Speed Explosion - Track Records and outstanding times

[Messenger]

First of all Catch Your Breath going 1.53.9 at Kilmore on Sunday and today Fearless Leader going 1.55.9 at Horsham. How many more records will fall this summer?

[mango]

Just watched the replay of Fearless Leader at Horsham and it was a huge run and he only looks like a wee little horse. His half brother Livingontheinterest broke the 1730m Gloucester Park record earlier this year when running 1:53.1.

[p plater]

First of all Catch Your Breath going 1.53.9 at Kilmore on Sunday and today Fearless Leader going 1.55.9 at Horsham. How many more records will fall this summer?

Better to ask Aust Post

[Messenger]

Better to ask Aust Post
or Bureau of Meteorology ?

or Are you suggesting little brown packages are involved :eek:

[p plater]

or Bureau of Meteorology ?

or Are you suggesting little brown packages are involved :eek:

Not sure what colour they are but have a smell of curry on them

[Messenger]

I have now watched the Fearless Leader race and I know he is classy enough to get into the Melton Plate and that a few starts back over the short trip at Maryborough he came with in .2 of the track record
BUT he looks small enough to be in the pony trot and you don't break track records when you are forced to sit 3W MOST of the race. Now look how you have me thinking P Plater!

Edit 1 - he may have also broken the Maryborough record on Sep2 as I now see that Nimble Jack (C1 !) set the track record that day. C1 WTF
Edit 2 - now watched Nimble Jack setting record - it was like they had a pacemaker in the race - did Matthew Craven mistake Avoca Flyer for his brother

[Richard prior]

All packages and Curry(Would give anyone the runs) jokes aside, They were both huge runs. On the day that Nimble Jack broke the track record, Yankee Rockstar ran 1.55.5 in the 1st and won easily and probably have gone very close to the track record if pushed. Nimble Jacks race certainly look like it was set up for a backmarker to storm home. Fearless Leaders run was massive being posted 3wide for most of the race and once again the pace was a cracker. The little fella certainly has his share of ability and looks a typical Bettor's Delight. Woodlands might be sorry they sold him and I think the size issue would have come into it.

[p plater]

Richard, I was always taught that size only matters to the female gender, now I must add Studs to the list as well.

[Richard prior]

Fairly sure that Courage under Fire might have been discarded by a few of the bigger Studs at first due to his size(14.2 hands) and then he landed in Alabar's lap. I guess it's the old story, don't overlook the little ones.

[mightymo]

Size has become less and less relevant, other than in a few peoples heads. As the breed has improved and the times and tracks have got faster, the smaller, more compact horses have come to the fore. The bigger horses simply cant bang out the miles week after week.

Baby Bling is only small and Bling it on is not much bigger

[Richard prior]

2 fine examples there Harvey, The smaller more compact horses certainly do seem to hold together more so than the bigger horses, especially with the younger brigade. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see many more track records set this season with the breed changing so quickly. I certainly think the the 1.50 at Menangle will be cracked a few more times this season but Smoken Up's 1.48.5 will be tough to crack, but not impossible in the right conditions.

[broco]

its not the size that matters its the speed and heart put into that package that counts, give me a small horse over the huge ones anyday (one because they are normally more in my price range at the sales lol) but also because there is so much less impact on legs with a smaller horse, they often handle a turn much better and me being short I cant get a jolly bridle on the giants (yep have had to sit/stand on the tie up rail to get the bridle on a couple of not so cooperative ponies come raceday lol) have always had a lot more luck with the little ones than the bigger horses and find the smaller types often have more blistering speed than the big guys that need time to get it all together.
But each to their own I just wish I had one that could run 1.53 big or small

[Richard prior]

Monique, I have the opposite problem, I'm a touch under 2 metres tall(6'6'')and have no idea and would be flat out handling a Shetland Pony(lol) Thank god I can leave it up to the trainer. Bettor's Delight keeps on leaving a lot of nice mid size nice horses. He has 2 very nice fillies running around in NZ at the moment, Millie Sampson and the Aussie bred Willow. Both of these fillies have speed to burn and are beautifully gaited. I'm pretty sure that Bettor's was overlooked by a number of studs due to his size as well.

[p plater]

or Bureau of Meteorology ?

or Are you suggesting little brown packages are involved :eek:

Ooops.....Word has it Aust Post has struck......package with curry smell delivered to the wrong stable. Am told the trainer went for a change of undies after opening it.

It may now be in the hands of officials.......will we hear more in the weeks ahead?

[p plater]

Ooops.....Word has it Aust Post has struck......package with curry smell delivered to the wrong stable. Am told the trainer went for a change of undies after opening it.

It may now be in the hands of officials.......will we hear more in the weeks ahead?

Not confirmed as yet but hear 2 stables have had surprise visits by authorities.........more to come

[Njcstables]

The track record at Ballarat was smashed yesterday morning at the TRIALS! Philadelphia Man 2200m 2.37.6 (2.39.6) mile rate 1.55.3 (1.56.7) last mile 1.53.7 ( that equals black dukes 2001 time trial mark)! Stable mate guaranteed second beaten 4m. Believe both headed to Sydney. Two very nice horses left well in there wake. Look out!

[Richard prior]

Good horses alright, Would be great to see them at Menangle. Beautide broke the race record at Newcastle on Saturday night and I believe a track record was broken yesterday at St Arnaud.

[Triple V]

Size has become less and less relevant, other than in a few peoples heads. As the breed has improved and the times and tracks have got faster, the smaller, more compact horses have come to the fore. The bigger horses simply cant bang out the miles week after week.

Baby Bling is only small and Bling it on is not much bigger

[VVV] Right on the money Harvey. Unfortunately these simple facts will not stop people wanting to 'buy them by the Pound' at the Sales. How readily people forget or choose to overlook the fact that so many of the truly great Standardbred racehorses were/have been by no means big horses. Insanity.

[Messenger]

I know this could have gone in the Speed Explosion thread but it seemed too fantastic a feat to risk burying with old news

Early season 3yo's leading the rest of the field in a procession and both smash the Track Record which had already been lowered at Horsham's last meeting (Speed Explosion thread)

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=HS251113&ms=vic

[broncobrad]

If you want your horse to improve, then head to Horsham...there is something down there that makes The Fountain Of Youth almost irrelevant.

The Avoca Flyer, now the winner of 5 races from 73 starts is testament to this. The 7yo gelding has been all over the Eastern seaboard building on his record. Until yesterday his best MR was a 1.58.7 at MENANGLE in March 2011. In June 2012 at Horsham over the 1700m he was able to carve out a handy 2.01.3 to win. It has been a bit tough for him this season, until yesterday his best MR was a struggling 2.02.8.

Yesterday on a track that can only have been curated by The Hand Of God Himself, a miracle was witnessed by the lucky few in attendance.

The Avoca Flyer launched himself into the stratosphere, on legs of greased lightning, this one-time handy pacer set a new mark of 1.56.3, still a full second slower than the 3 yr olds went. Driven like he was at Yonkers, the (new) Avoca Flyer lowered his best MR for the season by 6.5 seconds. Gobsmacking!

[aussiebreno]

Get the trundle wheel out!!!

But seriously good times. Wonder what Smoken Up could run!

[Messenger]

If you want your horse to improve, then head to Horsham...there is something down there that makes The Fountain Of Youth almost irrelevant.

The Avoca Flyer, now the winner of 5 races from 73 starts is testament to this. The 7yo gelding has been all over the Eastern seaboard building on his record. Until yesterday his best MR was a 1.58.7 at MENANGLE in March 2011. In June 2012 at Horsham over the 1700m he was able to carve out a handy 2.01.3 to win. It has been a bit tough for him this season, until yesterday his best MR was a struggling 2.02.8.

Yesterday on a track that can only have been curated by The Hand Of God Himself, a miracle was witnessed by the lucky few in attendance.

The Avoca Flyer launched himself into the stratosphere, on legs of greased lightning, this one-time handy pacer set a new mark of 1.56.3, still a full second slower than the 3 yr olds went. Driven like he was at Yonkers, the (new) Avoca Flyer lowered his best MR for the season by 6.5 seconds. Gobsmacking!

