News Briefs : March 16

Team Teal finishes at Manawatu

The 2022 Teal Pants campaign is officially over, with 53 wins recorded between February 1 and yesterday's final meeting at Manawatu. Sarah O'Reilly finished as the top driver with 11 wins, including two yesterday with Petronelli Gee and Southern Storm. The total raised for ovarian cancer research is expected to top $12,000 thanks to contributions from Harness Racing New Zealand, clubs and sponsors. A final tally will be known later this month.

Keeping with the Jones'

The well-performed trotter Majestic Lavros has changed trainers, from one Jones to another. Formerly trained by Mark Jones the seven-year-old gelding has won seven from 32. Now the horse has gone to Derek Jones' Yaldhurst stables. Majestic Lavros last raced in the Dominion, won in record time by Sundees Son. He finished ninth.

Oscar steps out at Rangiora

Another top trotter Oscar Bonavena has been back at the trials, after changing trainers from the All Stars to Regan Todd's at Woodend Beach. At Rangiora yesterday Oscar Bonavena lined up against the pacers, winning the 2000 mobile in 2:33.3 by a neck. The last 800 was 57.5, the last 400 in 27.6.

Spirit of St Louis flies high in stable quinella

While King Of Swing rightly dominated the headlines with his record-breaking third consecutive Miracle Mile victory at Menangle on Saturday night the race also continued an amazing form-line for former Kiwi and stablemate Spirit of St Louis. The Trevor Casey-bred pacer has been a revelation since heading across the Tasman and this year has been either first or second in six starts, accruing $416,300 since January 8. Both are trained by Belinda McCarthy at Cobbity Farm in New South Wales.

SENZ punting competition is back

The Pacing for Purpose radio competition is up and running again after a break over summer. Four sets of hosts from radio sports network SENZ spend $50 a week on a harness racing meeting of their choice in this country, with all proceeds going to charity. Of the early winners Mornings host Ian Smith landed $110 when Bollinger won at Cambridge, and Afternoons host Mark Stafford won $125 when Sandwave won at Winton. Last year nearly $4000 was raised for the four charities.

Gavelhouse auction closes tonight

The latest gavelhouse.com standardbred auction closes tonight. There are six horses up for sale including three-race winner Greenbank Betty. The first lot closes at 7pm.