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.

26 July 2026
Twilight Storm caps Chibnall double: Three-year-old Capt Midnight filly Twilight Storm ($1.65 fav) claimed her first win since her Group 3 Evicus victory last November when taking out a no more than two lifetime win event over 1680m at Launceston’s Ladbrokes Racing Centre Mowbray, on Friday night. Jordan Chibnall took the drive on...

25 July 2026
Debutante winner back for Sweepstakes tilt: Two-year-old filly Soul Of Karalta returns to the track at Hobart’s Ladbrokes Park Elwick on Sunday night, when she contests the first heat of the Sweepstakes (1609m) for fillies. The Neville Rattray-trained daughter of Cattlewash hasn’t raced since winning the Debutante Stakes in Launceston...

24 July 2026
HRA Merit Awards Announcement: Harness Racing Australia has recognised five outstanding contributors to its industry through its prestigious Merit Awards. The Merit Awards recognise decades of dedication, leadership and service including administration, training and media, celebrating those who have helped shape and strengthen Australian...

23 July 2026
Yabby Dam Farms announces new, rich 2YO Vic Trotters Classic: Yabby Dam Farms has super-powered its support for Victorian harness racing, establishing two $75,000 Yabby Dam Farms 2YO Trotters Classic finals. The trotting stud has partnered with Harness Racing Victoria to create the series, which will be first staged in 2030 for horses bred to its stallions in the...

23 July 2026
ID26 smashes all-time Queensland betting records: LAST Saturday night's epic Albion Park Inter Dominion final drove record-smashing wagering figures on the night. Fans didn't just watch champion mare Captains Mistress fend-off local all-time great Leap To Fame, but they bet strongly on it, too. The $1 million Ladbrokes Inter Dominion pacing...

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