January is rife with racing

Yesterday it was the year 2000 – and the dreaded Y2K. It’s now 2024.

Here’s what to expect from the month of January when it comes to harness action around the country.

While Rangiora will greet the New Year with an all-weather card the initial focus for most will turn southwards with the Omakau, Roxburgh and Cromwell tracks hosting their major race days of the year.

Last year the major Omakau feature (now changed to a mobile FFA event) went the way of Henry Hubert who mastered held off Macandrew Aviator late to claim the major prize. A limited field is poised to contest the feature this year with Ohoka Connor and Franco Indie adding their class to the field alongside the flying American Me.

The tight turns of the Roxburgh track prove to make spectacular viewing each and every year and it’s pleasing to see strong numbers in their fields as this article goes to print. Last year Better’s Tart won the feature Roxburgh Cup while the main trot was taken out by track specialist Missalyssa (Monarchy).

MISSALYSSA REPLAY

North Island meetings during early January include a Wairarapa sojourn on the 2^nd while the Kapiti Coast Harness Racing Club hosts a card on the 4^th.

The Nelson and Marlborough circuits play out over the middle of January. The fast Nelson track saw some sizzling times produced last year with Mighty Looee from the Dunn stable – who often appear formidable around this particular track – taking out the Nelson Cup over the ageless Hope trained Homebush Lad.

MIGHTY LOOEE REPLAY

Cambridge enjoys a number of slots within the month of January, racing on the 7^th, 11^th,19th, and 29^th.

There’s also a twilight affair at Ashburton on the 16^th, a day out at Banks Peninsula on the 7^th and a return to racing under the shadows made by Mount Harding at Methven on the 28^th.

It’s a busy month for participants and fans alike with plenty of feature Cup events to be decided.

by Harnesslink Media