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.

24 June 2026
Thorn's roller-coaster week: IT has been a mixed week for NSW trainer David Thorn. The immediate racing future of his brilliant filly Senses, a half-sister to champions Leap To Fame and Swayzee, is in limbo with an injury setback. Thorn hopes a bone scan today will give a clearer picture and that the injury is only muscle related....

24 June 2026
GOODFORM – Bronte's best at Bendigo Wednesday: Bronte Nieuwenburg has done the form for Bendigo’s competitive card on Wednesday night. Race 1: OVERVIEW: A competitive trot opens a big 10-race card at Bendigo. KYVALLEY MICHAEL (10) is a smart trotter on his day and has the best sectional times in this event. He hit the line well in a stronger...

24 June 2026
McDonough says 'watch my filly' as he chases Protostar slot: Trainer Allan McDonough has a message for the remaining slot owners yet to lock away a runner for Australia’s richest two-year-old race the $500,000 Group 1 Protostar at Albion Park on July 11. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

24 June 2026
Kevin's 'biggest win' would be reason for a statue!: South Australian trainer Kevin Von Duve stated he will commission a monument in Buildthemanastatue's honour if he emerges triumphant on Saturday night. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

23 June 2026
Bellman chasing The Great Square glory after Group 1 surge: Victorian Michael Bellman is proof that good things come to those who wait. With over 2,000 driving wins to his name, a win at the elite level was proving elusive for the 45-year-old. That was until a magical six-week period at the end of 2025 when Bellman partnered with three-year-old trotting gelding...

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