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 July 2026
Victorian hopefuls chase Queensland glory: Power trainers like Emma Stewart, Clayton Tonkin and Chris Svanosio headline Victoria’s historic raid on the Queensland winter riches, but charm sits with lesser known names chasing their dreams. Shepparton hobby trainer and former TAB operator Eddie Tappe has taken Im Bobby for the Inter Dominion...

1 July 2026
Double Lou shines on Queensland debut ahead of Rising Sun test: Sydney pacer Double Lou made quite the impression on debut in Queensland last Saturday night at Albion Park when he sat three-wide for the majority of the 1660 metre trip scoring by decent margin in a fast 1:50.9 mile rate. Owned in the Riverina by the Rees family’s Johnny Star Racing, the Bailey...

30 June 2026
WATCH: Mick and Mecarno set for Great challenge: Trainer-driver Michael Bellman has left the Victorian chill and is campaigning his star trotter Mecarno in Queensland, where he will chase a fourth career Group 1 in Saturday night's Great Square at Albion Park. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE INTERVIEW

30 June 2026
Don won't be down for long: FORMER Inter Dominion champion Don Hugo won’t be sidelined for long. Trainer-driver Luke McCarthy said scratching his superstar from this Brisbane Inter Dominion series was in large part precautionary. “It’s not serious. I’d say it’s like a sprained ankle,” he said....

30 June 2026
WATCH: Bendigo's major projects set to start: Watch Rebecca Morrissey talk through the major works planned for Bendigo after tomorrow night's race meeting. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO

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