As New Zealand Cup and Show week draws ever closer, the next generation of stars in our sport of harness racing are anxiously preparing for the biggest event of the year.
Kidz Kartz is a national programme that fosters and develops youth growth in harness racing and has been running since 2003.
Children can take part in Kidz Kartz courses to learn skills around pony care and also the safe driving practices of harness racing. Once the course is completed successfully they can then compete in pony trot races at tote race meetings held around New Zealand and have become a popular attraction with the public.
It is an educational organization that progressively develops the well-rounded horseperson and has hugely impacted the number of young adults who then progress to become harness racing drivers.
Each year Kidz Kartz Clubs from around New Zealand qualify representatives to head to Christchurch for the annual Kidz Kartz New Zealand Cup, which is held at Addington Raceway on Show Day – Friday 16 November.
They also take part in a Cup Prelude during the buildup. This year the NZ Cup Prelude will once again be sponsored by Templeton Medical Centre and will be held at Riccarton Racecourse on Wednesday 14 November.
The Kidz Kartz New Zealand Cup itself will be sponsored yet again by Nigel and Brenda Armstrong of Westview Racing, in conjunction with new sponsor in ‘Catch Driver’.
Catch Driver is a harness racing game which can be downloaded free on app stores and was created by Ryan Clements of Canada. In the game players are able to drive a horse in real time live against other players around the world.
Clements recently visiting New Zealand and was impressed by the concept as North America does not have any programmes such as Kidz Kartz for youth in harness racing.
Clements was keen to support Kidz Kartz and help foster the next generation, and Nigel and Brenda Armstrong of Westview Racing (long standing and loyal supporters of Kidz Kartz) were kindly happy to oblige and welcome Catch Driver onboard as co-sponsor of the Kidz Kartz New Zealand Cup.
The ‘New Zealand Kidz Kartz Cup – sponsored by Westview Racing and Catch Driver’ qualifiers have just been announced, congratulations to the following competitors and clubs:
Franklin
Holly Noakes and Badjelly
Caitlin Schneider and Barlia
Waikato
Jordyn Bublitz and Chaos
Kate Coppins and Caramello
Paige O’Brien and Monet
Kendra Rogers and Shadow
Mikayla Rogers and Tosca
Canterbury
Jacob Dunn and Tee Cee
Lachie Ford and Frisbee
Seth Hill and Barney
Holly Johnson and Jessie
Jack Johnson and Tommy
Olivia Sheehan and Gem
Sam Thornley and Dimmy
Otago
Sophie Woodhouse and Gerry’s Boy
For more information on Kidz Kartz in New Zealand, please follow this link.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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