Category Archive

KYPROS KOTZIKAS 4TH OWNER TO WIN DOUBLE Kypros Kotzikas, one of Christchurch’s most successful businessmen, has achieved a rare feat as a horse owner with victories in the elite races of both New Zealand pacing and trotting. The Cyprus-born United Fisheries founder and chief added the Hellers Dominion Handicap Trot trophy on Show Day, 2013, with Master Lavros, 16 years after winning NZ’s most prestigious pacing race, the 1997 New Zealand Cup as the co-owner, with trainer Bob Cameron, of Iraklis. Kypros, who has been a major invester in racing for 36 years, is the first modern day owner to achieve …

MASTER LAVROS TOO GOOD IN HELLERS DOMINION Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones stuck to his game plan and was rewarded with the most sought after trophy in NZ trotting, the $200,000 Hellers Dominion Handicap at Addington on Show day, Friday, November 15, 2013. There was some relief everything went right, as more often than not things can go wrong, but Mark couldn’t fault how things panned out. “Everyone had their chance but on the day the best horse won,” Mark said. “His work last Sunday was as good as we could ever get it,” he said. Mark even allowed himself …

Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones achieved his NZ Cup day training mission when promising 4YO Saveapatrol ran a staggering 3:09 over the mobile 2600m to win the C3 Avon City Ford Mobile Pace.

Following recent decisions by the Australian Racing Board and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, the Board of Harness Racing New Zealand has approved a ban on the use of anabolic steroids for horses both in and out of competition.

CHRISTCHURCH CASINO NZ TROTTING CUP DAY Addington, in conjunction with Ronald McDonald House South Island, will be undertaking a charitable ‘Pin and Win’ promotion leading up to and on Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup Day, Tuesday 12 November. The promotion is supported by the Christchurch Casino and Air New Zealand. Punters simply purchase a 2013 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup Pin for $5 to enter themselves in the draw to win an Air New Zealand Travel voucher to the value of $4,500.

NEW SPONSOR AND STAKE ANNOUNCED FOR SHOW DAY FUTURITY September 9, 2013 The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club (NZMTC) is pleased to announce that the Show Day Futurity Mobile Pace to be held on Canterbury Anniversary Day, Friday, November 15, will be sponsored by harness racing enthusiasts Glenys and Philip Kennard.

TOP AUST. HORSES TO BE INVITED In a change to the conditions of the Harness Jewels, the Board of HRNZ has agreed to extend an invitation to a leading Australian horse in each age group category. The field size for each race will be extended to thirteen should the Australian horses take up this invitation. It is believed this will grow an interest in the Harness Jewels in Australia and further enhance the profile of this event which has become a key event in the racing calendar each year.

ROAD TO THE CUP 2013 Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup – Nominations August 30, 2013. (Courtesy of Candice Van Dyk,  Marketing and Communications Manager , Harness Racing New Zealand) New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc. – Addington Racway – Tuesday 12th November 2013 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup – Stakes $650,000 (Including $300,000 subsidy from HRNZ) The 37 Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup nominations received by NZ Metropolitan TC officials wet the appetite for what promises to be an exciting and intriguing build-up to the great race on the second Tuesday in November. Of the 37 nominations received, 7 are from …

ADDINGTON MOBILE 1950m PREFERRED August 29, 2013 After consultation over a number of weeks with trainers, drivers, stipendiary stewards and Addington’s starter, there has been an overwhelming response to revert back to the sprint distance of the 1950-metre mobile starting point. At a meeting on May 15, Canterbury horsemen instigated a request to Addington that 2000-metre mobile starts be trialled for a period of time. Photo: Just under way from the 2000m or 3200m start point at Addington. The mobile 1950m start point is now the favoured option. Having trialled the 2000-metre mobile start from mid-June over a number of …

CANTY OWNER & BREEDERS NIGHT, SEPT. 13 Canterbury Breeders & Owners Night will take place at Addington on Friday, September 13. Traditionally, the night has been supported and sponsored by the Canterbury Standardbred Breeders’ Association (CSBA) with this year being the first time that the Canterbury Trotting Owners’ Association (CTOA) are taking part. Addington’s Marketing & Commercial Manager Ged Mooar is thrilled to have both organisations involved on the night. “It makes sense that Addington has these two important industry associations jointly promoting and sponsoring as they go hand in hand with each other. It’s great that we can all …