Michael Guerin is the New Zealand Herald's Racing Editor.
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How David Butcher is balancing training and driving in top races
The champion reinsman often has only two or three drives a night at Alexandra Park.

'World-class': Entain promises fair odds as new betting law takes effect
A $100 million payment to TAB NZ will be triggered by the new legislation.

Dual-code weanling sale at Karaka to unite thoroughbred, harness enthusiasts
This crossover allows breeders to boost cashflow and reduce numbers for yearling sales.

Harness racing rarities: Kiwi trotters take on Aussie challenges
American Me, a Canterbury pacer, will be racing at Auckland’s Alexandra Park tonight.

NZ's top jockey shines at Royal Ascot with stunning win
James McDonald secured a late ride on Crimson Advocate at Royal Ascot.

One Ascot ride multiplies into 10 for James McDonald
James McDonald will return to his favourite race meeting on Wednesday.

'Quite incredible': Go Racing's thrilling journey to Royal Ascot
Albert Bosma's Go Racing has three horses competing at Royal Ascot this week.

Watch: Jockey dragged around track says she held on due to 'natural instinct' to save horse
Buddy Guy shied after the race but Crystal Hackett held on, preventing a runaway.

'Weather won't help': Challenges face Mercurial at Te Rapa
Rainy conditions could challenge Mercurial, who struggles on heavy tracks.

American Me eyes comeback win in $20,000 Alexandra Park race
American Me hasn't won since May 2022 but is favoured at Alexandra Park.

'Things have really fallen into place': Telfer on winning streak
Steve Telfer is optimistic about his horses' chances at Alexandra Park tonight.

Shannon stepping down as Entain Australia CEO
Dean Shannon's resignation will be seen as a major loss for the NZ racing industry.

'Very special': Kiwi jockey's buzz for Royal Ascot return
He was crowned World’s Best Jockey for 2024 in December.

Mick On Monday: Patience should pay off for returning sprinter
One of the greatest trainers of all time is one of the reasons Twain is at Te Aroha today.

Racing heavyweights to have greater role in its direction
The biggest names in New Zealand racing are coming together to help guide its future.

Young trotter has the power to keep winning at Alexandra Park
The new Metro series has breathed life into Alexandra Park's winter racing.

Air jockey: Meet Craig Grylls, New Zealand's top rider who likes to pilot his way to victory
New Zealand's champion jockey flies himself around the country.

'Most significant decision in club's history': Members vote against $5.4b racetrack sale
The proposed sale of Sydney's famous Rosehill Gardens has been rejected by members.

Why greyhound racing is fighting back against looming ban
The ruling body is seeking a judicial review of the Government's closure decision.

Mick On Monday: Pinn to try his luck in New South Wales
A Kiwi jockey having the best season of his career heads to Sydney.

Light at end of the tunnel for embattled jumps racing
Jumps racing was under threat but the open hurdle at Te Rapa shows why it should remain.

Miracle worker needs to find path to Addington winner’s circle again
Craig Ferguson produced a genius drive at Addington last Friday – now he needs another.

Chase A Dream rollercoaster hits another low
New Zealand pacing's mystery horse's Queensland campaign is in doubt.

Central Districts get vote of confidence from racing bosses
Key questions answered over immediate future of crucial Central Districts racetracks

Chase A Dream won't be chasing the Inter Dominions – or the girls
Queensland campaign and future sex life cancelled as a star pacer's mind is not on racing.

Tuesday trial to decide whether Inter Dominion dream still alive
Are New Zealand's best pacers good enough to be competitive at the Inter Dominions?

Mick On Monday: No crown for Journalism but plenty of glory
There is no way Journalism should have been able to win the Preakness after being smashed.

Velocious gets ideal opportunity to make up for lost season
Ellerslie's meeting today is like an island in the stream as winter racing looms.

Williams confident he has horsepower to test Marketplace
How do you beat a superstar? Driver Tim Williams has a plan.

Auckland Trotting Club adamant Alexandra Park is to remain its home
Auckland Trotting Club says it can pay off $80m debt – but that creates another problem.

Family of 10-year-old killed in Mother's Day ATV crash speak of 'devastating loss'
The schoolboy dreamed of one day stepping into the family thoroughbred business.

Mick On Monday: Ellis joins legends in Hall of Fame
New Zealand's biggest racehorse buyer joins its most elite club.

Downpours put Rotorua race meeting under threat
Early morning inspection will determine whether racing goes ahead today after heavy rains.

Deluge prompts postponement of Alexandra Park meeting after one race
For the second time in three weeks a major harness racing meeting has been ruined by rain.

Punters should be on weather watch ahead of Rotorua feature
It is that time of the year when the weather forecast becomes as important as race form.

Shortest way home the key to Group 1 glory at The Park
Good betting options as Alexandra Park wraps up its huge autumn carnival tonight.

Racing superstars promise music and words for top Kiwi trainers
A Kiwi racehorse worth millions is going to be given her shot at more racetrack glory.

New Zealand Bloodstock moves to boost centenary yearling sales
The Karaka yearling sales are a key economic driver for the New Zealand racing industry.

