Ten of the world’s best harness racing drivers descend on the town on that day to fight out the fifth of six rounds of the World Drivers Championship 25.
The drivers come from Italy, the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Canada, Sweden, Germany, France, Finland and, of course, New Zealand — represented by seven-time New Zealand champion Blair Orange.
Orange is rated as favourite by many of the other competitors, home advantage being a factor in that favouritism. However, luck will play a big part for all the drivers, with drives in the championship heats decided by draw.
Rick Ebbinge, of the Netherlands, has won the last two World Drivers Championships and this year the Dutch representative is Jasp Van Rijn. While he has 900 career wins, Van Rijn has never raced with pacers before, only trotters, so has a big learning curve ahead. Pierre Vercruysse, of France, the 2013 champion, is among the field, while 2017 champion, Canada’s James MacDonald, is also in the lineup and has driven 4087 career winners.
Gary Hall jun, of Australia, will be a familiar name to many Kiwis, having reined 4171 winners and driven in New Zealand many times before.
Completing the field are 22-year-old Brett Beckworth (USA), Santtu Raitala (Finland), Michael Nimczyk (Germany), Giampaolo Minnnuci (Italy) and Mats Djuse, of Sweden, whose biggest win came in the Copenhagen Cup.
Racing will start at noon on the day, with a full day of races highlighted by four World Driver Championship heats.
Drivers are matched to horses in each heat through a random draw, ensuring a level playing field, and points are awarded based on race finishes.
Elsewhere on the day, great prizes will be up for grabs in the Ladies Fashion In The Field competition, where judging will be based on the most stylish and best dressed woman, so hats and heels are essential.
Hospitality and sponsorship opportunities are almost sold out, so be in quick.
Trackside marquee packages are also available for groups of all sizes.
To make inquiries or arrange sponsorship or hospitality bookings, contact the Winton Harness Racing Club through Lindsay Beer at either 021 351 499 or at lindsay.beer@xtra.co.nz
Full information on the Harness Racing World Driving Championship is available at www.wdc.25.nz. — Allied Media
