First trials attracts good numbers

A total of 116 horses will take to Addington for the first trials tomorrow (Thursday) since the COVID-19 enforced lockdown stopped all racing in March.

Fifteen races will be held from 9.15am to 1pm with the Cran Dalgety-Nathan Purdon stables supplying the biggest numbers. Kentuckiana Lodge will be represented by 15 runners including the likes of Gemma Mac and Pocket Watch who will be in a 2000 metre mobile (up to Rating 85) that also feature Mongolian Cavalry and Nandolo.

The biggest field will have 12 runners in a special handicap pace R40-80.

The staging of the first trials is a major step forward for the sport as it readies itself for its first race meeting at Addington on May 29.

Following Addington there’ll be trials at Pukekohe on Friday followed by Cambridge, Invercargill, Oamaru and Rangiora.