Invading New Zealanders arrive this weekend

Kew Gardens, NY -A rematch with the invading New Zealanders is set to begin on Friday Oct. 13th when a contingent of Kiwi's arrive on American soil Friday, Oct. 13th to begin an amateur harness racing driving competition at three different race tracks in New York State. Races are slated at Yonkers Raceway, Saratoga Raceway and Monticello Raceway.

"Late last fall a contingent of NAADA members traveled to New Zealand for an international amateur driving contest there and now we have the pleasure of reciprocating," noted Joe Faraldo president of NAADA. "We didn't fare very well Down Under but it didn't really matter What did was sharing the comradery and friendships fostered by amateur racing."

The Kiwi's are coming with a powerful foursome consisting of Gavin Cook, Mike Maynard, Cheree Wigg and Coleen Negus and they will drive at all three venues.

However, the NAADA Team members will change at each participating race track. Scheduled to drive at Saratoga on Monday, Oct. 16 are Tony Cuiffetelli, Bob Davis, Alan Schwartz and Gerry Fielding. At Yonkers on Tues. (Oct 17) Joe Lee, Joe Faraldo, Jennifer Lappe and Peter Kleinhans will represent NAADA. And at the final leg at Monticello on Wednesday (Oct 18), Alan Schwartz, Gerry Fielding, Monica Banca and Joe Faraldo will represent the Americans.

Nightly dinners at outstanding restaurants along the journey will be supplied by the hosting North American Amateur Drivers Association(NAADA). Also on Saturday Oct 14th the visiting Kiwi's will dine at Yonkers Raceway while they enjoy the $1,000,000 International Trot and the rich finals of the New York Sire Stakes program.

Enclosed below is the competition itinerary.

New Zealand/USA Friendship Competition

October 13th – 19th 2017

Friday Oct 13th…… Day of Rest at the Bentley Hotel – 62nd Street,, NYC

Meet at 7:00 PM for dinner at Zero Otto Nove West 21st Street, NYC

Saturday Oct 14th pick-up from Hotel at 10:30 AM to arrive at Yonkers Raceway to enjoy The International Trot and finals of the NY Sire Stakes… Dine at the track…Back to hotel..

Sunday Oct 15th. Pick up -8:30 AM to compete at Saratoga Raceway.. Enjoy the town of Saratoga. Dinner at Lonfellows Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY

Monday Oct 16th – FREE DAY to explore New York City… Meet our host Peter Kleinhans for dinner at 7 PM at The Redeye Grill 7th Ave, New York, NY

Tuesday Oct 17th – Pick up at 10 AM.. to visit and have a guided tour of the 9/11 Memorial Museum in Manhattan.

Transport to Yonkers Raceway for 2nd leg of competition. Dinner at Tra Di Noi and back to Hotel.

Wednesday Oct 18th. Pick up at 10 AM for transport to Monticello Raceway for final leg of competition. Farewell dinner at the River Palm, Mahwah NJ in the evening.

Thursday, Oct 19–Kiwis return home

by John Manzi for NAADA