NEWS
Roseland Racing Driver’s Challenge Results
Results of the Roseland Racing Driver’s Challenge Race.
1st: Legends (Maurice McKendry, Ricky May, Tony Herlihy)
2nd Equal: Ladies (Sam Ottley, Sheree Tomlinson, Crystal Hackett) and Premiership Leaders (Blair Orange, John Dunn, Matthew Williamson)
4th - Methven (John Morrison, Kim Butt, Gerard O'Reilly)
Greg Sugars
The tragic recent death of Australian trainer-driver Greg Sugars has led to an outpouring of grief throughout both Australian and New Zealand harness communities. Greg's contribution in a relatively short time along with his wife, Jess Tubbs, has been outstanding. He drove over 4,000 winners and has been associated with many elite horses.
In April 2024 Greg and fellow Australian driver Chris Alford visited Methven for a driver's challenge against locals Ricky May and Maurice McKendry. The promotion was dubbed 'The Trans Tasman Challenge.' This we thought was probably very low priority for both Australians with busy schedules with driving commitments most days, on the other side of the Tasman. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Greg (and Chris) were terrific to deal with, going to a lot of trouble to make it happen. On the day Greg was easy to get along with, taking time to chat to all connections and many patrons - well beyond what was required.
Afterwards, over a drink, he thanked us for an enjoyable day (when it was us who were being done the favour). In short, he was a credit to himself, his profession and his family and on that day gained many fans.
Then in December last year he came again to Methven and won the feature Methven Green Mile with his good pacer Better Eclipse. He said at the time that he was very keen to drive a winner at our iconic track and this he did. His time and respect for all was reinforced.
To all of Greg's friends, loved ones and extended family - the Methven Trotting Club extends our deepest sympathy.
Greg will always be remembered with respect and affection in our harness community.
Roseland Racing Driver's Challenge
Exciting news from the club as regards the Autumn meeting on Sunday April 13.
At least six of the races will be part of a driver's challenge featuring twelve of our country's drivers in a competitive environment, sponsored by Roseland Racing.
The drivers will be part of four teams with the team accruing the most points being declared the winner.
The teams are:
Legends - Maurice McKendry, Ricky May, Tony Herlihy.
Premiership Leaders - Blair Orange, John Dunn, Matthew Williamson.
Ladies - Sam Ottley, Sheree Tomlinson, Crystal Hackett.
Methven - John Morrison, Kim Butt, Gerard O'Reilly.
All driver's races will be penalty free and the concept has already garnered a lot of interest. At this stage the T.A.B. is likely to put out a market on each team after fields are declared on Tuesday evening. All drivers will appear in their own stable colours.