News Briefs - Feb 3

The Box Seat is back :

Harness racing’s big show The Box Seat is back for 2021. Hosted by regulars Greg O’Connor and Michael Guerin the first episode for the year is available now on hrnz.co.nz. The show will also be broadcast on Trackside three times a week, at 9 am on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Further riches in store for Majestic Man

Majestic Man is a hot favourite to claim more Group 1 glory on Friday, after his success in last weekend’s V L Dullard Trotters Cup . The Phil Williamson-trained and Brad Williamson-driven six-year-old has opened a $1.40 chance to take out his Great Southern Star heat at Melton and then the $300,000 Group 1 final later in the evening. The Andy Gath-trained McLovin is the best of the Australian hopes according to the market.

Dexter Dunn hits 1000

“I didn’t know I was so close,” was Dexter Dunn’s reaction to finding out he’s now had 1000 winners in North America. The 31 year old brought up four figures by winning the second at the Meadowlands on Friday night with Roger Rabbit. A sensation since arriving from New Zealand Dunn he has now been Driver of the Year for the last two seasons. Already this year he has won 46 races.

Milestones closer to home

Trainers Steve Ashton and Chris Thornley are on the verge of milestones, after winning races at Methven on Sunday. Both started out in 1995 and both are now on 48 wins after Sunnivue Phileah won race 4 (Blair Orange), and Star Reactor won race 9 with Thornley’s daughter Gemma doing the steering.

Riverton Trotting Club turns 60

The Riverton Trotting Club will celebrate 60 years of racing at Ascot Park, Invercargill on Saturday 13 February. The event will feature the 31st running of the $15,000 DT King’s Transport Ltd Riverton Cup. The club’s inaugural meeting with equalisator betting was held on Saturday 14th January 1961 at the Riverton Racecourse with their first totalisator meeting at Central Southland Raceway in Winton on 2 December 1978, forty-three years ago.

Oamaru Harness Racing Club’s first meeting in 2021.

On Wednesday February 10 the Oamaru Harness Racing Club will host its first meeting for the new year. Come along for an afternoon/evening of great Harness Racing Action! Bring the whole family, your BBQ, Chilly Bin and make a night of it! The first race is 1:53pm - see you there!