Trotters to get much needed boost

Trotting will take centre stage at Addington later this year, with new plans to showcase the country's top fillies and mares.

Harness Racing New Zealand has just released details of a new $50,000 Group 2 Fillies and Mares race for Addington on November 25. There are hopes it will be upgraded to Group 1 status in ensuing years.

The same night will also feature the New Zealand Trotting Oaks for the three-year-old trotting fillies. When it was last run, in 2021, it was a $50,000 Group 2 won by Aldebaran Floss. This year it will be a $100,000 Group 1.

"HRNZ is committed to growing opportunities for trotting fillies and mares," says HRNZ's Racing Manager Catherine McDonald, "and these races reflect that by giving them serious stakes and profile."

"We are also proud to announce that Addington's big meeting on December 4 will have a $100,000 Group 1 for the two-year-old trotting fillies."

Other changes see the Heather Williams Memorial next autumn become a Group 3 race, and a new Listed race for the two-year-old fillies, the 2YO Classique will be held at Ashburton on November 10.

For more information contact catherine@hrnz.co.nz