Licence holders will next month have the chance to become a New Zealand Champion at gearing up their horses.

The Manawatu Harness Racing Club will present the New Zealand Harness Racing 'Gearing Up Championship' in association with competition sponsor, Interislander.

It will be staged at 'The Square', in down-town Palmerston North.

The competition will be part of the 2017 Hilux New Zealand Rural Games.

Games founder and trustee, Steve Hollander, said he really wanted New Zealand licence holders to converge to the Manawatu.

He said 'have a go' amateurs were also welcome to watch and see how the professionals did it rather than be thrown in the deep end, but they were also welcome to take them on.

"The New Zealand Champs (for licence holders) will be held on Saturday March 11 from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. It is the last event on Day One of the Games. The Powerco 'Have a Go' sessions (for anyone) will be run from mid- day to 3.30pm," Hollander said.

"We are sure people will watch on as top the top trainers and drivers compete against the clock to fully gear up a harness race-horse ready for action. Before that amateurs can have a go themselves. Odds are they won't be able to beat the pros!" he added.

Hollander said the winner would receive the prestigious "Blossom Lady Trophy' which had been sourced by John Doody from the Manawatu Harness Racing Club.

Blossom Lady, who was the 1992 New Zealand Trotting Cup champion (and winner of 43 races and $1.3 million in stakes), was co-owned by a past chairman of Harness Racing New Zealand and former Palmerston North resident, Ralph Kermode.

"It will be presented back to the Manawatu Harness Racing Club to reconfigure it as an enduring trophy for this event each year at the Games," said Hollander.

He said the winner and two place-getters would also receive Interislander and Husqvarna prizes to a total value of $1,100, $600, and $450 respectively.

Hollander said fourth, fifth and sixth place-getters would also receive prizes from other Games sponsors.

"John can arrange free accommodation at a local motel for licence holders most likely on the Friday and Saturday night of the competition. It will be a case of first in first served," he said.

Hollander said the competition would involve the full gearing up of a standardbred horse.

"All the gear will be laid alongside the horse and competitors will be timed from start to finish. The fastest wins."

Hollander also said all gear needed to be attached fully and correctly to the satisfaction of the judges. He said competitors did not need to bring any equipment – everything is supplied.

Further information on the event can be obtained via John Doody on 027 235 4465.

Duane Ranger