Mick On Monday: Godolphin’s remarkable worldwide week
The famous blue racing colours rule in Kentucky and England with historic weekend success.

Riccarton mud bath avoided as racing bosses get flexible
Riccarton meeting could have been run on a very heavy track but common sense prevailed.

Cullen: Have faith in my star’s standing start manners
When the best horses race in handicaps there is often an easy recipe for backing a winner.

Cups king Dunn eyes up mighty trotting surprise at The Park
Auckland's richest trotting race provides a complex punting puzzle tonight.

Canterbury horseman to honour Greg Sugars at emotional Rowe Cup
Race four is named 'Remembering Greg Sugars – Fond Memories from 2024 – RIP'.

Super Seth steps into New Zealand’s elite stallion ranks
A young stallion challenges the big star in the big business of thoroughbred breeding.

Kiwi star’s manners cost him in Hong Kong mega-money race
El Vencedor's loss continues drought for NZ-trained horses in Hong Kong.

Shocking death of hero horseman of harness racing
The racing community is reeling after a popular horseman dies in his sleep.

'We might surprise': Crocetti tipped to outperform odds in Perth
Craig Williams believes Crocetti's odds are undervalued for the A$5m Quokka.

Why weather could be key in high-stakes Breeders race at Te Rapa
Trainer Tony Pike isn't worried about rain for Poetic Champion’s race.

'So crucial': Dalgety banks on strong start for Group 1 success
He will drive Beside Me in the Pascoes Oaks and Republican Party in the Messenger.

Awapuni relaunch could see Group 1 bonuses next season
The Palmerston North turf track took 19 months and $5.7million to refurbish.

Naughty Oscar expected to be on best behaviour on Anzac Day
Talented trotter let punters down last start but can make up for it on Friday.

Kiwi galloping hero overcomes setback as HK riches loom
Top New Zealand horse El Vencedor is back on track for the richest race of his career.

Mick On Monday: Horse wins race he was scratched from
The Easter theme rang true at Alexandra Park's rescheduled meeting.

D-day looms for Crocetti's chances in A$5m Quokka
Kiwi galloper Crocetti chases an A$5 million race win in Perth.

Horse racing legend has no interest in slowing down
Training legend John Wheeler on why retirement is not an option.

Weather causes Alexandra Park postponement tonight
Tonight's harness racing meeting has been postponed because of the weather.

Beside Me’s chances boosted for Alexandra Park meeting
The flying filly now looks a great bet at a rare Alexandra Park Thursday night meeting.

Chase A Dream off to Queensland
The Kiwi pacer is set to chase A$1.3m worth of races in Brisbane.

Kiwis taking on the world in mega-rich Hong Kong race
El Vencedor has earned a trip to Sha Tin after three Group 1 wins in 28 days.

Luckless campaign ends early for pacing superstar Merlin
Merlin has had no luck this campaign so his trainers are pulling the pin.

Crocetti going long way to pick fight with a Kiwi
South Auckland trainer Danny Walker is going a long way to try to beat another local.

Racing: Kiwi star at disadvantage in glamour Oaks clash
Randwick card promises one of the hottest race days of the season.

Merlin eyes $100k Taylor Mile after $1m race boost
Trainer Scott Phelan believes last week's race improved Merlin's fitness.

'Weight can stop a train': Trainer's bold strategy for Whangaehu
Bill Thurlow believes Whangaehu can handle the 59kg topweight at Trentham.

Mick On Monday: Purdon’s dream comes true at Ellerslie
Mark Purdon has achieved everything possible in Australasian harness racing.

Kiwi filly triumphs in ATC Derby as favourites fall short
Aeliana won the ATC Derby by five lengths at Randwick.

On a roll: Trainer Marsh aims for international accolades
Marsh tops $6m in domestic stakes, achieving 14 black type wins this season.

Racing: Arcee Phoenix carries Svanosio to blazing glory
Trainer-driver Chris Svanosio: 'He is an awesome horse, he was just jogging in front.'

Racing: Leap to Fame springs to prominence in Cambridge
The horse called 'Larry' finds a suitably leisurely pace.

Racing: Arcee Phoenix must burn early or chase Locomotive
Chris Svanosio: 'I might have to roll the dice this week.'

'He can definitely win': Purdon's hopes for Cambridge feature races
Mark Purdon has runners in both slot races at Cambridge tonight.

‘Menangle boost’ could be key in Cambridge’s mega-money races
Menangle's intense racing makes horses fitter and faster.

Willydoit aims for Derby double in $2.2m Randwick classic
Trainer reckons staying star in better form than he was on NZ Derby day.

Leap To Fame faces toughest test in $1m Cambridge race
Leap To Fame has won 49 of his 62 starts, making him a standout pacer.

Kiwi hopes pinned on upset in $1m race against Aussie favourites
Local hopes include Republican Party and Chase A Dream, known for strong finishes.

Barrier draw sets stage for $1m race showdown at Cambridge
Don Hugo drew barrier 2, while rival Leap To Fame drew the outside front line.

New training partnership eyes biggest race
Ben and Greg Hope back Muscle Mountain at Cambridge.