Fast10 - harness racing’s answer to T20 cricket - will lauch at Addington in December
By Barry Lichter • 8 October 2019
Racing’s equivalent of T20 cricket is set to debut on Friday, December 20.
FAST 10 Horse Racing will see 10 races each of 10 horses staged in just over two and a half hours.
In what is promoted by developers Tony Russell and Glenn Hames as a world first, Quick Horse Racing Ltd will stage its first event at Addington, starting just before mid-day.
Russell and Hames, both racehorse owners, have been working on the concept for more than two years, and say the event is the next level of racing - faster than ever before, racing in half the time but doubling the fun.
Passionate about the racing industry, the pair say they want to “reignite passion and interest in the industry while creating a fun and exciting event to appeal to new customers.”
“We have seen how T20 has changed cricket and we believe that Fast10 can provide that same effect to racing in New Zealand”.
A colourful array of entertainment, yet to be revealed, will feature on the day.
Harness Racing New Zealand’s Communication and Ownership Co-Ordinator Jess Smith says more information will be available soon for licence holders, who may question the logistics of running races so close together.
Hames says the races, all sprints from the mobile gate, will start at 11.52am and be run at 18 to 20 minute intervals, ending at 2.34pm when entertainment will kick in, hopefully to be a big pre-Christmas crowd .
Work is underway to get the entire event streamed live.
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Nathan’s comments
Thusday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Im Not The Maid
5.49pm
“She’s been battling and this will be her last start before going to stud.”
Race 7: Dreams Of Eric
8.04pm
“I’ll leave the tactics up to Harry again. He’s done a good job with the horse. He wanted to take a sit last time so was quite happy when crossed by Rough And Ready, and Harry said he was still on the bit when he hit the line. There are a few nice ones in there, like Diamonds Are Forever, but I’m sure’ll go another good race.”
Nathan’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Tyson
5.56pm
“Maurice wanted to try something different last week and found a good run for him but he seems to go better if he can get to the parked position. He needs to run top four to get into Metro Final. He’s trained on well. ”
Race 7: Kevin Kline
8.54pm
“I don’t think the stand will worry him. He steps away pretty well and he never lets you down. I thought he did a great job to win last week given he was a couple of lengths off them at the 700. I know it’s a tough field but so was last week’s field. If everything goes right, he’s a top three chance.”
