News Briefs - November 4

Motukarara's return to racing, some Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup information, the Tasman Empress series and 27 wins in a row all feature in this week's News Briefs 

Racing returns to the Mot 

A return to racing has been confirmed for the Banks Peninsula Trotting Club at Motukarara. Workouts were held at the raceway yesterday with Track and Venues Inspector John Denton and RIB officials inspecting the new grass surface and giving it the go ahead for the club's next meeting on Sunday, November 22.
"We were overall very happy with how the track performed," says Denton, "though we have some concerns about the crossing which will be actioned by the end of the week." The track has been out of action in recent months as repairs were made, resulting in its two most recent meetings being held at Geraldine and Methven. Club President Chris Brown is delighted the track's been given the all-clear. "We are thrilled and thanks must go to HRNZ and our track managers who have worked hard to ensure summer racing continues at Motukarara." 

Cup week features  

As everyone readies themselves for racing's biggest week the Box Seat will host two special preview shows next week. A New Zealand Trotting Cup preview will be broadcast on Trackside on Monday from 12.30-2pm while there'll be a Show Day special on Thursday from 12-1pm. HRNZ will also be producing a Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup liftout with previews, backgrounds and lots of other information and there will be extensive Cup day coverage on the hrnz website and its social media channels.

Cup week reminder  

The Harness Racing Trainers and Drivers Association would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of presenting themselves tidily at the races, and of making a good impression whenever they represent our sport. We recognise that trainers and drivers are hands-on horse people. Racing duties, the weather and the time between races can make it difficult to change or stay spotless, and no one is expecting formal dress while working with horses.  Where practical, please take a moment to tidy up when the occasion calls for it. If you’re being interviewed for television, something as simple as slipping on a clean shirt or jacket , or stable top can make a real difference. It shows respect for the occasion, the viewers and the people who support our sport. This is a general reminder for Premier Racing and for all race meetings throughout the year. We appreciate the hard work participants put in and the pride they take in their horses and racing.

Stakes confirmed for Nelson's two day meeting

Stakes for the second annual Tasman Empress series for lower to intermediate grade mares have  been confirmed for Nelson's two day meeting in the New Year. The Tasman Empress Sprint Series for 4YO and older and up to R45-60 mares will be held on January 8 and 10. There will be one $16,000 heat on each day, with a maximum of 12 runners in each. Both will be run over the mile. The top five from each heat will qualify for the Final at Addington over 1980 metres on January 22,2027. All races will have stakes of at least $13,000 with $ 25,000 for both the Nelson Cup on the first day and then the Nelson Classic on the second. Also a $50 MTA voucher will be given to the trainer of every horse that starts in Nelson.

New junior driver 

A newcomer to the junior driver ranks is set down for two drives at Oamaru on Thursday. Flynn Ford, who works for Paul Nairn and has been part of the HRNZ cadet scheme, will partner with two William Lake-trained runners in Rockcent (Race 1) and Kiss Me Kate (Race 7). 

Life membership for McNaught 

Long-standing administrator Kevin McNaught has been made a Life Member of the Winton Harness Racing Club. He's been on the committee for 22 years including a two-year stint as President. He was also Treasurer from 2019 until his retirement last week. Over the years McNaught has also been on the HRNZ and Southern Harness Boards and been a committee member of the Wairio Trotting Club. He's also bred and raced many horses over the years 

Dex $1.6m ahead  

Champion Kiwi driver Dexter Dunn is making every post a winner in the USA. With $15.7m in stakes earnings this year he has extended his lead at the top in North America over Yannick Gingras ($14.1m) and Jason Bartlett ($11.8m). Dunn has 281 wins for the year and is poised to win a sixth USA Driver of the Year title. Back home Team Dunn is also on top with 114 wins to lead the trainers premiership by 30 wins and Blair Orange is a runaway lead of the drivers premiership with 143 wins, 47 clear of Dexter's brother John (96).

27 on the bounce 

Windemere Skye has taken her unbeaten streak to 27 after another win at Charlottetown Driving Park in Prince Edward Island, Canada. In her latest outing she dominated in 1:54.2 to win by nearly six lengths. The victory moves Windemere Skye within one win of the modern-day pacing record of 28 consecutive victories, shared by Cam Fella and Firms Phantom. Windermere Skye's efforts bring inevitable comparisons with New Zealand's champion pacer Courage Under Fire who was unbeaten in his first 24 starts in the late 1990s.