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 June 2026
Leap To Fame caps huge Queensland Day: THE timing of champion pacer Leap To Fame return to racing makes for a Queensland Day racing extravaganza on Saturday. Racing Queensland has astutely slated Leap To Fame’s race as the fourth event, to be run at 6.45pm Saturday at Albion Park. That’s just a couple of hours after the last of...

3 June 2026
LISTEN: Dan and Rob preview Kilmore Thursday: Dan and Rob preview Thursday night’s meeting at Kilmore. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN AT THETROTS.COM.AU

3 June 2026
Government legislation initiates HRV's transition to a company: The Victorian Government introduced a Bill into Parliament on Tuesday that will transition Harness Racing Victoria from a statutory authority to a company limited by a guarantee. Amending the Racing Act 1958, the Racing Legislation Amendment (Entity Governance and Other Matters) Bill 2026 will move HRV...

3 June 2026
Young Kiwi star makes a Menangle splash: BOOM Kiwi pacer Marketplace has turned heads before steps out for his first Australian start. The Regan Todd-trained four-year-old, who boasts 13 wins from 23 starts including four at Group 1 level, sparkled in a Menangle trial today. Marketplace led from gate three before driver Luke McCarthy took a...

3 June 2026
Victorian trainer eyes repeat ID glory at Albion Park: The 2025 campaign was a standout season for Chris Svanosio, headlined by his star trotter Arcee Phoenix. Albion Park also holds fond memories for the Victorian, who landed a rare double on Inter Dominion Final night last year. Svanosio scored in the two trotting features, claiming the ID Grand Final...

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