News Article - Australian Harness Racing

Guerin: Queensland on radar for Merlin after Derby triumph

25 March 2023

Don’t be fooled by the small margin Merlin scaped home by in Friday night’s $135,000 Woodlands Derby.

Because driver Zachary Butcher is adamant the quality colt could have won the classic by a lot more had he wanted.

“That is just him, he doesn’t like running away from horses and just switches off,” said Butcher after his first win in the great race.

4 February 2026
Wharton: Double delight for champion Wagga breeder: Prominent Wagga horseman Paul Kahlefeldt had a ‘night of nights’ at Cranbourne last Saturday when he bred the winners of two of the four Group races at the Gippsland club’s signature meeting. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY AT THETROTS.COM.AU

4 February 2026
Leaping into the record books: Leap To Fame’s greatness can be defined in so many ways. His Australasian record $5,169,359 in prize money, his 63 wins, including 13 at Group 1 or just the way he does most of the work in the biggest races against the best horses and still wins more often than not. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL...

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AFL premiership player hoping for Group 1 harness glory: Brisbane Lions premiership player Darcy Gardiner knows all about Grand Finals. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY AT THETROTS.COM.AU

4 February 2026
Plans on hold for boom French import: BUZZ French import Kristal Josselyn blitzed his rivals in a Menangle trial today (Wednesday), but won’t chase Saturday week’s $250,000 Group 1 Great Southern Star. The six-year-old thrashed a moderate field by 58.5m in a 1min54.8sec mile, but still pulled up like he needed more work before...

4 February 2026
Captains Knock pockets $250,000 bonus with Bathurst Gold Rush Cup victory: Champion Goulburn pacer Captains Knock returned to his brilliant best at Bathurst last Friday night to capture the $60,000 Gold Rush Cup, his third feature win in the current TAB Carnival of Cups series. In front of one of the largest crowds seen at that venue, the popular pacer turned it all around...

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