By Matt Markham
HARNESS IDENTITIES ARRESTED
A black mark was left on Sunday’s Breeders Crown Finals Day when a number of harness racing identities, including leading driver Nathan Jack were arrested by police over an investigation of a claim of race-fixing. The race in question was at Cobram in June 22 last year where Jack finished third. Harness Racing Victoria are remaining tight-lipped on the situation as police continue to work on the case.
ARYA RETURNS
Forgotten trotter Arya will be back in action in NZ shores today when she heads to the Ashburton trials for her new trainer, Bruce Negus. The Trevor Casey bred and owned mare hasn’t been seen in New Zealand since she finished third behind Speeding Spur and Monbet in the Northern Trotting Derby in April of last year. The half-sister to Stent has raced 29 times for 15 wins and seven placings with stake earnings of more than $260,000. New Zealand Trotting Cup contenders in action today at Ashburton include; Brilliant Strike, Quick As A Trick and Mossdale Conner.
HOPES, MAY AND ORANGE LEAD THE WAY
At the end of the first month of harness racing action for the new season it’s Greg and Nina Hope and Ricky May and Blair Orange who lead the way on the respective premierships. With eight wins, the Hope stable is two wins clear of their closest rival, Ray Green. Their tally has come from 23 starters with six placegetters in as well. May has also started in fine fashion, driving eight winners in the space of three weeks after missing the first week of the season while on holiday. He shares the top spot with Blair Orange who has also made a solid start. North Island driver, Zac Butcher is third with his six winners.
THE DOCTOR IS BACK
While most eyes will be on Addington on Friday night from a New Zealand Trotting Cup viewpoint there will also be plenty of attention given to the return to racing of No Doctor Needed when he begins his Cup campaign at Alexandra Park. The Steve Telfer and Chris Garlick trained pacer will be driven by Jack MacKinnon who has been handed the driving duties to make use of a junior concession. No Doctor Needed readied himself for this week with an impressive workout victory over the weekend at Pukekohe.
HARNESSED MEDIA LAUNCHED
A new national media desk, which will provide harness racing content free of charge to media outlets around the country was launched this week. Harnessed Media, which will operate out of Harness Racing New Zealand will be sending content to newspapers, websites, radio and television contacts daily in an effort to try and boost harness racing coverage in the media.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
