Star Racing

Historic change to horses’ birthdays

A decision made yesterday at HRNZ’s Christchurch headquarters to change horses’ birthdays has been hailed as “a defining moment and a catalyst for change” in the harness racing industry.

Greyhound trainer may face tougher penalties

Greyhound trainer whose dog tested positive for meth at Addington could face tougher penalties

A greyhound trainer could face tougher penalties after one of her dogs tested positive to methamphetamine after winning at Addington Raceway in Christchurch.

Spotlight on harness racing performance-enhancers

Canterbury harness racing spotlight goes on performance-enhancing formalin

The chemical formalin is the latest performance-enhancing substance identified in Canterbury’s harness racing industry after a Woodend Beach trainer was nabbed by a sting operation.

Harness racing trainer handed seven-year ban

Seven-year ban for harness racing trainer caught injecting horse in undercover sting

Disgraced Canterbury harness racing trainer Jesse Alford has received a seven-year ban for horse doping offences as the crackdown on illegal activity in the industry continues.

Crash puts driving on hold for veteran horseman

Veteran harness racing trainer-driver Kevin Townley is making a patient recovery from surgery...

'I thought there’s no way out of this one’: 70yo Canterbury harness driver recalls horror crash

It’s customary to get straight back in the saddle after a setback - but 70-year-old Canterbury harness driver-trainer Kevin Townley is not sure if he will ever climb into a sulky again after his latest accident.

Meth-positive greyhound drew $10k bet

Photo: File (not Zipping Sarah) / Getty Images

Meth-positive greyhound drew $10k bet before Christchurch race

An unidentified punter placed a $10,000 bet on a greyhound that later tested positive for methamphetamine after winning a race at Addington in Christchurch.

Winning greyhound tested positive for meth

Urine samples revealed methamphetamine and amphetamine in the dog's system. Photo: Getty Images /...

Winning greyhound tested positive for meth after race at Addington

A greyhound trainer has been disqualified for four months and fined after methamphetamine was found in one of her dogs after a meeting at Addington Raceway in Christchurch last year.

Review into greyhound racing launched

'Unacceptably high' rates of dog euthanasia: Review into greyhound racing launched

Racing Minister Grant Robertson is launching a review into greyhound racing, saying he is not satisfied with the industry's work on animal welfare.

Canterbury harness racing trainer banned for life

Canterbury harness racing trainer banned for life

Disgraced former Canterbury harness racing trainer Mitchell Kerr has been banned for life after being found guilty of a range of charges related to duping owners on both sides of the Tasman.

Irish jockey the first woman to win the Grand National

Rachael Blackmore celebrates her victory in the Grand National. Photo: Reuters

Irish jockey the first woman to win the Grand National

Rachael Blackmore made Grand National history by becoming the first female jockey to win the race as she steered Minella Times across the finishing line at Aintree on Saturday.

Team teal drivers raise $44k for ovarian cancer research

Team teal’s Samantha Ottley had 16 wins in the fundraiser for ovarian cancer. Photo: Harnesslink

Team teal drivers raise $44k for ovarian cancer research

Canterbury's Samantha Ottley has helped a group of female harness racing drivers raise $44,000 for ovarian cancer - all by winning in teal colours.

Canterbury trainer facing horse doping charges

Canterbury trainer facing horse doping charges

Canterbury harness racing trainer Jesse Alford who was allegedly caught injecting a substance into two horses is now facing racing industry charges.

Harness racing’s heartland blighted by raids and unsavoury publicity

Canterbury is harness racing’s epicentre in NZ. But the industry is plagued by illegal activities. Chris Barclay reports.

Ban reduced, fine dropped for Orange

Ban reduced, fine dropped for top Canterbury harness racing driver Blair Orange

Top Canterbury harness racing driver Blair Orange’s eight-week ban for being over the breath alcohol limit has been reduced by two weeks.

Trainer barred after sitting on dead horse

Gordon Elliott is a Gold Cup and three times Grand National winner. Photo: Action Images via Reuters

Trainer barred after sitting on dead horse

WARNING: Distressing image. The British Horseracing Authority has barred Irish trainer Gordon Elliott from racing in Britain, pending an investigation in Ireland into a photograph of him sitting on a dead horse.