Rare Opportunity
If you’ve got a pacer rated between R35 and 55 that’s looking for a penalty free win, there are some rare chances to score one for a $10,000 stake this coming weekend.
Firstly, at Cambridge on Thursday, there is one heat, possibly two, of the NZ Amateur Drivers Championship, for horses up to R54. The next day at Addington, there is one heat for up to R45’s, and on Sunday there are the final two heats for between R35 and R55. All races carry a stake of $10k, are limited to ten horses per race, and are penalty free.
Obviously, these events are a once a year (possibly once in a lifetime) highlight for the Amateurs so, bearing in mind that the participants have to pay their own costs for no financial return, it is essential that full fields are carded, so everyone gets a go.
There are five drivers from the North: Ival Brownlee, Michelle Northcott, Frank Phelan, Craig Sharpe and Cheree Wigg, while the South is represented by: Jo Buckland Stevens, Andrew Fitzgerald (defending champion), Sheldon Murtha, Barry White and Blair Wilmott.
No there aren’t any Blair Oranges or Tony Herlihys’ there, but all these people have earned their spots by driving well, and most work either part or full time with horses, and in any case, they aren’t competing with professionals in these races. There is of course the small bonus of not having to pay a driver’s fee out of any money earned. All told, a win-win for everyone, so please nominate now.
Pete Cook