Reilly sets sight on The Velocity

Hugely successful Aussie owner Diane Reilly (pictured, second from left) has won an Inter Dominion and now she’s got her sights set on a huge new New Zealand race.

Reilly, who owned 2022 Melbourne Inter Dominion winner I Cast Now Shadow, is excited to be one of the foundation slot owners in the inaugural $500,000 The Velocity, to be run at the Show Day Twilight meeting on Friday, November 1.

“I love New Zealand harness racing, especially Addington in Cup Week,” the Queensland-based Reilly said.

“I went to my first NZ Cup about 12 years ago with (the late) Bob McArdle and he showed me what a great week it was, including trips to Ashburton and everything that’s special about the busy week.

“I was hooked. I think I’ve been to Cup Week eight times now and I’ll certainly be back this year.”

Reilly said the experience with her current best horse, outstanding three-year-old Bay Of Biscay, fuelled her interest in taking a slot in The Velocity.

“I was on the other side of the fence with Bay Of Biscay as a part-owner and we went through the slot process for the Eureka. We partnered with Kevin Seymour and it was a great experience, so I thought why not take a slot in The Velocity?”

The Emma Stewart-trained Bay Of Biscay finished a luckless second in the Eureka.

Despite being a three-year-old pacer, which The Velocity is restricted to, Reilly said Bay Of Biscay would not be a runner in NZ.

“No, he’s had a big year already and Emma (Stewart) doesn’t want to take him away from home again. He’s been to Queensland and Sydney and he’s got the Victoria Derby at Melton next month,” she said.

“But I’m involved with a couple of other nice three-year-olds based in NZ, including Hezasweetie and Dawson with Barry Purdon, who will get their chance to show if they’re good enough to fill my slot.

“If not, I’ve had a few calls from owners of other horses wanting to talk about my slot.

“I’m in no rush to decide.”

The 83-year-old Reilly says she likes the immediacy of the slot racing concept.

“When you’re my age you can’t buy yearlings and wait two years to see if they’re any good,” she laughed.

“I’m excited to be part of this race and hopefully I can have a runner who gives it a big shake.”

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by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing New Zealand