Club News : March 30

Methven :

The Methven Club is gearing up for a busy Autumn meeting (our last before a winter break) with the first race to go midday on Sunday April 16. The track is in fantastic order and has handled an increase in meetings very well, a credit to our track committee headed by Kerry O’Reilly and groundsman Neil Burton.

The day is likely to be very busy with the features being the $18,000 Woodlands Little Green Jug for the 3 year old pacers and the Woodlands Mt Hutt T.C. Country Cup over the 3,000 metres.

All members and Methven sponsors have been invited for drinks and nibbles on the day as a thank you for all they have done for the club particularly over the Covid period.

The other highlight will be the clash of the only three drivers who have driven over 3,000 winners in New Zealand - Tony Herlihy, Maurice McKendry and Ricky May - who will all drive in 6 races on the day. It will be a great chance for patrons to see these fine drivers in action at a course where two of them initially developed their skills. It will be great thrill for the local harness community who are justifiably proud of Maurice and Rick in what may be one of the last chances to see them in action on their local course.

Two lucky members and one Mid Canterbury local will have a chance to accompany the top horsemen in a match race in the double sulkys in what is sure to be a highlight and a big thrill for all involved.

So put a ring around Sunday April 16 and join the fun at the Mt. Harding course or follow the action on trackside and remember the sun always shines at Methven.

Invercargill :

A big day is being planned for Southern Harness Racing’s premier day of the season, Diamonds Day, due to take place at Ascot Park Raceway in Invercargill on Sunday 23 April.

The Invercargill Harness Racing Club is pleased to announce that, after the success of last year, one lady will take home a brand new, stunning diamond ring, valued at over $5000 courtesy of generous sponsorship from Coats & Schuck Jewellers and the Invercargill Harness Racing Club. Each time a lady places a $5 bet on course they will be given a coupon. Just fill it in and place it in the bucket on the First Floor of the Main Grandstand and ensure you are still on course when the grand prize draw takes place in the birdcage and you could win the ring. This promotion began last year with the ring heading to Auckland on that occasion. The promotion was so successful the value of the prize has increased for this year.

Club and raceday staff and officials are not eligible to enter the competition.

Ladies will also be welcomed onto the course with their first glass of wine free.

Anyone on course on the day can win another great prize – a $250 Prezzy Card. The card will be up for grabs in another edition of the very popular heads/tails game at some point during the day. It is so easy to participate and the game will be open to all ages.

On track some of the biggest races of the season will take place with the finals of the Nevele R Stud/Macca Lodge Southern Oaks Final and the Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes Final, both races Group 2 events with stakes of $45,000 over a distance of 2700m. The other Group 2 race on the programme is the $55,000 Diamond Creek Farm Classic for 2-year-olds, to be run over a distance of 2200m. The $40,000 Regent Car Court Southern Cups Final is also on the programme on a day where total stakes exceed $250,000.

There are still a limited number of hospitality options available for the day with catering packages from the new on course caterers, Lees Catering, available for hospitality groups.

The first race is scheduled for 12 noon. Keep a look out on the Invercargill Harness Racing Club and Southern Harness Racing facebook pages for more information. Admission to the course on the day will be free.

Addington :

Addington Raceway (NZMTC) is very excited to announce it will hold an Owners’ Night for all current (regardless of whether their horse is racing that night,) and potential owners on Friday 5th May.

The event will be in Christian Cullen Lounge on Level 1 of the Metropolitan Stand, and will include plenty of activities, prize draws, a meal special, a welcome drink and much more. Race 1 is scheduled for approximately 5:00pm.

NZMTC wish to acknowledge all current owners on the night and encourage them to bring friends and family who may also be interested in ownership.

Potential owners will have the opportunity to win “an owners experience” on the night. This will include visiting “their” horse in the stabling area, meeting the trainer, driver and possibly the actual owners of the horse. They will also watch the race from the birdcage area, have a photo opportunity with the winning horse and celebrate, win, or lose, in the Breckon’s Winners Bar.

Trainers, industry merchants and sponsors will be able to participate on the night with expo tables. An “expo passport” will form part of the evening and once stamped at each expo table, it will qualify as an entry to the major prize draws.

Anyone wishing to be involved in this expo area should contact Darrin Williams
Phone: 021 226 0234, or Email: [email protected].

Please contact Emma Williams if you are a business partner wishing to be involved in the expo, or wanting to contribute to the prize packs, a trainer who wishes to be involved with a slide show on the big screen in the room advertising their contact details or an owner wishing to reserve a table of 10. Email: [email protected]