By Tayler Strong
Dexter Dunn will be eligible for the”youth versus experience” invited drivers series at Waikouaiti on Thursday week after a variation in the conditions for the series.
“We wanted to be more flexible in our criteria for selecting the drivers and have settled on under 30 for the youth and over 50 for the experienced,’’ said Bruce Negus, organiser of the series. “ It wouldn’t be a drivers series without Dexter and we wanted Nathan (Williamson) there as he has been such a great supporter bringing horses.’’
The age limit for the “youth” was previously 25 which would have ruled out Dunn as he turned 26 last September. He won the inaugural series in 2014. Zac Butcher succeeded last year.
Dunn and Butcher have both been selected for the “youth” team, along with Nathan Williamson, Craig Ferguson, Matthew Williamson and Samantha Ottley. The “experience” will be represented by Lance Justice (Australia), Ricky May, David Butcher, Ken Barron, Allan Beck and Jim Curtin.
There are $2000 prizes for the winner of the series and the most successful trainer. The prize for trainers is sponsored by the estate of Pat Campbell, a long time client of the Negus stable who died in January. The drivers will wear colours associated with sponsors obtained by the club.
Craig Thompson, of Trackside television and radio presenter and form analyst, will bet on behalf of punter’s club which has an entry fee of $500.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
