News Briefs - Oct 21

A date's been confirmed for the Motukarara workouts, a high profile withdrawal from the Renwick Farms Dominion Trot, a star-studded opener at Alexandra Park,  and free transport to the Ashburton races all feature in this week's News Briefs.

Motukarara's return to racing draws closer

HRNZ, in consultation with the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) and Banks Peninsula Trotting Club, has developed a return to racing programme to assess Motukarara's suitability ahead of the Club's scheduled race meeting on Sunday, 22 November 2026. Progress continues to be made, with all parties remaining optimistic that racing will return to Motukarara on this date. As an important part of this process, workouts will be held at Motukarara on Tuesday, 3 November, commencing at 11am. The support of trainers and participants would be greatly appreciated as we work towards this crucial milestone in returning racing to the venue. Nominations close at 1pm on Monday, 2 November, and can be made online or by contacting Richard Bromley 021 888900.

Latest markets for Go Media NZ Trotting Cup day

Leap To Fame is now an even shorter favourite to take out the Go Media New Zealand Trotting following his 75th win in Brisbane over the weekend. The superstar pacer took out a four-horse $21,000 race at Albion Park in effortless fashion in 1:52.1 on the same night that Captains Mistress made history by becoming the first mare ever to win the Victoria Cup. After getting beaten into second at Addington by Bettors Anvil on Friday night Kiwi ace Marketplace has gone out a shade to a $4.50 with Leap To Fame going from $1.80 to $1.70. Defending New Zealand Cup champion Kingman is third at $8. Gus is at $2.25 to successfully defend the Renwick Farms Dominion Trot he won last year with Habibti Pat ($6), Higher Power ($7), Mr Love ($8) and Prestigious ($9) the only other runners in single figures.

Lovemeto out of Dominion

The Chris Svanosio-trained trotter Lovemeto will not contest the $400,000 Renwick Farms Dominion Trot on Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup Day at Addington on Tuesday, November 10. The Kiwi-bred had improved five places, from 12th to seventh, in this week's Dominion rankings following his second in the Group 1 Bill Collins Trotters Mile at Melton in Victoria on Saturday night. It was a tough effort too. He sat parked before finishing second to I Am Wilma in a new race record. But Svanosio has now confirmed that the six-year-old will not be making the trip across the Tasman.

Big-hitters kick off Alex park on Friday night

The first race to kick off Friday night's action at Alexandra Park is one out of the box. It's only a small five-horse field but has a star-studded line-up  with Merlin, Sooner The Bettor and co having won a combined 64 races and nearly $4m in stakes. The Spend Melbourne Cup Day in the Alex Mobile Pace goes at 5.28pm.  

Big lead for Dexter in USA

Dexter Dunn is now nearly $1m ahead of his closest challenges as the leading stakes-earner in North America this year. The 10-time former Kiwi champion has won $13.43m in stakes in 2026, with Yannick Gingras next on $12.46m and Jason Bartlett at $11m. Dunn is already a five-time USA Driver of the Year and has some chances to substantially add to his total this week. Twin B Joe Fresh, who he co-owns, will race in the $US440,000 Breeders Crown Mare Pace Final after winning her heat. It was her 42nd win of 62 starts, with $3.2m in stakes. Dunn also took out the first two eliminations for the Breeders Crown for 2YO Trotting Fillies in Columbus Ohio with Blue Ranger and Two Day Hangover, both trained by Marcus Melander. The $US700,000 Final will be also held at Scioto Downs this weekend. Dunn has had 260 wins from 1048 drives in 2026.

Djuse double in Sweden
   
Sweden's Mats Djuse, who finished fifth at the 2025 World Driving Championship around New Zealand last year, has produced a history-equaling double in his home country. The 28-year-old has become just the second driver to win Sweden's two biggest 3YO races on the one night. To make it extra special one of them was trained by his brother Mattias.

Bargain buy wins three in a row

What a buy Party Up Denario is turning out to be for Darren Keast. The 4YO mare he purchased off Gavelhouse in August for $5000 has since won all three starts for the stable since with two at Addington and a five-length romp at Ascot Park last Thursday. He has won his new owner over $15,000 in stakes. Her over all record now is four wins from 33 starts.

Wai Eyre Farm Open Day gets huge support

Wai Eyre Farm was thrilled to welcome over 200 guests to its Stallion Open Day last Saturday. Held in partnership with Yabby Dam Farms, the stallion parade meant breeders were able to view many of stallions for the first time in the flesh, and in perfect weather conditions.

To see more click here

Bus to Ashburton during Cup week

Free return bus travel from Christchurch to Ashburton is being offered during Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup week. The Ashburton races are on Thursday, November 12. A bus will leave Addington Raceway at 12.30 sharp and return following the last race at 7.24pm. Bookings are essential, with seats available on a first in, first served basis. To reserve your seat, email [email protected].