I was at Horsham yesterday and most surely it has become one of the fastest tracks in Oz but I do not think The Avoca Flyers time was any real surprise (compared to the 3yo' s breaking the track record). This half-brother of Blacks A Fake would have gone under yesterdays time when 2nd at Menangle a couple of years back and when he races at Peter Mannings other favourite tracks like Stawell and Ararat he finds them too tight and often breaks. The only thing that stopped me backing him yesterday was being spooked by the fact that Peter's daughter Kerryn's NZer (having its first start here for her) was a short favourite

[Messenger]

Hey Brad - Avoca wins again on a big track. (See 'G.Gees good horse' thread however for the real speed explosion of the day) The question has to be asked: Why is he ever entered on small tracks like Stawell and Ararat which he rarely handles and has never run a place. Not only has he always been unplaced at Stawell but he has finished distant last 4 times in 6 runs there in the last 13 months. Probably making up the race numbers for races targeted by other Manning runners?

[Njcstables]

Get the trundle wheel out!!!

But seriously good times. Wonder what Smoken Up could run!

I know this quote was made in reference to the times at Horsham brenno but in light of the two track records at Hamilton on Monday I thought it was relevant. I have serious doubt about times at Hamilton. I and many other more experienced drivers than I, have very serious doubts about the distance of the track at Hamilton. I'm sure it's not measured correctly. You won't get any officials admit it though!

[Messenger]

Nathan, what you are suggesting (I am guessing) would only be due to the embarrassment of admitting a mistake? There may be some appeal in having a fast track but as you know better than me, it is going to take the best part of 30m to shave off 2 secs. If you were wanting to deliberately manipulate times you wouldn't be worried about a single second and yet about 30m for 2secs is just too much to get away with. You wouldn't think it would be a costly mistake to correct - just a bit of paint ;)

[Messenger]

Bruce Morgan's 6yo mare Easton All Action broke the Charlton 2100 record today rating 1.56.6 leading all the way

[arlington]

Wonders what Dermot and Aidan might be thinking.

[Messenger]

National Service broke the 2660SS record in winning the Hamilton Cup today in a 1.58.8 MR

[Messenger]

Apologies to Keayang Starzz whom I should have included for breaking the 2160MS record at the same meeting when he rated 1.56.2

[aussiebreno]

Glen Craven awesome courageous drive and a tiptop performance from Manningham Park.

[Richard prior]

Run them off their legs, 1.53.9 is slick for that class.

[Messenger]

Saab Quality broke Yarra Glen's 2150MS record today - going 1.55.6 in the Claimers. That is a fair effort on a tightish track over that distance in the heat

[Richard prior]

Huge effort, Is that 2 for him this season???

[Messenger]

Huge effort, Is that 2 for him this season???

I thought it was but skimmed thread and could not see him mentioned but we can't both be wrong.

[mightymo]

yes. He actually holds Ballarat 1710 record of 1.53.8 which was almost broken last night

[aussiebreno]

yes. He actually holds Ballarat 1710 record of 1.53.8 which was almost broken last nightI note Smoken Ups win at Ballarat few weeks ago was over the mile. How come the two different distances does anybody know?

[Toohard]

I note Smoken Ups win at Ballarat few weeks ago was over the mile. How come the two different distances does anybody know?

Think just a once a year race over the mile. Called Lightning Mile. First turn comes up pretty quick but track has all been redone with nice banked turns.

Luke tells me they had 2 mile races on the night the track re-opened. Then the above one and he can't remember anymore. And says can't remember then having any on old track (probably would have been a bit unsafe with the flat turns).

None scheduled in next 4 months over the mile.

[aussiebreno]

Think just a once a year race over the mile. Called Lightning Mile. First turn comes up pretty quick but track has all been redone with nice banked turns.

Luke tells me they had 2 mile races on the night the track re-opened. Then the above one and he can't remember anymore. And says can't remember then having any on old track (probably would have been a bit unsafe with the flat turns).

None scheduled in next 4 months over the mile.Thanks Paul and Luke.

[Richard prior]

Another track record, Restrepo 1.56.8 over 2710m in the Ballarat Cup.

[p plater]

Another track record, Restrepo 1.56.8 over 2710m in the Ballarat Cup.

Guaranteed ran 1.55.4 over 2200m breaking the old record by 1 second.....track on fire

[Messenger]

All 3 Track Records broken at Ouyen today for distances 1654m, 2040m and 2809m of the Cup. Shayne Cramp 4 winners

[Richard prior]

For A Reason took 1.6 seconds off the track record at Goulburn yesterday for the 2240m under a throttle hold.

[Messenger]

Bushrod ran 1.55.9 to break the Hamilton 2160m Record on Wednesday and I think he is only a C3

[Njcstables]

I think the trotters broke the track record in trotters cup too.

[Messenger]

Yep you are right Nathan, I have to admit to only following the pacers, it was a good day for you too - winning the last

[Njcstables]

Yeah thanks Kevin.

[Messenger]

Our Walden Bury took nearly a full second off Mildura's 2190m Record tonight. Maastricht was only 1.4m away in 2nd so she would have smashed it too.

[Messenger]

Winning the Cup, Christen Me equalled Mah Sish's record of last year

[Messenger]

Maastricht equalled the Swan Hill 2240m record tonight rating 1.56.9

[mango]

Ashburton 8/2
Not sure if there records but the speed was on today at Ashburton

Venus Serena 3yr old filly by Mach Three went 1:52.2

Follow The Stars 2yr old colt by Art Major went 1:53.8

[Messenger]

Thanks Mango

I do not know about Ashburton but that time of
VENUS SERENA is a NZ RECORD for 3yo fillies (and the whole field ran 1.53.0 or better)

Follow The Stars time is 1 sec outside the NZ 2yo colts record but once again I do not know where to find individual track records for NZ

[mango]

Venus Serena also holds the 2yr old fillies record

Sky Major holds the 2yr old colts record of 1:52.8 which was set in june last year at the Jewels which was at Ashburton.

[Richard prior]

The First 4 in Follow the Stars Sapling Stakes all by Art Major.

[mango]

Follow The Stars was purchased from last years Melbourne A.P.G sale

[Richard prior]

Yes another of Lauriston Bloodstocks young ones purchased by M.Purdon for 20k.

[Messenger]

Chilli Palmer got within 0.4sec of SU's track record at Melton last night - KNOCKING abt 6sec off his best mile rate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Greg Hando]

Orange today 2 track record's broken Laaganoosh ran the 1880 mts in 1.59.1.The record of 2.00.1 had stood since 2003 Marty Bee ran the 2240 mts in 1.58.4 please note Orange is a 714 metre track.

[Greg Hando]

Venus Serena's time is a NZ and Australasian record.
Nike Franco ran 1.52.6 an Australian record last night at Menangle in the Raith memorial congrats Harvey ?

[Greg Hando]

Thanks Mango

I do not know about Ashburton but that time of
VENUS SERENA is a NZ RECORD for 3yo fillies (and the whole field ran 1.53.0 or better)

Follow The Stars time is 1 sec outside the NZ 2yo colts record but once again I do not know where to find individual track records for NZ

Kevin you go to HRNZ site and click on Racing then down the left hand side you will find records but all except mile races are given in race time not mile rate.

[Messenger]

Thanks Greg, that is how I know Venus Serena's time was a record but I was hoping to find individual track records like we can by clicking on Clubs and Tracks under Racing on AHR's site

[Messenger]

On her return from her bleed last year, now 3yo champion filly Mindarie Priddy BROKE THE SHEP 1690m TRACK RECORD tonight going 1.54.7 strolling in by about 25m!

[aussiebreno]

On her return from her bleed last year, now 3yo champion filly Mindarie Priddy BROKE THE SHEP 1690m TRACK RECORD tonight going 1.54.7 strolling in by about 25m!

She is a special filly, best 2yo filly I have seen (results didnt come for whatever reason). Hopefully she gets up for the NSW Oaks, that will be some race.

[Messenger]

She was still the top stakes winning 2yof last yr Brendan so the results were not too bad

[aussiebreno]

She was still the top stakes winning 2yof last yr Brendan so the results were not too bad
If not for a Bill Trembath pearler and I think maybe sickness she would have had the Vicbred and Breeders Crown as well though and been undefeated, which is what I reckon she deserved given she was that good!

[Messenger]

Keayang Cullen's Inter heat win as you all probably know was a Melton 2240m Tk Rec knocking 0.2 off SU's time - fair pace set by Restrepo!

[littlelenny]

He might not of won but to run that time from pillar to post very impressive. Big Chance for the final if he gets the right run,

[Richard prior]

Venus Williams NZ Equalled the 1700m track record at Horsham today, 1.55.3

[Messenger]

Thanks Rich. I think it sums up the speed explosion to think that lowly rated horses like Venus Williams and Znana hold Track Records ie that so many horses are capable of speed we never heard of not long ago.

