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.

1 March 2026
Premier driver James Herbertson hospitalised: Australia's premier driver James Herbertson can “barely walk” and is in hospital having scans for a possible blood clot in a leg. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY AT THETROTS.COM.AU

1 March 2026
A few nervous moments, but all's good as Zahara claims 14th Group 1: For the first time in her illustrious career, superstar mare Keayang Zahara wasn’t in complete control of her own destiny in Saturday night's Group 1 Just Believe Grand Prix at Melton. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY AT THETROTS.COM.AU

1 March 2026
Premier harness driver James Herbertson rushed to hospital: AUSTRALIA’S premier driver James Herbertson can “barely walk” and is in hospital having scans for a possible blood clot in a leg. Herbertson first felt soreness in the leg on Thursday before going to Newcastle and winning last Friday night’s $100,000 Group 2 Newcastle Mile aboard...

1 March 2026
Celebrity Royal reigns supreme in the Tasmania Cup: Driver Mark Pitt claimed his second Ladbrokes Tasmania Pacing Cup (2579m), after partnering the Bill Dornauf-trained Celebrity Royal ($5.50) to victory in Saturday night’s $150,000 Group 1 event in Hobart. From outside of the front-row Pitt allowed the six-year-old gelded son of Sweet Lou to work...

1 March 2026
Zahara's immediate plans in limbo: CHAMPION mare Keayang Zahara’s immediate racing plans are in limbo due to her star stablemates. Co-trainer Paddy Lee said a gallop from Jilliby Ballerini and worrying flop by Jilliby Dreamlover at Melton last night have thrown plays into disarray. At the same meeting, Keayang Zahara posted her...

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