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.

14 April 2026
Vale Des Pollock: Former Goulburn Valley trainer-driver Des Pollock passed away last Tuesday, April 14, at the age of 85. Des was well known throughout the district, having lived his entire life in the region, including Gunbower and more recently Tongala. He had a deep love for the squaregaiter and enjoyed success over...

14 April 2026
Tracy The Jet among headline acts returning at Bendigo: Last season’s champion Australian 3YO trotting filly Tracy The Jet heads a stunning array of young talent across five races at Saturday night’s stellar Bendigo meeting. The Jess Tubbs-trained Tracy The Jet launches her 2026 campaign in the opening race, while last year’s Victorian 3YO...

14 April 2026
Fundraising initiative launched to help support young Cowra family through tragedy: How would you like to win free fuel and help out a young Cowra harness racing family picking up the pieces after losing everything in a recent house fire? The $2000 fuel voucher is just one of a number of incredible prizes on offer in a fundraising raffle put together by Harness Racing New South Wales...

14 April 2026
Luke goes good with a big week: Teenager reinsman Luke Thirgood was made to wait for his maiden success in the bike, but when it rained, it poured for the smiling youngster. Still yet to have his 17th birthday, Thirgood has been driving in races in the Sunshine State since September of last year. He was nearing 30 career starts without...

14 April 2026
Vale Gordon Bubb: It’s sad to report the passing of one of Victoria’s most passionate harness racing followers in Rochester’s Gordon Bubb. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AT THETROTS.COM.AU

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