News Briefs : June 23

New Zealand harness racing news briefs:

Tommy Lincoln wins in Australia

There was a win and a fourth for two Ray Green-trained stablemates at Albion Park, Queensland last night. Tommy Lincoln cleared out to win race 6 by five lengths as a $1.30 favourite, while American Dealer was fourth in his race, more than ten lengths from winner and favourite Ilikemebettor. Green also has Copy That in Australia ahead of the upcoming Queensland Constellations carnival.

Big rap for LL Cool J

Formerly trained by Tony Herlihy, LL Cool J has turned into a record-breaker at Redcliffe in Queensland. The five-year-old won the Chris Garrard Patrons Purse (2280m) in a new race record of 2:44.2. LL Cool J had six wins from 19 starts in New Zealand before heading across the Tasman in September last year.

Five wins separate top junior drivers

With five weeks of the season left John Morrison has a five win advantage over Sarah O’Reilly in the junior drivers championship. Santanna Mach’s win at Invercargill on Saturday took O’Reilly to 46 wins for the season, with Morrison, the 2019 and 2020 champion, currently on 51.

Wiggy gets award

Well-known personality Craig “Wiggy” Wiggins has been named the Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year. A farmer, horse trainer, commentator and announcer, Wiggins is based near Ashburton. The award was presented at the Fieldays at Mystery Creek with Wiggins saying “my family deserve all the credit for putting up with me and all my travel.”

Dunn hits 200

Champion driver Dexter Dunn has driven his 200th winner for the year in North America from 1116 drives. That puts him ninth equal overall, with Aaron Merriman leading the way with 369 wins. But Dunn is second when it comes to stakes, with $US2,749,583 for the year, and only Tim Tetrick ($US3,280,790) ahead of him.

HRNZ awards in October

The annual HRNZ awards have been confirmed for Christchurch on October 16. More details will be released soon, and anyone keen to sponsor an award can contact courtney@hrnz.co.nz

HRNZ