News Briefs : August 14

Kim Butt's OE, Dexter's seven winners, a milestone for Jeremy Douglas, and ticket info for IRT NZ Trotting Cup day all feature in this week's News Briefs. 

Third for Kiwi Butt at VDM

Canterbury trainer-driver Kimberley Butt has had a day to remember in the United Kingdom , with a third placing at the Vincent Delaney Memorial meeting. Butt was invited to drive in the first ever Bernie Kelly International Ladies Charity Race. Kelly, who died in 2019 after a battle with cancer, served as racing secretary, organiser and stalwart supporter of the Delaney family since the inception of the VDM racing weekend more than a decade ago. Butt finished third in a busy race - "there was a bit of a skirmish at the start and the girls were yelling at each other" and then the field went seven wide as they headed for home. "I was three back the running line and then got a gap and ran into third," Butt told Paul Campbell on his Campbell's Comments Facebook page, "it was really cool."The VDM is an annual event honouring the memory of harness racing enthusiast Vincent Delaney who died from a heart attack aged 27. It started in Dublin before going to Wales and the weekend's race at Wolverhampton was the first time it's been held in England.

Dexter wins seven in Ohio

Kiwi star Dexter Dunn's brilliant form in North America has continued. He drove half the card at Scioto Downs in Columbus Ohio at the weekend, with seven wins on the 14 race programme. Among his victories was a win in the day's feature pace, the $25,000 Open Pace with Chase H Hanover in 1:50. His run of success rekindled memories of a very much younger Dunn dominating the card at places like Forbury Park before he made his move to North America. The 10-time New Zealand champion's sevens wins come after he had six on Hambletonian day at the Meadowlands a week earlier. He now has 168 wins in 2024 and with $5.1m is the fourth highest stakes-earning driver, with Yannick Gingras leading the way on $7.4m.

Training milestone for Jeremy Douglas

Southern trainer Jeremy Douglas picked up his 50th training success when Artmore won on his home track, Ascot Park Invercargill last Thursday. Driven by Craig Ferguson, Artmore lead all the way in the Level One Restaurant and Bar Mobile Pace. It was Douglas' fourth training success this year. His first win was with Little Mister Chip at Timaru in 2000. He's had 47 wins on his own account and three in partnership with Brittany Willis in 2021.

Sand Wave put down

Former Southland Horse of the Year Sand Wave has been put down, after on-going problems with a fetlock joint had him in constant discomfort. The five-year-old (Somebeachsomewhere - Sand Wave) last raced in February when he was second to Tact McLeod and was retired with a possible career in the breeding barn on the cards. He won 10 of 29 starts including six wins in 2022 when he named Southland Horse of the Year. He was also third in the New Zealand Derby behind Republican Party and Akuta for Chris Alcock, the NineThree and Nude @ Ten Syndicates.

The Box Seat to return

A new look The Box Seat will to return to our screens next month. The weekly harness racing show will be hosted by Greg O'Connor along with commentator Matt Cross, with regular contributions from high profile racing journalist Michael Guerin and tipster Craig "The Whale" Thompson. The show will be broadcast on Trackside as well as the likes of www.hrnz.co.nz. The new season is set to start on September 11.

Tickets for Cup week

General Admission tickets for IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup day at Addington go on sale on August 29. Prices are much reduced this year. They start at $25, down from the $40 for first release last year. Tickets for ZM on the Green are $90, while the Punters Lounge are $155 and the Crossing Cup Day Fashion Marquee are $180. This year also sees a move to digital tickets for hospitality customers and owners. To see more click here

Rogerson Harness mares on gavelhouse

The latest gavelhouse standardbred auction has 17 lots and includes three quality Rogerson Harness mares who are in foal. Bettor's Delight mare Holyrood, who is in foal to Sweet Lou, had passed its reserve and at last look was at $23,500 while 14-win mare She Reigns was at $15K and nine-race winner Topnotch Dream was at $9000. Both are in foal to What The Hill. Last start winner Rush is also being offered for sale. Tonight's lots close from 7pm.

To see the catalogue click here