News Briefs - June 3

Two new national records at Ashburton, a world record in Sweden, and a milestone for Tristan Larsen all feature in this week's News Briefs.

Two NZ records at Ashburton

Ashburton's reputation as a lighting fast track was further enhanced by the efforts of Nella Keenan and Franco Sinatra both setting new New Zealand records over the King's Birthday weekend. With her first win after two seconds, Nella Keenan posted 1:58.9 when taking out the Group 3 Helen Pope Memorial for the 2YO pacing fillies. That eclipsed the 1:59.1 set by the unbeaten Millwood Nike at the same track in 2022. And in the feature Free For All Franco Sinatra won in 1:57.1, beating Got The Chocolates' old national record by a full second. His record was also set at Ashburton in 2024.  

World record at Elitloppet

History was made in this year's edition of the Elitloppet, one of the world's greatest races, with Allegiant setting a new world record in Sweden. The five-year-old mare whistled around the Solvalla track in 1:48. She led all the way from a wide draw (7) for trainer Daniel Reden and driver Orjan Kihlstrom. The time lowered the previous world record set by Homicide Hunter at the Red Mile in Kentucky (1:48.8). It was a Sweden one-two in the Elitloppet with Dream Mine finishing second. She was driven by Mats Djuse, who finished fifth at last year's World Driving Championship held around New Zealand.

Dan Erickson fund-raise tops $10,000

A givealittle page for Morrinsville-based trainer Dan Erickson has now topped $10,000. He has been diagnosed with chordoma, a type of bone tumour. The recommendation is that he has proton therapy, a cancer treatment that targets tumours with charged particles (protons) rather than traditional X-rays (photons). London is the only available location, with a final decision on the dates for the trip expected soon. Erickson and his support crew need help with living, travel and other expenses while in England. So far the total raised is $10,764.

To see the givealittle page click here  

Stallion seminars all go for July

The dates and venues have been finalised for the NZ Standardbred Breeders Association Stallion Seminar Series. Following their successful debut last year it's been decided to go again this year with the first of the three at Breckon Farms in the Waikato on July 25, starting at 2pm, followed by Invercargill on Monday, July 27 (6pm start) and then finishing at Christchurch on Wednesday, July 29 at 5pm. For more information contact : brad@thebreeders.co.nz

Yearling Sales update

Entries for next year's NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales will open on July 1 via the NZB Standardbred Portal. The sales will be held at Karaka on Monday, February 15 and in Christchurch two days later (February 13). To find out more go to https://www.nzbstandardbred.co.nz/

Champion wanted

OnTrack is looking for a Community Engagement Champion, to be based at Ellerslie racecourse. OnTrack is a charitable organization working to improve mental well-being and help prevent suicide across the racing industry. To apply send your CV and cover letter to info@ontrack.org.nz. For more information go to : https://ontrack.org.nz/

100 wins for Tristan Larsen

Tristan Larsen's recently brought up his 100th trans-Tasman winner. He had 27 wins in this country, starting with Duke Of Dundee for his father Kirk at Invercargill in 2020. He moved across the Tasman three years later with his first winner there being Kyvalley Heist for his employer Brent Lilley, who's based at Bolinda in Victoria. Kirk Larsen has had 390 training and 569 driving successes, his latest being with Havtimeformiki at Winton in April this year.