News Briefs - January 11

Vale Ronald Roach and Graham Hansen

Harness Racing New Zealand would like to send its condolences to the families of Ronald Roach and Graham Hansen, who have recently died.

Christchurch-based, Ronald Roach was a successful hobby trainer-driver. Associated with the "Stereo" horses, including Stereo Scott (8 wins), Stereo Light (6 wins), and Stereo Lad (4), he had a lot of success in the 1970s. He was successful in business - mainly in the car industry - and was well known for always being immaculately turned out. A keen golfer and member of the Tai Tapu Club he had two holes-in-ones, his second coming at age 84! Ronald Roach was 90.

Living in Feilding, Graham Hansen started training in the early 1960s and according to HRNZ records had two winners in 1971 with Ngongotaha and Flying Light. He continued to hold a trainer's licence until recently, though his last official start was in 2012. Graham Hansen was 85.

Super sire breaks record

Bettor's Delight's dominance at stud shows no sign of slowing up. In 2022 the super stallion was the leading stakemoney sire in four different countries - New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States - for the fifth consecutive year. In New Zealand he broke Vance Hanover's record by becoming the leading all aged sire for the 11th time on end. Bettor's Delight's stock earned nearly $6.8m in this country last season, and over $74m in total.

On-farm parades for NZB yearling sales

The countdown to February's NZB national yearling sale is underway, with the first of the on-farm parades in the North Island on January 18-19 before heading south to Christchurch on February 7-8 and then Southland February 13-14. The sale starts at Karaka on February 18 before heading to Christchurch Feb 20-22. More than 400 yearlings will go under the hammer including full brothers to Copy That and Akuta and a full sister to Muscle Mountain. To see the catalogue click here

Top trainers heading state-side?

Australia's Group one winning machine Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin are contemplating a move to North America. The pair had more than 300 winners in 2022 and nearly $6m in stakes money. But they have signalled they are looking for a change and may join the likes of fellow Aussies Shane and Lauren Tritton and try their luck in the United States.

Nelson turning on the style

The National Style Stakes will be held at the Nelson Harness Racing Club's meeting on Sunday, January 15. Categories include best dressed man, lady, teen and young racegoer with the overall winner qualifying for the National Final at Alexandra Park. Flights and accommodation are included. The contact is [email protected]