Racing: Addington gains as Miracle Mile put off

Addington could be the big winner from a decision not to hold Sydney's glamour harness race, the Miracle Mile, this year.

Sydney officials made the shock announcement yesterday that they will not hold the rich sprint in November as usual because of massive building developments at the Menangle track.

They will hold the Miracle Mile in April, meaning there will be no race this year but two Miracle Miles next year. That will suit the connections of next season's better 4-year-old pacers, who are more competitive against the older horses in autumn.

But one of the biggest beneficiaries could be Addington's greatest race, the New Zealand Trotting Cup.

With Australia's only serious race of November gone the Cup will become significantly more tempting for Australian pacers. Already dual Interdom champ I'm Themightyquinn was being set for the Cup but the chances of three-time placegetter Smoken Up returning to Addington must have increased.

The delayed Miracle Mile will also boost support for the New Zealand Free-For-All, run three days after the Cup.

Star young trotter Paramount Geegee has been lost after being found dead in his paddock.