News Briefs : May 12, 2021

May closes in on 3000

Ricky May is inching towards the 3000 barrier after reining home Nerano at Addington last night. It was win number 2991 . Only two drivers Tony Herlihy (3570) and Maurice McKendry (3308) have driven more than 3000 winners in this country. Herlihy trained and drove a treble at Alexandra Park last Friday with Double Delight, Melanion and Blameitonthenight. North Canterbury trainer Matt Purvis has had his 50th success with Coopers Hawk winning for driver Robbie Close at Rangiora on Sunday. It’s Purvis’ 24th win this season, which is his most successful yet.

Ottleys have second thoughts

In the last race at Addington last night (the one Nerano won) Bettor Beontoit may have earned himself another chance. The six-year-old was going to get sacked by trainer Denise Ottley, only for daughter Sam to finish second with him. The horse has now had one win and two placings in 18 starts. Bettor Beonit is likely to stay with the Ottleys for the time being, though another stable has said it may be keen to give the Bettor's Delight gelding a chance.

Jones “debuts” at Ashburton

Mark Jones has made his debut as a galloping trainer. The former world driving champion and high profile harness racing trainer has saddled up Mistleton to finish sixth at Ashburton in the hands of jockey Jason Laking. The horse was having her fourth start, with one placing so far, a third at Ashburton last year.

HRNZ Chief Executive on Facebook

HRNZ Chief Executive Gary Woodham will do a Facebook Live on Friday. There will be a Question and Answer session on HRNZ’s Facebook page from 10 am. Questions can be submitted to [email protected] by Thursday 2 pm.

Warlock unleashes at Alexandra Park

If Warloch looked impressive winning his second race in a row at Alexandra Park on Friday night the stats show just how quickly the seven-year-old got home. The Steven Reid and Simon McMullan-trained gelding was timed to run his last 800 in 53.7, and his last 400 in 26.2. Warloch has won 11 from 71.

Club News : Winton

The Winton Harness Racing Club’s final race meeting of the season takes place this Saturday (May 15). The annual Southland Master Plumbers Association race day starts at 12.05pm with free admission to the Central Southland Raceway in Winton. One of the day’s features will be the Murray Gray Memorial Trot.