Noticed David Manning still knows how to find a nugget in the NZgoldMine with Romes Burning strolling in in the first. The form analysis for that race mentioned that back in NZ his last win was over Macho Comacho who has been in Oz for 5 mths and 7 starts for 5 wins and 2 Country Cup placings. Admittedly RB beat as ordinary a field as you will ever find but it is amazing how these seemingly ordinary horses from NZ are sooooooooooo much better than our ordinary horses.

[Lenem]

Venus Williams NZ Equalled the 1700m track record at Horsham today, 1.55.3
Interesting that! Up until today I would have backed her namesake over a mile!

[Messenger]

The Yarra Valley 1650 Track Record was just broken in a C0 ! United Legacy (first up for 7mths) ran 1.55.0 This speed explosion is getting ridiculous as the 2 placegetters, both maidens, would not have been far off the record.

United Legacy might prove to be another good one for the Soky's Number arm of the U30 family
Today's win was in the United Petroleum Pace (the Servo in my old home town) so he was a moral to win

[aussiebreno]

That didn't last long! 1.54.5 in the 3yo.

[Messenger]

United Legacy only held the YV 1650 track record for little over an hour as Outrageous El came out in Race 4 for 3yo's and took another .5 off it running 1.54.5 in winning his first ever race (2nd start since coming from NZ)

The track must be lightening fast as the first 4 would have all beaten the old track record

[strong persuader]

Seems to be catching! At Blayney last Sunday we witnessed The Wifes Calling run a staggering 1:57.6 rate over the 1640 trip. Interestingly, I think the overall time for the race, 1:59.9 was the old track record!

http://www.blayneychronicle.com.au/story/2114378/wife-comes-calling-to-harness-a-victory/?cs=522

[Messenger]

How good is that photo Phil - wish we could get replays that looked like that! Would seem to be a very pretty setting

[strong persuader]

Agree, the photo is a real good one. On the setting, doinmabest, aka Fred Hastings, remarked at last years COC meeting that it wouldn't be hard to imagine your somewhere in NZ! What a shame that the powers that be wanted to kill off tracks like these and now they only race twice a year! Anyone that has enjoyed a day at Blayney, Orange, Lithgow, Cowra, Forbes, Eugowra, Peak Hill, and the many other tracks like them must wonder how the authorities ever decided to do without them. Sorry about the rant :) It still annoys me that we have administrators that want to kill our industry at the grass roots level.

How good is that photo Phil - wish we could get replays that looked like that! Would seem to be a very pretty setting

[Mark Croatto]

[What a shame that the powers that be wanted to kill off tracks like these and now they only race twice a year! Anyone that has enjoyed a day at Blayney, Orange, Lithgow, Cowra, Forbes, Eugowra, Peak Hill, and the many other tracks like them must wonder how the authorities ever decided to do without them. Sorry about the rant :) It still annoys me that we have administrators that want to kill our industry at the grass roots level.[/QUOTE]

Hi Phil

I can't entirely agree with your rant. Country harness racing was cut back extensively during the 90's and very early 2000's but that was not the doing of the administrators we currently have nor the one's immediately preceding them. I think the current board of HRNSW has done quite a great deal to re-invigorate racing at the grass roots level. The Goulburn track came back into existence through this version of the board as have Blayney, Orange, Maitland and quite a few other country tracks. Yes, many of them may only race twice a year but that is 200%, as a minimum, on what they were racing.

I would agree at levelling blame to those boards that were responsible for the cut backs but not the current. Unfortunately the wording of your rant doesn't differentiate and it sounds, well at least to me, that you include the current board, which as I have stated, has done a great deal and continues to do so.

Regards

Mark

[strong persuader]

I can't entirely agree with your rant. Country harness racing was cut back extensively during the 90's and very early 2000's but that was not the doing of the administrators we currently have nor the one's immediately preceding them. I think the current board of HRNSW has done quite a great deal to re-invigorate racing at the grass roots level. The Goulburn track came back into existence through this version of the board as have Blayney, Orange, Maitland and quite a few other country tracks. Yes, many of them may only race twice a year but that is 200%, as a minimum, on what they were racing.

I would agree at levelling blame to those boards that were responsible for the cut backs but not the current. Unfortunately the wording of your rant doesn't differentiate and it sounds, well at least to me, that you include the current board, which as I have stated, has done a great deal and continues to do so.

Regards

Mark

Hi Mark, I stand by my rant :) Rex Horne was there when they tried to shut us down and has now just shifted from NSWHRC to HRNSW! Sam Nati was there too. The current powers that be are still basically the ones that we had to fight tooth and nail to remain in existence. You say that we race 200% more than we used to, don't know how that one works. Blayney used to race at least six times a year, reduced to two, Orange probably had 12 or more meetings a year, now 3, Lithgow would have been in the 8-10 category, now zero. Forbes, Eugowra, and Peak Hill would be similar to Blayney.

To further illustrate the point, how about the intra code agreement, been told many times that NSWHRC consider it unfair and are doing their best to help the clubs disadvantaged by it. Well if both sides of an agreement agree to tear it up and start again, why can't it happen. NSWHRC want to be seen to be the generous party looking after everyone whilst maintaining the agreement that protects their allocation of funds.

Was recently in Ellis Street, Bankstown, an area that was extensively populated with horses in the 70's and 80's, most of them expect it and Bankstown to be gone in 2-3 years and I can assure you that many of them are not relocating to Menangle!

HRNSW is doing all they can to keep things going, but they too are hamstrung by the inequalities contained within the agreements that were put in place by power hungry brokers from NSWHRC many years ago, so in Reagan style, I say to Dumesny and his board, tear up that agreement and start again. Whilst ever you have to bow to an oppressor, it doesn't matter how much you tell the people that they have it good, they don't feel good about it.

Goulburn went for many years without racing and had to jump many hurdles to get back in the fold. Thankfully you guys did it, for now we have a great track to illustrate the potential that lies within country areas. The recently conducted meetings at Orange and Blayney illustrate that harness racing is alive in the country, with a little more assistance it could be healthy and strong which in turn makes Bathurst and consequently Menangle stronger as the bigger the base the better the product will be and consequently better horses will be turning up more often at Menangle. I am sure that Dubbo/Parkes/Forbes would feel the same.

The biggest killer in training horses these days is the cost of fuel. To load up a horse to travel 200 kms or more is nearly prohibitive. So having more racing close to home is the best possible answer to earning a few dollars with the ordinary horse and then hopefully getting a better one. You can only go out and try to get a better one so many times without any return at all on previous investments before your interest wanes.

Sorry about the extended rant, but this is something that irks me totally.

[2minuteman]

Goulburn went for many years without racing and had to jump many hurdles to get back in the fold. Thankfully you guys did it, for now we have a great track to illustrate the potential that lies within country areas. The recently conducted meetings at Orange and Blayney illustrate that harness racing is alive in the country, with a little more assistance it could be healthy and strong which in turn makes Bathurst and consequently Menangle stronger as the bigger the base the better the product will be and consequently better horses will be turning up more often at Menangle. I am sure that Dubbo/Parkes/Forbes would feel the same.

Obviously a commonsense comment,meaning that the powers that be will dismiss it out of hand.
As an aside,we are off to Goulburn Monday for our belated trip to the new track.Looking forward to it.
FAR for the inter and at the price I cannot not have something on TTL. It's a lottery.

[Danno]

[What a shame that the powers that be wanted to kill off tracks like these and now they only race twice a year! Anyone that has enjoyed a day at Blayney, Orange, Lithgow, Cowra, Forbes, Eugowra, Peak Hill, and the many other tracks like them must wonder how the authorities ever decided to do without them. Sorry about the rant :) It still annoys me that we have administrators that want to kill our industry at the grass roots level.

Hi Phil

I can't entirely agree with your rant. Country harness racing was cut back extensively during the 90's and very early 2000's but that was not the doing of the administrators we currently have nor the one's immediately preceding them. I think the current board of HRNSW has done quite a great deal to re-invigorate racing at the grass roots level. The Goulburn track came back into existence through this version of the board as have Blayney, Orange, Maitland and quite a few other country tracks. Yes, many of them may only race twice a year but that is 200%, as a minimum, on what they were racing.

I would agree at levelling blame to those boards that were responsible for the cut backs but not the current. Unfortunately the wording of your rant doesn't differentiate and it sounds, well at least to me, that you include the current board, which as I have stated, has done a great deal and continues to do so.

