accommodation for horses please contact the club directly or Grant Anderson on 027 450 5468

Otago Harness Racing Awards - September 14

A star studded line up of New Zealand’s best pacers and broodmares will vie for titles at next month’s Otago Harness Racing Awards in Dunedin.

Classy youngsters Princess Tiffany and Ultimate Sniper will take on home town favourites Eamon Maguire and Majestic Man and northerners Speeding Spur and Havtime in the Best Otago Owned Horse category.

Bethany, the dam of Lazarus, One Over Kenny, the dam of Ultimate Stride, and Foreal, the dam of Field Marshal with square off with 100-win producer, Fleet’s Pocket, in the Broodmare Excellence category.

Each of those broodmare’s owners, Gavin Chin, Lex and Heather Williams and Syd and Shona Brown are finalists for Otago Breeder Of The Year alongside Archie Affleck.

Winners of the breeding awards and the Otago Horse Of The Year will be announced at a gala evening at Forbury Park on September 14.

A massive total of 23 titles will be awarded in age group trotting and pacing and training and driving categories.

Winners of the age group trotting and pacing awards will be eligible to be crowned Otago’s horse of the year.

Big race performers Cracker Hill, Ultimate Stride, Majestic Man and Jess Jaccka look to be some of the strongest contenders for the overall title.

More than one significant contribution award will industry members at the Otago awards.

Former champion thoroughbred trainer Dave O’Sullivan will be the guest speaker at the awards.

Tickets are available by contacting Lisa Butler at the Forbury Park Trotting Club on [email protected] or 03 455 2154.

2019 Woodlands Stud Canterbury Harness Awards Dinner - Saturday 21 September

Silks Lounge - Addington Raceway, Addington

6.30pm for a 7.15pm start

Tickets $60.00 incl. GST

Drinks extra at individual's cost.

Watch our for our stallion tender for Downbytheseaside and Pegasus Spur services which close on 02 September 2019.

All enquiries to 021 969 969 or [email protected]

Canterbury Combined Awards Dinner Committee - Stallion Services Purchase by Tender

 The Canterbury Combined Awards Dinner has two Woodlands Stud Services for purchase by Tender.

DOWNBYTHESEASIDE

• Equal fastest 2yo in Standardbred history, paced 1.49 - Breeders Crown Final
• Foaled in 2014 – Son of Somebeachsomewhere
• Banked $2,179,558 from 35 career starts
• Second year standing in New Zealand
• 2019/20 Service Fee RRP – $6,000+GST.

PEGASUS SPUR ‘Trotting’s Mr Consistent’

• Sire of 124 NZ bred and 35 Australian bred winners including:
• Maori Time – Australasia’s Fastest ever Trotter, t,1:51.5
• Speeding Spur – winner of 17 Group 1’s including Prydes Great Southern Star - $1.1 million
• Paramount Gee Gee – 2yo Colt of The Year,  3yo Colt of The Year, 4yo Entire of The Year
• 2019/20 Service Fee RRP – $3,000+GST.

Conditions of Tender:

All tenders submitted shall be plus GST.

The Canterbury Combined Awards Dinner Committee have the right to select any tender they so desire. They may decline all or any tender/s and their decision shall be final.

The successful purchaser will be advised within 3 working days and will immediately be issued with a tax invoice for a deposit of $250.00+GST with payment required within 21 days. This deposit will be deducted from the amount tendered in the tender. This deposit will be refunded only if the mare fails to get in foal.

The Canterbury Combined Awards Dinner Committee will invoice the purchaser for the remaining amount submitted and accepted as the tender amount once the mare has a 42 day positive test, and payment of this tax invoice is due within 21 days.

The tender is for the ‘Service Fee’ only. All other farm charges apply and will be payable by the successful purchaser.

The successful purchaser will be required to complete and sign a Woodlands Stud Stallion Service Agreement. All the terms and conditions set out in this Stallion Service Agreement shall apply in full to the successful purchaser. 

A live foal guarantee applies only if the conditions of the Woodlands Stud Stallion Service Agreement are complied with.

Written tenders are to be posted to 7 Clare Road, St Albans, Christchurch 8014 or e-mailed to [email protected] .  The closing date for tenders is Tuesday 02 September 2019 at 4.00 pm.

Southland Owners Day - 21 September

Harness Racing New Zealand, in conjunction with the Invercargill Harness Racing Club, are pleased to announce that on Saturday 21 September an Owners Day will be held at Ascot Park.

The event is a trial and part of the HRNZ ownership initiatives and will be held on race day.

It is free for all owners, not just those with horses competing at the race meeting. Guests are also encouraged to bring along friends and acquaintances who are interested in finding out more about becoming an owner themselves.

Owners Day will run throughout the race meeting and will include competitions and draws, the chance for prospective owners to win phantom shares in a racehorse competing on the day and much more.

An MC will interview various owners, trainers and drivers throughout the event and promote the various aspects of the sport and experiences of the winning connections.

Potential owners can also meet with trainers and syndicators to learn about how they can become part of the action.

There is also the opportunity for businesses to showcase their products to owners on the day, with a small expo operating in the room.

This event is part of a trial following on from previous functions at Alexandra Park and Addington that will explore multiple aspects which will be used to present ideas to clubs for future events they may hold themselves. In the attempt to encourage owners to attend their race days, with options for all clubs covered.

It is important that we canvas as many owners as possible to be able to provide accurate feedback so clubs can provide owners rewards in future.
These events could be an annual event for clubs to thank those who have supported them by racing their horse with them, or they could be held on a more regular basis.

Further information on the event will follow soon.

If you are interested in attending, or if you are a trainer, syndicator or business who is keen to be present to promote yourself, please contact Jess Smith at Harness Racing New Zealand to register your interest.

Space is limited so an RSVP is advised – [email protected]