Harness Purists

Amazing morsel of Southland history here

Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan are sending a huge team of 15 horses to Canterbury, headlined by Merlin, Cold Chisel, Duchess Megxit and Youretheonethatiwant.

They'll leave on two flights - on October 6 and 13 - and stay for the best part of two months.

Their northern racing team will be reduced to six, initially.

per Garrick Knight, RACEFORM

photo: Trish Dunell

American driver Yannick Gingras is confirmed for the new Ultimate Driver slot series in Queensland early next year, joining Kiwi horseman Dexter Dunn.

per Adam Hamilton, Harness Racing Update

photo: USTA

(sidenote: Carter Dalgety is rumoured to be in line for a slot)

Old Town Road is missing Friday's Canterbury Classic due to a withholding period associated with joint injections.

per Bruce Stewart, Harnesslink

photo: Race Images

Trail-blazing horsewoman Denice Swain passed away on Tuesday, aged 75.

per Matt Markham, Twitter/X

Last week, Dr Luk Chin set a new record as the oldest person ever to drive a winner in New Zealand at 81 years, 233 days.

He eclipsed the mark previously set by Mick Prendergast in 2015.

He then set another new mark four days later at Cambridge, with Chesinov.

Chin, who is having is best ever season as a trainer and driver, says his driving retirement is not far away due to a constantly aching body.

per Garrick Knight, HarnessXpress
photo: Angelique Bridson/Race Images

Former Tapanui horseman Alan Shaw died in Christchurch on September 1, aged 86.
His wife Valda passed just six days later.

Shaw trained 24 winners in a 43-year training career that ended earlier this year.

His best performer was no doubt the eight-race winner Superstaragogo who also placed at Group 2 level for him at Alexandra Park in the 2002 Challenge/Lyell Creek Stakes.

photo: Tayler Strong/Harness Racing Weekly (2011)

Gun trotting mare Sunnys Sister has been diagnosed with a bone chip in a fetlock and is heading for surgery.

per driver John Dunn on The Box Seat

photo: Race Images

Unbeaten, champion filly Millwood Nike has been retired after another injury setback.
Mark Purdon said she was "up with Adore Me" amongst the best female horses he has trained.
She won all 17 career starts including six at Group 1 level.

per Michael Guerin, X/Twitter
Photo: Race Images

West Australian part-owner Greg Bond has confirmed his intention to purchase a slot in the new 3YO slot race for trotters, The Ascent for Friday night's impressive Addington winner, Major Cyclone.

Dennis and Mark Dunford, owners of his stablemate We Walk By Faith, have purchased a slot in the new 3YO slot race for pacers, The Velocity.

per Greg O'Connor, Trots Talk radio

photo: Major Cyclone (Race Images)