Bits N Bridles

After 98 starts and 10 wins as a pacer, Evangelist (Shadyshark Hanover) has qualified as a trotter for Charing Cross trainers Jason and Ian Thomas.

The eight year old mare got her ticket at Addington last week.

Bred by the Grice brothers of Mid Canterbury, Evangelist possess good speed and recorded a 1-53.1 mile time as a pacer when she ran fourth at Nelson as a five year old.

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Ken Barron’s West Melton property is to remain a harness racing establishment.

The property was sold to a land developer four years ago but recently that developer decided to sell the property back to Barron and a stable client.

Barron and Sam Thornley will continue to train there.

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Superfast’s (Washington VC) win at Ascot Park on Sunday was Gore trainer Brian Norman’s longest odds winner.

The $103.00 winning dividend surpasses Easton Alliance $72.75 at Ascot Park in 2005 and Midnight Summer $71.60 at Wyndham in 2020.

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The well-bred trotter Aquila Audax qualified for Steve and Amanda Telfer at Rangiora on Wednesday.

The Bold Eagle gelding was prepared and presented at the 2025 NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales by Price’s Bloodstock on behalf of Katie Williamson and sold for $60,000 to Stonewall Stud.

He’s out of a Muscle Hill daughter of Jasmyn’s Gift and is named after the wedge tailed eagle which is found in Australia.

The trials also saw the reappearance of exciting pacer Always A Porche (Always B Miki) who last raced nearly two years ago.

Trained by Robert and Jenna Dunn the gelding won his last three starts before he was put aside. He is now five and has won four of his eight starts.

 

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink