News briefs - November 16

Millwood Nike helps Katie Cox fund

Millwood Nike's epic victory on IRT New Zealand Cup day will also be a win for the Katie Cox Trust Fund. Connections of the super filly, who's now won 16 from 16, will donate the winning driving fee from yesterday to the fund. That's 5% of $67,200 or $3360. Money will also be donated if Millwood Nike is successful in the Derby at Addington on Grand Prix day on December 10. Katie Cox was recently diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, with a fund set up to help pay for her medication and treatment.

Williamsons galore in Group 1s

What a week it's turning out to be for the Williamson brothers. All three, Nathan, Matthew and Brad, drove in the biggest pacing racing of them all, yesterday's IRT New Zealand Cup at Addington and they will front up again in trotting's big dance, the Dominion on Friday. They will be driving Majestic Man, Love N The Port and Jimmy Carter. Yesterday they were down the field in the Cup though Matthew won with Cody Banner in race 1 and Love N The Port in the Worthy Queen.

Withdrawals from Dominion field

Following unplaced runs at Addington yesterday, Aardiebythehill and Nazareth have both been withdrawn from the Group 1 Dominion Handicap on Show day at Addington. Aardiebythehill was sixth in the Hornby Liquor Centre Worthy Queen while Nazareth was ninth in the Mitre 10 Trot won by Outamyway. That leaves Tu Tangata as the sole emergency.

TAB confirms jackpots for Show day

At Addington on Show day the TAB has confirmed there will be a $50,000 guaranteed terminating Pick 6 and that all races will have First 4s guaranteed at $10,000. Though final figures have yet to be confirmed turnover from IRT New Zealand Cup day was in the vicinity of $6.8m.

Poutama takes out half the card

Andre Poutama was the individual star at Manawatu on Monday with three winners on the six race programme. It was the 11th time he's had a treble at the one meeting. Included in his winners was the Ray Green-trained Obadiah Dragon who cleared out to a massive 15 length victory. It was also the first New Zealand win by the progeny of Fear The Dragon who stands at Macca Lodge in Southland. Poutama's other wins were with Toe The Line and Proviseur.

Club News : Winton

The Winton Harness Racing Club host a day of racing and entertainment at Central Southland Raceway in Winton on Sunday, 19 November. Admission is free with racing set to start at 12.56pm and plenty of activities and entertainment for the entire family. There is a treat in store for the children at the beginning of the day as the first 100 children on course will receive a free Mr Whippy Ice Cream courtesy of the club. After that they can enjoy themselves with the free entertainment including mini jeeps, a bouncy castle, face painting and some Kids Go Racing giveaways. On course a programme of nine races is planned while Kidz Kartz Pony racing will also be a part of the programme.