Regards

Mark

Mark,I don't know how far you go back in this silly game, but MAITLAND used to race about 20 meetings a year, they now have 2, Cessnock similarly used to race about 20 meetings a year, they(we) now have zero, Newcastle used to race 50 mmeetings a year, they now have about 70. As Phil stated Blayney raced far more often as did Lithgow and many others, the key component of this was the local exposure.

The rationalisation of our game was orchestrated by a bunch of imposters, trying to make "change for the sake of change". their legacy is a vastly diminished participation rate in our game because the "rationalisation" was actually a numbingly simple version of centralisation, often quoted by very juniour accountants as a means to improve returns by %.

If you shrink a business virtually overnight, then hey presto, by reducing the size of the business and in the short term having a similar gross turnover, you look lilke a dead set genius, but what you have ACTUALLY done, long term is reduce exposure and subsequently long term growth.

The people who foisted this destructive stuff are nowhere to be seen these days, I wonder why??

It is true that current administators are seeking to turn around SOME of the damage, but a little slowly in my opinion, why?, because the damage done has been left for so long and the accumaltive effect of that makes recovery difficult given the $$$ now available.

[Messenger]

On the money as usual Danno. Down in Vic we have cute tricks like St Arnaud 'at Melton'. We still have quite a spread of tracks so I will not complain too much but you are spot on about exposure. I was exposed to the excitement of the Showies (some would have to settle for MValley) and as much as I like Melton it is a long way from the city centre and we did to capture a whole new generation (I was once told that factoring in population, that Knox is roughly the centre of Melbourne)

[Lethal]

Dan,
You're spot on about rationalisation by HRNSW and pushed by those in charge at Harold Park. One example was the forced closure of Richmond due to, as claimed, excessive dust on the video of the races. (in the middle of a very dry period and Richmond was grass,seen as a no-no) They raced on Tuesday afternoon and therefore were seen as a threat to HP's Tuesday night meetings. The next HP midweeker was a Tuesday day meeting and guess what, the water truck couldn't keep it up and the dust plumes were horrendous.
Not just Richmond gone, you've mentioned Cessnock and Maitland, try Wyong (in the bar at the track they have an honour roll of the horses that have won there, some of NSW's finest ever) Gosford (ran a $3000 race every meeting way back then) Muswellbrook (didn't need to check the calender always raced every Monday public holiday with a standout race like Sires Stakes) Taree ( Great Christmas carnival every year) Oh I forgot Fairfield, the most forward thinking club in Sydney, but maybe that was the problem ( Have a look at the new track plans).
The odd thing is that the now CEO of the gallops (RNSW) is the same person who was the protagonist for this 'rationalisation' but sees fit to give country gallops clubs (even those that race on dirt) at the very least one meeting a year.
At least now he now knows how to promote his current industry from the 'grassroots', pity that idealogy wasn't apparent during his time at HP.
That's why Harness racing is imploding and becoming a small industry centred around one major track. All the other 'sweeteners' that are thrown
out is purely window dressing, to keep us 'participants' happy so as to ensure the greater good of the 'Holy Grail' MENANGLE

[Messenger]

I don't know about all these rain stories, I think you guys must have been dreaming in the shower - the track was obviously lightning fast ;)
Major Secret equals the Aust 2400m Rec and smashes the World Rec for 3yo winning the derby
Later on Abettorpunt comes out and obliterates that Aus Record
And Beautide destroys the 3009m Rec

[Maorisidol]

Flying Isa burns around Menangle today and takes the Australian Trotters Mile Record off Keystone Del who just held that record for 2 days!
He took .7 off KD's record who lowered the previous mark by .4. So 1.1 seconds has been shredded in a few days.
I think Luke was trying to say something to those who selected the field for The Glenferrie Farm Challenge last sunday.

[Messenger]

Illawong Joyful took over 2 sec off the Wangaratta 1800 Rec when she rated 1.57.2 in the first race tonight

[Messenger]

Itz Dreamin Jonesy took 0.5 sec off the Horsham 2200m today, doing it tough and sitting 3w the last lap rating 1.57.3 Later in The O'Keeffe, Weallwantano went .1 under the old record too

[DRUIDRACING]

answer me this question. if these horses are able to run these times i want to know how many actually go on to be top class horses.

[Messenger]

It has been an amazing period Steve, and it would seem that slow races are becoming a thing of the past due to fast tracks and competitive racing. As for how many go on - I think we will have to wait and see for many of these record breakers are only 3 or 4yo and if they stay sound you would not expect them to peak for at least a couple of years but it is an interesting question. For some I think their records may not last a season as it seems times are improving by the month and so we might not think their times anything special in a years time.

[Triple V]

Firstly, there's a reason why the Industry, as compared to years past, is able to conduct significantly more races per year than before with less than half the number of foals produced annually.
The introduction of open books combined with the adoption & use of semen transport has seen the influence of infinitely better quality sires spread far & wide.
This has in turn resulted in vastly improved starters to foals %'s...and also those that do make it to the track make more starts each season/lifetime than did their predecessors.
Today's Standardbred is a better gaited, better conformed, more athletic, precocious, faster, sounder and far more durable article than it has ever been before.
Southern Hemisphere experience will mirror that of the Northern Hemisphere.
We will similarly see continued compression of the times being posted by the best 2yos through to the best Open Class performers and that compression of times/records will be active at all points down the ladder.

[Greg Hando]

Also i think Jamie that people have woken up to the fact that if you let them run they can still hang on and win instead of being held for 1 run at them.

[Richard prior]

Evolution of the Species???

[jimmy777]

A big congratulations to the Penrith Track Staff who prepared the track that produced some great racing tonight.

[eliteblood]

HRNSW recently held a Track Maintenance Seminar on 20/21 February.

It was conducted at Penrith and we identified a few track preparation improvements.

................................ The focus of the Seminar was cushion equals comfort.

Comfort means horses will perform at their best as they feel no jarring or pain.

We should see similar improvement at many tracks.

Recent track seminar worth every cent!

That's great Adam. It has taken a long time for Australians to grasp that track cushion is not only am must for the comfort and soundness of our horses but also produces faster times.

[Greg Hando]

Port Pirie last night 3 records smashed Timeless Era went 1.53.9 taking 1.6 seconds off the mile record then in the Trotters mile Chuck Wagon went 2.00.5 taking a staggering 24.7 seconds off the record and most probably other class records fell by the wayside.

[Messenger]

That was surely flying in the Cup mile Greg, it would seem that at least the first five would have all been under the old record. The old trotters mile record of 2.25 surely had to be a case of only ever racing over that distance once as the long distance 2530m SS record was 2.04

[aussiebreno]

That was surely flying in the Cup mile Greg, it would seem that at least the first five would have all been under the old record. The old trotters mile record of 2.25 surely had to be a case of only ever racing over that distance once as the long distance 2530m SS record was 2.04A 2yo filly in year 2000 won $100 by beating one other runner to get the old record.
http://www.harness.org.au/pirie/pirie.cfm

[Messenger]

Good research Breno
http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/start.cfm?horse_id=93329

Her next start 4th of 4 was not so glorious and was her last :(
http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/race_results.cfm?race_code=YDB04070010

[Greg Hando]

A win is a win and a record is a record.

[Messenger]

A win is a win and a record is a record.

I do not know how I married my missus (of 34yrs) as she always said a film is a film :eek:

[Messenger]

Mr Cramp sent Spokeswoman down to Horsham today where I saw her smash the 2200m track record by a whole 0.8sec as easy as you like.

[Richard prior]

Pretty impressive and took a huge chunk off the track record cruising. The commentator sounded a lot like your brother inlaw Kev.

[Messenger]

I am so deaf I wouldn't even pick it Rich

[Messenger]

Dean Braun's 3yo filly Nike Franco came within 0.4s of the open record at Ballarat tonight when she rated 1.54.1 winning by 20m over the 1710m trip

[Richard prior]

Hi Kev, Your inbox needs some housekeeping.

[Messenger]

Fixed - thanks Rich

[Messenger]

Hilltop Hustler's 1.59.5 MR in the Warragul Cup was a track record for the 2620m

[Amlin]

Michael Stanley was particularly pleased with the quality of the track after the Warragul Cup - this was the first mobile start over this distance, and a good effort to break 2:00 over such a long trip.

There will be considerable work done to increase the camber and quality of the circuit later this year - to the standards of all the larger tracks, so expect that record will be broken this time next year.

[aussiebreno]

Work on the home turn certainly helped.

