Seven horses will contest the first running of the KZN Premier’s First Harness Challenge series at the Greyville night-meeting of 27th March. The evening is gearing to be one of great excitement as a new code beds down in SA for the first time. Politicians, horse-lovers and celebrities have responded positively to invitations to attend the event, and Gold Circle employees are busy arranging for a 10 race card on the night – which includes the annual running of the King’s Cup.
A public showing and time-trials of the competing trotters will take place at Greyville at 08h00 on Thursday 12th March, and the general public is invited to free coffee and sticky-buns at this occasion. Immediately following the time-trials, barrier positions for the first race will be randomly drawn. The continent’s first 15m winged “autostart” vehicle will also be on display at this time.
HRSA chairman Dean Latimer has confirmed that successful Swedish trainer Johan Nilsson will be arriving in Durban on Friday for a two month stay, during which time he will oversee final preparation of the horses and be on hand to give detailed training and advice to grooms, drivers, trainers etc, as well as any interested member of the public.
Latimer also confirmed that an arrangement was in place with Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) to provide a dual-code qualified stipendiary steward to train local officials in the harness code. Bill Delaney arrives in Durban in mid-March for a 3 week stay.
For further information contact Helen Watson at Gold Circle on 031 314 1545, or see www.harnessracingsa.co.za
