All Stars pacer Spankem's return from obscurity to win the Miracle Mile paved the way to the horse of the year crown at the New Zealand Harness Racing Awards in Christchurch on Saturday night.
Forbury Park trainer Darryn Simpson notched his first win at Alexandra Park when Havehorsewilltravel launched a sustained finish to win over a mile on Friday night.
Spankem’s return from obscurity to win the Miracle Mile saw him crowned horse of the year at the New Zealand Harness Racing Awards in Christchurch tonight.
Miracle Mile winner Spankem confirmed his New Zealand Cup favouritism when equalling the Oamaru track record during his win of the Hannon Memorial yesterday.
Riccarton filly Miss Federer was crowned South Island 2yr-old of the year less than 24 hours before she won the listed Canterbury Belle Stakes on her home track on Saturday.
Star mare Melody Belle gave herself a shot at the Hawke's Bay Triple Crown when she ran to a commanding win in the Windsor Park Plate at Hastings on Saturday.
Although the Windsor Park Plate looks the perfect race for star mare Melody Belle, trainer Jamie Richards is taking nothing for granted before her quest for an eighth group 1 victory.