[gregcattell]

2 track records so far west wylong

[gregcattell]

just went through results west Wyalong yesterday
compaired track records noticed 3 new track records
great for club & owners

[aussiebreno]

Amanda Von 1.56.8 I am dubious, struggle to run that at Menangle. Same story Champion Miss over the longer distance.

[Greg Hando]

Amanda Von improved winning time by 4.76 secs unbelievable.

[aussiebreno]

Follow the stars! Wow!!!!!

[Richard prior]

He's a machine Breno!!

[aussiebreno]

Cold Major and Barinya keep the quick times coming. Honourable mentions Mindarie Priddy who set the speed in the oaks and went great and to PDL who ran a bottler as well.

[Richard prior]

Yeh it's a great nights. PDL went terrific, Paul's still cheering.

[Toohard]

Yeh it's a great nights. PDL went terrific, Paul's still cheering.

Just about a 'personal best' time for PDL. Trainer done outstanding job yet again. And yep we were yelling. Lukes lost his voice. He broke down calling the Oaks. SDVETS..going to be a quiet weekend.

[Messenger]

I don't really follow the trotters but 1.58.9 over 2240m caught my eye. Monsieur Deville was only .7 sec outside the Melton record in the first last night

[Messenger]

Cobargo Jack equalled the Terang 1680m record this evening rating 1.55.9

[Messenger]

Trotting is definitely speeding up - Pretty Sunday won in 1.57.4 last night, that is in a TM0 and only 1.5 sec outside the track record

As for the pacers - Gumdrops was only half a sec outside the 2760m record

[doinmabest]

My Dusky Sound breaks 8 year old record for 2525m at Dubbo rating 1.59.2 on Sunday

[Messenger]

Shards of Ice now holds the Hamilton 1660 record after rating 1.53.9 today. I reckon this track will provide a 1.52 soon enough

[Messenger]

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Frith-fanstasic-in-track-record-run

Did they really mean to say class record? 2400 Menangle record MR is 1.54, 3.7 sec faster than Frith's rate.

[aussiebreno]

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Frith-fanstasic-in-track-record-run

Did they really mean to say class record? 2400 Menangle record MR is 1.54, 3.7 sec faster than Frith's rate.
Yeah, and interestingly Whereibylong quicker in the 3yos.

[Messenger]

It has been a while since we have had an explosion but we had one today at Cobram
4yo mare Earth Angel is the new 1670m Track Record holder after winning in 1.54.7
This was a whole .4 secs faster than the old record

[Messenger]

I am in Melbourne for a couple of days and you guys are asleep at the wheel
Just updating my database and I notice that a 2yo now holds the 1750m Track Record at Swan Hill (admittedly it is slower than the 2240 Rec and we are talking about a new track)
Aldebaran Brandi rated 1.57.2 to take the Record last Thursday


Classy Guys 1.55.4 at Maryborough that same day was only 1 sec off their Rec

[Messenger]

Jilliby Master's 1.55.4 at Horsham today came within 0.1 of the Track Record. Fair effort as she had to work a bit early and was not really pushed winning by 21m

[Messenger]

Glenferrie EJ smashed the Geelong 2100m MS record in the C3-4 tonight - bringing to an end Upanatom's unbeaten Aussie record
He rated 1.56.2 obliterating the old record of 1.57

Josh Aiken may have some explaining to do for his drive on Buy Chevron Direct who attacked Upanatom unmercifully for the lead

The lead time was 33.2 The other lead times for the night have been 36.9, 37.6 (Tr), 36.5, 41.4 (Tr SS), 37.3, 35.4 (Tr)

The Q's were 30.4, 29.6, 29.0, 29.4

Buy Chevron Direct finished 26.7m behind the winner and 21.5m behind the 2nd placed Upanatom

ps That last lead time of 35.4 was fast for a trotter and Dora Pepperell did a good job to hold on and win (she did get a 33.3 Q after that)

[Messenger]

Got off with a warning (horse pulling would have been excuse)

[The Escape Club]

my horse ran in the 6th at Goulbourn and \I think they broke c\hari9ot king's recjord. \i'm rapt

[astoevelaar]

I was on track at Goulburn yesterday that was a good race. Bullochbuie wasn't that far of winning. Mind you it wasn't that far away last time in goulburn either from memory.

[Messenger]

my horse ran in the 6th at Goulbourn and \I think they broke c\hari9ot king's recjord. \i'm rapt

1.52.5 certainly was a track record to Global View and has already been updated

http://www.harness.org.au/goulburn/goulburn.cfm

[The Escape Club]

I was on track at Goulburn yesterday that was a good race. Bullochbuie wasn't that far of winning. Mind you it wasn't that far away last time in goulburn either from memory.


I was at work when he ran so could only listen to it. In the call he said that they'd gone 27.1 in the first and then at the end called a mile rate of 1:59 which was disappointing. My brother rang me later and told what time they'd run, I was blown away.


That was his 5th run at Goulburn for a couple of 2nds, a couple of 4ths and then yesterday. Taking in to account how far he was beaten, I reckon he's rated about a second and a half quicker than he's run there before. It was his second run back from about a 4 and a half month break so we're hoping with a bit of racing fitness he can have a good season again.

[Messenger]

Glenferrie EJ broke the Bendigo 2150m Record tonight when she rated 1.55.7 to take .1 off the old mark held by Larado since 2007 - even showed up as NTR in Stewards column (not seen that before)
Safari holds the 2650m with the same rate which was also set in 2007

[Messenger]

Catch Your Breath has just taken .8 off the 2180m Rec in the Claimers at Kilmore rating 1.56.5

[The Escape Club]

Catch Your Breath has just taken .8 off the 2180m Rec in the Claimers at Kilmore rating 1.56.5


He obviously likes the track, he holds the 1690m record there too.

[Messenger]

He obviously likes the track, he holds the 1690m record there too.

Not anymore - very soft win to Bitobliss breaking the 1690m Record

[aussiebreno]

Not anymore - very soft win to Bitobliss breaking the 1690m Record
He is fantastic to watch early on the season when he gets it all his own way. I get suckered in every season, but please oh please can he replicate those performances season long against the big boys.

[Messenger]

I think just 4 starts per campaign may be his go

[Richard prior]

He is fantastic to watch early on the season when he gets it all his own way. I get suckered in every season, but please oh please can he replicate those performances season long against the big boys.
I'm with you Breno, BOB's an excitement machine when he's right and it's great to see him back and firing. Kev has probably hit the nail on the head , Try and keep him fresh.

[Messenger]

Guaranteed's 2.00.3 in the Cup, the third Track Record for the day!

[aussiebreno]

Two track records broken last month by team Snudden at Wagga. Modern Era 1.56.6 over the mile impressive enough but yesterday Bariettas Bliss 1.56.8 over 2165m.

[The Escape Club]

Avonnova broke Beautide's track record tonight by 0.4 sec.

[The Escape Club]

Neville Vaughn took 4.5 seconds off Posimistic's trotter's track record over the 2520m trip.


Witzend in the next, took 0.3 seconds off Jerry Marsháll's pacers track record over the 2150m trip

[aussiebreno]

Not a track record but Forever Gold's effort at Albion Park on the weekend must be commended. They've brought her down for the Cordina Sprint and an Inter before so it wouldn't surprise to see her compete in a Miracle Mile qualifier, and possibly qualify.

