Keayang Zahara after winning the 2026 TAB Trot
HARNESS Racing New Zealand's release of some major changes to NZ features and prize money has sparked varied reactions from key Aussie players.
Keayang Zahara’s co-trainer Paddy Lee was thrilled to learn the time-honoured Group 1 Dominion Trot would stay at $NZ400,000.
“She’ll go if we’re happy at the time,” he said. “That’s great news. She’s coming along well after a good break.”
Keayang Zahara is unbeaten in four NZ starts, three as a three-year-old at Addington in late 2024, and the latest in the TAB Trot at Cambridge in April this year.
“It’s a shame the Cambridge slow races won’t be on again after they’ve become so big, so quickly,” Lee said. “We’d love to have gone back.
“But as far as NZ Cup Week goes, I’d say Zahara would go for just the one race.
“Regardless of any changes, we probably wouldn’t run her three days later in the (NZ trotting) free-for-all anyway.”
Chantal Turpin, trainer of recently crowned Inter Dominion champion Gus, had previously confirmed he would return to defend his Dominion title.
Victorian trainer Chris Svanosio is considering an NZ raid with Inter Dominion runner-up Gotfeelingsyouknow and heat winner Lovemeto.
Leap To Fame is the big watch now after NZ Cup prize money was cut from $NZ1 million to $NZ800,000.
There had been speculation it could drop to as low as $600,000.
Owner Kevin Seymour said it would prompt a deeper discussion with trainer-driver Grant Dixon.
“It’s not just the $NZ200,000 off the Cup, it’s the $NZ100,000 off the NZ free-for-all ($NZ250,000 down to $NZ150,000), which he won last year, as well,” Seymour said.
“What’s complicated things even further is the news that the Cambridge slot race is gone, as well.
“If that was still on, we’d have missed Cup Week and aimed at that, but now we’ve got some decisions to make.
“I’ve said since we decided to race him on that we’d be selective in what races we targeted, but the NZ changes have put everything in limbo.
“Grant and I have some talking and planning to do.”
Further complicating things is how weak the NZ dollar is against the Aussie dollar. One NZ dollar buys just 84 cents Aussie.
Seymour conceded the $250,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup at Melton on October 17 could re-emerge as an option.
“Everything is back on the table. We’re going back to the drawing board, especially with the Cambridge news.
“I’m stunned by the Cambridge news. It was such a great race night, such a great experience to be part of. That’s a real shame.”
Captains Mistress’ owner Mick Boots has already declared the NZ Cup “not a suitable race” for the champion mare.
But Kingman’s owner Mick Harvey is keen to return to defend the title he won in such amazing fashion over Leap To Fame last year.
Then you’ve the new brigade of Kiwi stars headed by Got The Chocolates, Marketplace and The Lazarus Effect.
PHOTOS: HRNZ/Race Images NZ
