Southern Harness Website – New Look Website Operational

southernharness.co.nz is the new domain name to search for when looking for all southern harness racing information. It’s just a small change in name from “Southland” to “Southern” but it reflects the fact that it’s the southern area of New Zealand that is covered by the website – a wider range than just Southland.

Along with the change of name, there are plenty of new features, all tailor-made for phone, tablet and PC screens.

The short individual audio bites of trainers previewing their horse’s chances prior to raceday are an industry first and southernharness.co.nz editor Bruce Stewart is especially pleased with this new feature.

“It’s great to hear the trainers commenting directly on their charge’s chances. It accentuates the personal aspect of harness racing in the South where we have lots of great characters, and I make them into short accessible bites. I think this will prove to be a very popular aspect of the website.”

The “Star Trialists” section is another great feature that highlights horses from the trials that are worthwhile keeping an eye on, and there are comments and links to their actual trial video.

One of the most popular features is “Drive with Five” where five trainers or drivers pit their selection skills against each other prior to each raceday, with a variety of bets.

“Of course no money changes hands, but it’s a fun way of giving punters insight into what the selectors for that particular week think might win. And a chance to own the bragging rights for the selectors!”

The website also features close up photos taken from the inside of the track, pictorial harness racing quizzes, Southern Track records and Workout reviews with photos.

There’s also an extensive archive section with stories dating back to the beginning of the previous season, and a back catalogue of Southern Breeders stories.

Other features include lists of all major Southern race winners dating back to the 1960s, Southern Harness Club Financial reports, Southland Harness Award winners, Race Series winners and updated points tables for the Southern Supremacy Stakes and Southland Oaks.

Stewart commented that the aim of the website is to promote harness racing in Southern New Zealand to the world, to serve and connect those who work within the harness racing industry, and to enhance the public’s access to harness racing information. He expects the new formatting and additional technological advances to southernharness.co.nz to make that easy, informative and enjoyable.