Last month saw the running of the South of the Waitaki River Harness Racing Series held over three heats and culminating in a final at Addington Raceway on 31 July.
The series catered for three year old and older pacers assessed at C1 at the closing of nominations for heat one, whilst being registered in the name of a trainer(s) based south of the Waitaki River as at 10 April.
Held for the first time in July the series was well supported with 32 starters over the heats and final.
The Trevor Proctor trained Tact Tate took out the $12,000 final and was also a heat winner.
The Brendon “Snow” McLellan trained Wick was the winner of two heats.
Snow commented “It gave me the opportunity to race some talented horses in races for good stakes at a quiet time of the year for us and we’ll be back up next year if the series returns.”
The series saw a good level of tote turnovers with strong results showing support on and off
the track from punters.
The second heat on 16 July recorded $81,000 in total turnover, 25% above the average race figure for that meeting.
It is the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s intention to run the series again in July next year given the positive feedback received and the support from those involved.
The South of the Waitaki River race held for the first time on Show Day during Cup Week last year when won by the Tony Barron trained Phoenix Warrior, will once again take place in 2015.
This year will see a new sponsor with Brent and Sheree McIntyre’s Macca Lodge located in Riversdale, Northern Southland supporting the $20,000 race.
To add further flavour from the south well known southern commentator Dave McDonald will be venturing north to call the race.
Details about the “Macca Lodge South of the Waitaki River” will be posted shortly on www.addington.co.nz
Ged Mooar
Addington Raceway