[Messenger]

1.58.1 over 2195m at Ararat was a new Tk Rec to Racer tonight

[Messenger]

Spokeswoman equalled the Mildura 1790 Record rating 1.56.8

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=RP121114&ms=vic#RPC12111401

[Messenger]

Lord Monaloo's 1.55.6 over the 2150m at Bendigo tonight took .1 off the Tk Record
(I had a rare bet - on him in the St Arnaud Cup last Sunday and of course had none of tonights 15/1)

Track must have been lightning tonight as Znana had equalled the Tk Rec earlier on

[Messenger]

Hand Of The King ran 1.56.4 winning by 40m at Mildura tonight and broke the Tk Rec for 1790m by 0.4 sec
(Uncle Wingnut's 2190m Rec is still 0.1 sec faster)

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=ML191114&ms=vic#MLC19111404

http://www.harness.org.au/mildura/mildura.cfm

[Messenger]

Having only her 4th start and only early in the 3yo season Come Cullect's win at Cranbourne tonight in 1.55.4 for the mile was impressive
The Cranbourne mile record has stood since 1997 when Island Glow set the mark at 1.54.3
It is about time someone knocked it off - it probably wont be a 3yoF but someone should

[Messenger]

Just catching up after a few days in Melbourne
Anthony Butt proved to be a speedster for Brent Lilley
as both Cup wins at Gunbower last Sunday were New Track Records
Kvintet Avenger's 2.02.9 for the 2630 SS and
Lets Elope's 1.57.9 for the 2630 SS

Woops missed one
Grinning Dollar's 1.56.3 for the 2030m was a NTR

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=GU231114&ms=vic

(another record was broken in the 1lap race but I do not count anything under a mile)

[Messenger]

Some quick times run at Bendigo tonight

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=BN271114&ms=vic

Cornsilk's daughter Delight Me ran 1.55.4 in her first 3yo start and only her third start (she had two 2yo starts late last season)

[Messenger]

Race 3 at Stawell today was a C1 only restricted to horses with < 25 pts and selected from the bottom up
8yo Hi Tech Fury going around for his 80th start won his 5th race
He smashed the Tk Rec for 2175m by nearly a full second rating 1.58.4 to better Jilliby Master's 1.59.3

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=SW031214&ms=vic#SWC03121404

[Messenger]

The Maryborough track was definitely fast today
3yo Menin Gate broke the Tk Rec for 1690m in a C0 rating 1.54.3

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=MH041214&ms=vic#MHC04121404

as mentioned elsewhere the first 2yo race of the season produced 1.55.8

[Messenger]

6yo mare Isabelle Delacour rated a sensational 1.54.3 in the last at Ballarat and paid 50/1
The 1710m Tk Rec is not much faster = 1.53.7

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=BA041214&ms=vic#BAC04121401

[Messenger]

Taking 2.2 secs off a Tk record is really smashing it
Smudge Bromac's 1.57.1 for 2650m SS in today's YV cup did just that

Kvintet Avenger broke the trotters 2650m SS Tk Rec winning their cup in 2.01.8

[Messenger]

A late addition (but one I am not going to forget for a while)
Yesterdays $38 winner at YV broke the Tk Rec at Stawell last week when he was too strong rating 1.58.4 for 2175m on the small circuit

Edit - Just saw I did document that record but I am leaving this duplication to punish myself for missing it at $38 yesterday

[Messenger]

3/4 Track Records at Wedderburn today

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=WD141214&ms=vic

Both Cups
Neville Vaughan for the trotters
Narra Operative for the pacers

and Our Summer Wind took a massive 2.1 secs off the 2150m Rec

in the last Fremarks Ceejay equalled the 1750m Rec which is still slower than the 2150m Rec thanks to OSW's smashing effort today

Another trotter Majestic Grace broke the 1710 record at Ballarat last night

[Messenger]

Whats The Big Idea came within .1 sec of the Tk Rec at Horsham last Monday but was not even the Fav when he broke the Tk Rec at Terang tonight rating 1.55.3

[Messenger]

Flaming Flutter took a second off the Tk Rec winning the Cobram Cup this arvo. An excellent call - he even knew what time they ran the lead time when they broke the Tk Rec last year and so predicted it was on again this year.
(I am somewhat knew to 'listening' to races - who is the caller?)

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=CO281214&ms=vic#COC28121401

[brent_L]

Flaming Flutter took a second off the Tk Rec winning the Cobram Cup this arvo. An excellent call - he even knew what time they ran the lead time when they broke the Tk Rec last year and so predicted it was on again this year.
(I am somewhat knew to 'listening' to races - who is the caller?)

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=CO281214&ms=vic#COC28121401
Craig Rail is his name Kev......goes real good I reckon too. Former Queenslander.
I just watched the race (for some reason the replays weren't available until late tonight) myself and the one thing that came to mind is just how far the A graders are in front of the B graders at the moment. Flaming Flutter was beaten 8 lengths in the Cranbourne cup after securing the exact same run he had this arvo, and he is some damn good horse for me to consider a B grader. Suppose it just shows how good the good ones are at the moment.

[Richard prior]

Craig Rail is his name Kev......goes real good I reckon too. Former Queenslander.
I just watched the race (for some reason the replays weren't available until late tonight) myself and the one thing that came to mind is just how far the A graders are in front of the B graders at the moment. Flaming Flutter was beaten 8 lengths in the Cranbourne cup after securing the exact same run he had this arvo, and he is some damn good horse for me to consider a B grader. Suppose it just shows how good the good ones are at the moment.
Absolutley spot on Brent, Nothing against any of the horses in this race but the A graders are very good and Craig is an excellent race caller.

[apexguy]

A couple of more track records set during the last week. Friday 26 December at Bathurst, El Fuego driven by Amanda Turnbull went 1.53.3 over 1730 metres. At Cobram on the 28 December there was a track record in the first race T0+ Yankee Mara ran 2.1.5 mile rate over the 2,170 metres stand and this was followed up by Flaming Flutter breaking the track record in the cup which was reported in an earlier response.

[Messenger]

Tony, El Fuego really was on fire - you have taught me some Spanish thanks to your post and google. Do you know how much he took off the old record?

[Messenger]

Presidentialsecret was within .1 secs of Charlton's 2100 Rec when he rated 1.56.7 today

[Richard prior]

Yo Yelande took 1.5 seconds off the 2240m track record for Trotters tonight at Swan Hill

[apexguy]

Kevin - I can't tell you what the old record was at Bathurst as their website hasn't been updated since July 2014 and so the track records listed are in respect of the old showgrounds track and not the new venue.

[Richard prior]

Welcome Tony, Just had a look at the track records for Bathurst and it appears that the only new updated track record is for El Fuego's effort on the 26/12/14 and all the others appear to be from the old track.

[apexguy]

A new year and the records keep tumbling at all different tracks. On Saturday 3 January at Temora Business in Motion set a new track record for the 2,000 metres mobile of 2.01.2 MR winning by 25 metres and then Sporty Spook broke the 1,609 record running mile rate of 1.57.5 and winning by 20 metres. Finally at Globe Derby on the same day, Maximan ran 1.55.9 winning the 2,230 Free For All.

[Messenger]

Our Femme Fatale just smashed the old Charlton 2100m record of 1.56.6
I think the whole field may have broken the record

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=QQ070115&ms=vic#QQC07011501

[brent_L]

Our Femme Fatale just smashed the old Charlton 2100m record of 1.56.6
I think the whole field may have broken the record

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=QQ070115&ms=vic#QQC07011501
Oh the pain.....I was on the leader. You'd think there would be some solice that it took a track record to beat u......there's not!

[kung fu man]

I think it was Cracker Stride 1.54.6 opening day held the new track record at Bathurst

[Messenger]

Maximan would have just bettered his Globe Derby Tk Rec with the place-getters easily doing so as Guaranteed smashed it by 1.5 sec

[brent_L]

Maximan would have just bettered his Globe Derby Tk Rec with the place-getters easily doing so as Guaranteed smashed it by 1.5 sec
And did it whilst injuring himself, Maximan that is.

[The Escape Club]

Philadelphia Man, 1.7 seconds of the Horsham 2700m track record, looked to be cruising.

[Messenger]

Longtan Tigerman ran the fastest he has ever run to break the Warragul 1790m Tk Rec when winning the 2nd race by 17m today
I think the distances are all slightly different since the track reconstruction but his 1.56.7 was better than any old record too (I am sure Kyle will let us know)
I am sure the club would be expecting this to keep coming down following all their good work

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=WR120115&ms=vic#WRC12011504

[Amlin]

Yes Kev it equals the best ever rate on the course - the fastest rate ever run on the track before today was 1:56.7 for 1725 metres by open class horse Mister McKinzie in 1996 - before the pegs went on and they raced on the rail then. Here are happy connections after their win today.

[Messenger]

We should have mentioned that Intergalactic also broke a record at Warragul - for the new distance of 2210m. The first 4 all within 2.5m of each other suggests this record will continue to fall

[Messenger]

Restrepo slashed 1.4 sec of the Hamilton Tk Rec Mile Rate for 2660m SS set by National Service winning the Cup last year

[Messenger]

Not a track record but Thats Rite's 1.56.8 in the last is a very fast time for Mildura

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=ML210115&ms=vic#MLC21011503

[Messenger]

Race 6 over the mile at Charlton today was a fast one with all the place-getters only ½ sec outside the Tk Rec
and the first seven all breaking 1.56

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=CH220115&ms=vic#CHC22011501

[Messenger]

Yayas Hot Spot took 2.1 sec off the Tk Rec winning the Tamworth City Cup by 42m

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=TA230115&ms=nsw#TAC23011502

[Richard prior]

Yankee Rockstar took .6 off the 1690m Track Record at Shepparton Saturday night.

