First win for Sky Major mare

Hi Life (Sky Major) cruised into the winner’s circle at Rangiora yesterday, taking out the Barny’s All Trade Services pace over 2000m for Rangiora harness racing trainer Geoff Dunn.

The four-year-old Sky Major mare had not raced since October 2024, and while Dunn was able to put the finishing touches on her preparation, he was quick to credit others for the win.

“I’ve only had her for about six weeks. She was worked up by the owner Bruce Taylor, so she was ready to go when she got here,” Dunn said.

Beginning safely from her wide draw in the small field, driver Riley Harrison sat at the back of the main body of the field for the majority of the race. She then launched Hi Life from the 500-metre mark, sustaining a strong finish to win by one and three-quarter lengths.

HI LIFE REPLAY

“She’d been working nicely at home and had won her trial really well. There was none of my money on her, but I thought she’d go good. She’s a nice horse and does everything right,” Dunn explained.

Hi Life had placed five times from 10 starts for former trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn before being sidelined with injury.

“She had a decent injury which is why she hadn’t raced for a while, but she’s really bounced back well. Bruce did a really good job,” Dunn noted.

Hi Life is the third foal out of Live Or Die mare Life’s Essential, who won three races from 27 starts for trainer Robbie Holmes.

“She will keep racing. It’s just a matter of finding suitable races. She showed a bit of speed today and is feeling good. Hopefully she will keep being competitive,” Dunn said.

Riley Harrison made it a double on the card when driving Smokin Ashes for Robert and Jenna Dunn to win the Auto Self Serve Waimak Junction and Greywacke RD Mobile Pace.

Burnham trainer Bruce Negus also trained a double on the card with Gliding High, driven by Colleen Negus in the RHRC Membership Available 2025/2026 Amateur Drivers Mobile Pace, and Sandfly Bay winning with Sheree Tomlinson in the Paddy McDaddy Horse Of The Year Trot.

For complete race results, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand