News Briefs - Nov 11

A New Zealand record for Cherish Me, a Show Day punting competition, some key milestones and a record sale in North America all feature in this week's News Briefs. 

What a win

Despite the adverse weather conditions and a wide draw (15) Cherish Me still went a New Zealand 3YO Fillies record (1980m) at Addington yesterday, eclipsing the old mark set by none other than Millwood Nike in the same race three years ago. In one of the outstanding performances of the day Cherish Me took out the Group 1 Nevele R 3YO Fillies Final by three lengths in 2:20.1. It was the filly's 7th win in just 10 starts as Team Dalgety snared the quinella with All Of Me. Millwood Nike's 3YO record was 2:20.4 though as a 2YO she set the NZ Fillies record in the Ace of Diamonds at Addington, winning in 2:20.3.   

Punter of the Year competition 

Addington will again be hosting its TAB Punters Challenge on Show Day. Teams can have up to three members and have $600 in the team manager's registered TAB account by noon Thursday. This is the team's starting balance. The Grand Prize is $5000 cash plus $2500 in TAB Bonus Cash.
To find out more click here 

Week of milestones 

Nathan Williamson has been the star achiever in a week of milestones. The Branxholme-based trainer-driver secured his 500th training success when Duchess Maria won the Group 1 NZ Trotting Oaks at Addington last Friday. In doing so he became just the third Southlander to get to 500, following on from Hamish Hunter (589) and Murray Brown (551). He's since won again with Meshino at Winton on Sunday. The husband-wife combo of Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett had a double celebration when Amendment won her heat of the Australasian Young Drivers Championships for Jett Turnbull at Alexandra Park last Friday. It was Michelle's 800th training win, and Bernie's 600th. And Ben Hope had his 100th training win when Rena won an AYDC heat at Ashburton on Sunday. It was his 85th win with father Greg to go with the 15 he's also had on his own account. The Hopes have since had another win with Viva La Vida, also at Ashburton, and two more yesterday on Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup day with Freya and Zarlini. 

Record sale in USA 

The 2025 Horse of the Year in Canada and the USA, Beau Jangles has become the highest priced standardbred ever sold at a public auction. In Harrisburg Pennsylvania the 3YO pacing colt was purchased by New Zealand bloodstock agent John Curtin for $US3.7m ($NZ6.6m). The previous record was $US1.85m for Amazing Catch in 2024. Beau Jangles, the winner of 18 races and $US1.6m, will continue to race before being retired to begin his stallion career. It's understood he will be available to New Zealand breeders.

Dex clear top in North America 

Also in North America, champion Kiwi driver Dexter Dunn's stakes earnings for 2026 are now over $1.4m ahead of closest rival Yannick Gingras. Dunn, a five-time USA Driver of the Year, has has 282 wins this year for stakes totalling $US15.7m with Gingras next at $14.3m. Jason Bartlett is third on $12.1m. In terms of winners Bartlett is second on 528 for the year with Justin Irvine at the top with 570. And what an eventful year Brett Beckwith is having. In 2025 he was the USA's representative in the World Driving Championship that was held around the country. In April this year he suffered a brain bleed and other injuries in a crash at Saratoga and then just over the last week was involved in another fall at The Meadowlands. X rays showed nothing was broken and he is recovering well. In 2026 he has had 431 wins, the fifth highest overall in the USA with stakes earnings of $5.3m.

Extended break for champion trotter 

Trotting star Keayang Zahara won't be back in action until much later in 2027 with connections confirming she will miss big upcoming features in Victoria. The winner of 28 of 29 starts, including four in New Zealand, the champion mare has a suspensory ligament injury. She hasn't raced since winning the TAB Trot at Cambridge in April. A total of 15 of her wins have been at Group 1 level equalling the trotting record held by the great Lyell Creek.