[Messenger]

Vienna Eyre's win at Echuca today was a NTR for 2160m

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=EC290115&ms=vic#ECC29011501

[Adaptor]

Queens Vacation at Kilmore yesterday in the 2180m trot: 2.00.9 ( after being three wide for at least half a lap)

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=KI030215&ms=vic

Previous record held by Cold Sister.
Queen's Vacation also holds the Horsham track record for 2200m

[Adaptor]

Trotter Enjoy an Ale scorched around Shepparton in 2.00.7 STANDING START!

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=SP060215&ms=vic

[Messenger]

Trotter Enjoy an Ale scorched around Shepparton in 2.00.7 STANDING START!

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=SP060215&ms=vic

That is 1.6 sec off the Tk Rec after equalling the Ballarat Rec last week

[Messenger]

Arden Rooney broke the race and Tk Rec winning the big one tonight
1.58.4 for 3280m from a SS is phenomenal when you think about it

[Messenger]

The asbestos team broke the Swan Hill 2240m Tk Record tonight with a new one from NZ

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=QB100215&ms=vic#QBC10021502

[Messenger]

Barynya took over 3 seconds off the Tk Rec winning the Charlton Cup - so plenty of them broke the REC

Edit: Last horse Arber, beaten 27m would have broken the old record

Horses must love the heat as it was over 100° in the shade on the old scale when the Cup was run (and the Apparent Temp was too ie it really felt that hot in the shade)

[Messenger]

Mister Mundaka broke Philadelphia Man's Ballarat Track Record in the C2-4 Tontine Final tonight rating 1.55.2 for 2200m

As mentioned in the Terang Cup thread - Arden Rooney smashed the Terang 2680m REC last night rating 1.57.3

[Smoken]

Courtesy of harness.org.au
Arden Rooney broke Smoken Up and Cincinnati Kid’s previous track record with a slick mile rate of 1:57.8 despite the wet conditions.

[Messenger]

Courtesy of harness.org.au
Arden Rooney broke Smoken Up and Cincinnati Kid’s previous track record with a slick mile rate of 1:57.8 despite the wet conditions.

Wow you are right Ev - I would be interested to know how much rain they had before the Cup - I know it was most of what they got but it can be so patchy it is hard to know how much that was
(Nobody seems to have copped it as much as us - we have had 1" and ½" fell in 15 minutes - hence my earlier warning that the Cup could be threatened)

[aussiebreno]

Adore Me

[p plater]

Here's an interesting stat on Adam's mare Pas Ultimate Delight, although beaten 29.1m by Adore Me her personal time was 1.49.8 which would have made her the 4th fastest ever in Aust. But as she finished 8th she will now be the 11th fastest.
Congrats on having a sub 1.50 in your stable

[Messenger]

Very interesting Bailey

[teecee]

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/Art-Major-filly-sets-Aussie-mile-record

[Messenger]

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/Art-Major-filly-sets-Aussie-mile-record

When the half sis comes out and does that I am sure Blake Fitzpatrick would be even happier with his Saturday purchase (Lot 404 colt for $50k)

[Richard prior]

Went out there on the weekend for a couple of hours, Good crowd and the bidding was fairly fast and furious, Missed seeing this bloke but spotted Harvey K in amongst the throng.

[Messenger]

Ideal Majority went around Geelong in a slick 1.55 today.
Not a Tk Rec but the Geelong Record has stood at 1.54.3 for 8 years!

http://www.harness.org.au/geelong/geelong.cfm

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=GE190315&ms=vic#GEC19031501

[Richard prior]

Smudge Bromac broke Living Angel's(2.00.3) 13 year old Track Record last night in the Echuca Cup setting a new record of 1.58.6

[Messenger]

He has been a fantastic money spinner Rich. He is now closing in on $400k without ever having a collect over $17k. If anyone who had been brave enough to pay the large claiming price 18mths ago and left him with David, they could have collected over $100k.

[Messenger]

and 'the uncle' broke the Tk Rec winning winning the Ouyen Cup, Rich

[Richard prior]

and 'the uncle' broke the Tk Rec winning winning the Ouyen Cup, Rich

71 starts, 18 wins, Just over 200k in earnings and only been out of the prizemoney on 11 occasions, Doing a fine job for his connections Kev.

[Messenger]

I am not sure why you stuck my 'Mister Wickham is no cad' thread into Odds and Ends TC - he will be needing his own thread.
Just beginning his 3yo campaign after 9mths off he just took 1.3 sec off the Warragul Tk Rec in a breeze

[Richard prior]

I am not sure why you stuck my 'Mister Wickham is no cad' thread into Odds and Ends TC - he will be needing his own thread.
Just beginning his 3yo campaign after 9mths off he just took 1.3 sec off the Warragul Tk Rec in a breeze
Mighty Impressive Kev, Queen of Pop is no slouch and the 2nd horse went good but Mister Wickham was in cruise control, Looks like the changes have done wonders for Warragul's track.

[Messenger]

I missed one at Ouyen - not only did the Unc take a record but so did Bonny Under Fire winning the $25k C1-C2 Northern Region Final. Good money for a C2 but she put on a show for it in winning in 1.57.9 on the tight circuit

[Amlin]

MW has still got improvement in him and not really bustled to the line. More than likely will run in the Warragul Guineas on April 5 which will be a tougher race - will be interesting to see if anyone wants to take him on again!

[Richard prior]

MW has still got improvement in him and not really bustled to the line. More than likely will run in the Warragul Guineas on April 5 which will be a tougher race - will be interesting to see if anyone wants to take him on again!
Kyle, After today's race, At their own peril, MW should improve a lot on today's run.

[Messenger]

No track record but they were within a sec of it.
I call it a speed explosion when the first two horses improve their best times by 5secs +
A lead time of 26.8 certainly set up the 1.55 MR in R5 at Shep tonight
The winner was 50/1 fixed odds

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=SP310315&ms=vic#SPC31031502

[Messenger]

Keayang Storm (and Manningham Park) got within half a sec of the Tk Rec in the last at Hamilton today

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=HM220415&ms=vic#HMC22041502

[Messenger]

Show Me The Bling equals the Tk Rec winning a C1 by 32m on a cold Bendigo night

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=BN250415&ms=vic#BNC25041503

[Richard prior]

Show Me The Bling equals the Tk Rec winning a C1 by 32m on a cold Bendigo night

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=BN250415&ms=vic#BNC25041503

Mighty impressive and I don't think we've seen the best from this horse yet.

[Messenger]

(Oh) Jonny B Good on his Oz debut in a C1 at Bendigo tonight took a MASSIVE 0.7 sec off the Bendigo Tk Record
He rated 1.54.9 over 2150m when winning by over 23m and he is only a 3yo (LOL Times A Bonus ran 2nd)
Regular readers may remember us talking about 'The Beatles' family in our Brilliant Names thread. If you click on his pedigree in the link below you will see that Jonny's 3rd dam Norwegian Wood was the one who started all the names
He has some form back in NZ and has been racing against the best
http://harness.hrnz.co.nz/gas/wa/r/infohorsewahr/wsd01x?Arg=hrnzg-Ptype&Arg=HorseDetails&Arg=hrnzg-DoSearch&Arg=TRUE&Arg=hrnzg-HorseId&Arg=173354

[Adaptor]

Track Record
Great result for the renovation work carried 2 weeks ago out on the Lord's Raceway ( Bendigo) track.

Insurance cover ( result of the strom damage in January) saw the track base rebuilt with over 2000 tonnes of basalt rom Axedale, and then 250 tonnes of a new surface.
The result has been a credit to all involved, with track records, and more importantly a well cushioned surface allowing horses to run to their potentiial without jarring.

[Njcstables]

Track Record
Great result for the renovation work carried 2 weeks ago out on the Lord's Raceway ( Bendigo) track.

Insurance cover ( result of the strom damage in January) saw the track base rebuilt with over 2000 tonnes of basalt rom Axedale, and then 250 tonnes of a new surface.
The result has been a credit to all involved, with track records, and more importantly a well cushioned surface allowing horses to run to their potentiial without jarring.

Noel in my opinion bendigo is the best and most consistent surface of any track in vic. Always perfectly cushioned whatever the conditions. Well done to all concerned.

