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.

12 May 2026
Swayzee's New Zealand campaign concludes: New South Wales champion pacer Swayzee’s New Zealand campaign concluded last Friday night in Auckland with a brave third behind up and coming kiwi superstar Got The Chocolates in the Group 1 Messenger Stakes. It seems that as he gets older, Swayzee is showing increased gate speed and was chased...

12 May 2026
Hillier happy as Triedtotellya tunes up for the Inter Dominion: Triedtotellya has had his last start before the upcoming Inter Dominion series in Brisbane. His most recent effort was in Launceston on Sunday night, where he claimed the $20,000 Ladbrokes Launceston Mile (1680m) when sent out as the $1.24 favourite. From a second-row draw, trainer-driver Rohan Hillier...

12 May 2026
HRA Independent Chair EOI: Harness Racing Australia (HRA) is seeking Expressions of Interests from appropriate candidates who wish to be considered as its next Independent Chair. With the incumbent Chair reaching his six-year term limit in July, HRA is planning to identify an Independent Chair who can provide strong, impartial...

12 May 2026
Tassie star has Inter Dominion firmly in his sights: A LUCKLESS first trip away from home hasn’t dampened Brisbane Inter Dominion plans for Tasmania’s best pacer Triedtotellya. In fact, the gifted gelding may not race again before the first round Inter Dominion heats at Brisbane’s Albion Park on July 4. Managing owner Braden Howlett confirmed...

12 May 2026
Susan is primed, but patience is the name of the game: GIFTED trotting mare Susan Is Her Name is ready to race again. But co-trainers Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin are in no rush with their sights firmly set on the Brisbane Inter Dominion. “Her trial was terrific and she’s really good at home, but we’re happy to just keep her ticking...

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