[Messenger]

Foray's 2.02.4 in the Cranbourne Trotters Cup tonight is a new Tk Rec for 2555m

[Messenger]

Congratulations to Adam on YaYas obliterating the Dubbo Tk Rec

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Yayas-Hotspot-destroys-Dubbo-track-record

[Sofoulis]

Thanks Kevin :) The run gave me goosebumps! :)

[Messenger]

I know how much better the tracks are etc etc but it is amazing when you compare to a few years ago - we now have 2yoF's running 1.54 on debut

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=ME020615&ms=nsw&fromstate=nsw#MEC02061501

[Messenger]

Am I right in thinking that Heavens Trend's 1.52.1 at Menangle tonight took a whole 2.2 secs off the 2yoF Class Record and equalled Lettucerockthem's 2yoC&G Record !

http://www.nswhrc.com.au/track-records/
http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=PC130615&ms=nsw#PCM13061501

[mightymo]

correct! Unbelievable performance, as she was being strangled the whole way down the straight!

[Greg Hando]

Stormfortheboys Bernie Hewitt broke the track record last week at Peak Hill and today broke it again taking 1 second off last weeks performance recordind 1.56 for the 1800 mts
Peak Hill is the best track in country NSW by a mile but then again i might be biast

[Messenger]

A top field for the super series 3yo C&G in the last race at Yarra Valley today and an unusual contest with a tearaway - check it out

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=YG150615&ms=vic#YGC15061506

Going by the call they had problems with the semaphore board and I know it is hard to time off the video but I thought they may have gone a bit faster than that

[Messenger]

All Eyes On Us and Major Secret staged a bit of a private war in their heat of the Vicbred 4yo C&G at Geelong tonight with All Eyes winning and taking a new Tk Rec in rating 1.56.1 for the 2100m

[Messenger]

Our Bedrock broke the Stawell 1780 Track Record today when blitzing a C1 field by 17m in 1.56.8
It was almost 2yrs exactly since his only other win at his first start as a late 4yo
At only his 4th start for Peter Manning, I think this 6yo will continue to be VERY hard to beat when he finds the front

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=SW220715&ms=vic#SWC22071503

[Amlin]

First night on an upgraded track at Echuca last night - just the one sub 2:00 rate but expect the times to improve greatly with further activity on the track.


The rebuilt camber works similar to those done at Warragul where times have been lowered to a 1:55 mark after a few meetings.


Mildura and Horsham will have similar upgrades in the future, complementing Ballarat which was done last year.


The smaller tracks having their camber improved gives them all the characteristics of the bigger circuits, except the circumference of course, and helps create a point of difference in our industry,

[Messenger]

I wrestle with being a fan of the small tracks where unlike the gallops we can see everything but on the other hand dislike the fact that at Melton hardly anything outside the first 3 ever win - I have been thinking they should have longer straights at Melton but maybe they should have just made it smaller!

[Amlin]

I would say that upgrades at venues such as Echuca, Warragul and Mildura have been necessitated as much by their geographic layout as anything else. To my knowledge the properties these venues are located on aren't big enough/practical enough to have a 1000 metre track built on them without levelling the entire site and starting again.

[gregcattell]

Bettor Together smashed track record at Bathurst today 1.46.1 2year old colts & geldings

[Messenger]

Bettor Together smashed track record at Bathurst today 1.46.1 2year old colts & geldings

LOL
I can see what happened there - somehow the Lead time has been entered as minus - 3.7 which has led to the race time being recorded as 7.4 secs faster than it actually was and hence the world record MR

[gregcattell]

sorry for leading you all astray they had that time on results web site

[mango]

Results wrong for Gloucester park race 8 today, has mile rate as 1:52.9 for Waylade. They didn't go that quick.

[Messenger]

sorry for leading you all astray they had that time on results web site

Yes Greg, that is where I noticed the -3.7 lead time and figured it out LOL

[Maorisidol]

Track Record today at Warragul 2210SS Trot by the very in form Stoned Again who came from 20m MR 2:02.8.
Hes really gone up a few levels lately and certainly looks like he may have even a few more to go based on that effort today

[Amlin]

Trotting really well at the moment. Today's track raced beautifully given the amount of rain on it over the last few days. The old surface would have had water all over the place but the newer track drains so well.

[Messenger]

Diamond Ace got within 0.3 secs of the Swan Hill track record tonight when beating the fav Nowitzki - considering the time and the fact that Diamond Ace had the sit on Nowitzki it seems peculiar that the stewards are querying the run of the fav

[Messenger]

Classic American's 1.52.6 at Gloucester Park last Friday was a new Tk Record

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=GP140815&ms=wa#GPM14081506

[Messenger]

3yoF Ameretto took a whole .8 sec off the Ballarat 2200m Tk Rec in her Breeders Crown Semi

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=BA220815&ms=vic#BAC22081509

[Messenger]

It is hard to believe but I think it is correct

4yo G Ellas Puppeteer having only his 5th start, sat in the death and took 2.3 secs off the Tk Record over 1609m at Charlton today, rating 1.52.8

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=CH140915&ms=vic#CHC14091505

[Messenger]

Winning his 3rd ever race from 12 starts, Mister Whittaker took .3 of a sec off the Swan Hill 1750m Tk Record when he rated 1.54.9 after sitting in the death and winning by 25m
He is a half bro to Flamming Flutter (was it FF that we were debating as to whether he was a gelding or horse the other week?)

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=QB220915&ms=vic#QBC22091504

[Richard prior]

Mister Whittaker was a very expensive yearling Kev at $110k but I'm sure that Mr Rosati and his Syndicate would be very happy after watching that effort last night. I think the horse we were talking about was (Our) Waikiki Beach. I went out to the Sales in Sydney earlier this year and heard from a lot of people that the SBSW's were on the nose with Buyers, I wasn't really there to buy but thought it might have been a bit early to knock SBSW's stock and since then we have seen Waikiki Beach, Goodtime Sammy(Injured) and now Mr Whittaker all showing immense potential on the track, I'm sorry if I've missed a couple of others but these 3 are fine examples of the type of horse that SBSW can leave.

[Messenger]

$110k that is one hell of a gamble but after last night they could easily syndicate him for a bit more.
Flaming however is a stallion and might prove useful for a bit more than just home-breeding one day Rich, although family A2 does not have the sire record the low number might suggest (thanks for remembering Waikiki for me)

[Beltane]

In race 7 at Eugowra on Monday, in the Canola Cup, the winner "Oh I Am The One" smashed the previous 2,100 metre track record's mile rate of 1.58.1 with a time of 1.57.0.

Driven by Amanda Turnbull, trained by father Steve, "Oh I Am The One" led all the way and won by 27.5 metres. One to watch in the future as it moves through the grades.

[Messenger]

Good one Steve.
Yesterday at Horsham young Zac Phillips did a couple of brilliant tactical drives to try and upset Kerryn Manning's long odds on pops. Check them out - Races 5&6

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=HS051015&ms=vic

He stole the race in fast time in the 5th and although not successful in the 6th he forced Linda Lovegrace to smash the Tk Rec rating 1.54.8 (taking .5 off the old rec)

[Messenger]

In what was very nearly a triple deadheat, the C4-5 at Ballarat tonight was only .3 outside the Tk Rec with a MR 1.54.7 for 2200m (not the sprint trip)

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-results.cfm?mc=BA091015&ms=vic#BAC09101502

[Richard prior]

Interesting trial at Shepparton last night, Lennytheshark went 0.3 under the existing track record for 2190m, It's available for viewing on the Shepp Harness Racing site.

[Beltane]

In tonight's Gold Coast Cup at Albion Park, Bling it On smashed the 2138 metre mobile start track record with a mile rate of 1.52.4. The previous track record shown on the Australian Harness Racing site was 1.54.0.

This was a cracking race with plenty of early action and a whirlwind finish by Bling it On.

[Beltane]

Not to be outdone, Arden Rooney returned to top form and broke the 2790 metre standing start track record by 1.1 seconds in the Swan Hill Pacing Cup, finishing with a mile rate of 1:57:3 for the journey at the Swan Hill track.

Two feature races tonight in different states and both clocking in new track records.

[Messenger]

Both very exciting races hey Steve

[Richard prior]

Yes both fantastic races Steve and Kev and great to see tactic's instead of just a straight up speed duel, Pretty sure that Arden Rooney was well outside track record pace early on in his race but as he's shown before, He can really run them along and make up the time. Bling it On has now made the big jump into open company imho and its really looking like it's onward and upwards for him, Very exciting racing last night and great to see.