Where horsepower meets heart. Exciting, social and easy to be part of
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27/08/2026
One week is good. Two is impressive. But 10 weeks in a row?👀
Sam Thornley has saluted every week for the past 10 weeks, and that’s a streak worth talking about.
Get to know the driver behind the run in this week’s profile.
26/08/2026
Here’s what’s happening this week at The Trots 👇
🔹 Friday
✨ Alexandra Park | First race 4.53pm
Friday Night Lights meets Plumbers Night 🔧 Alongside the live racing, there’ll be a Punters Club, spot prizes and an MC keeping things moving throughout the night. Grab your crew, find a spot and settle in for a Friday night at the track.
✨ Addington Raceway | First race 5.16pm
Friday Night Lights is back, with this week’s meeting falling on Daffodil Day 🌼 Entry is free through Spectators Bar & Bistro, with food and drinks available throughout the evening. Daffodil Day pins and collection buckets will also be available for anyone wanting to support the Cancer Society.
🔹 Sunday
☀️ Ashburton Trotting Club | First race 11.55am
Sunday racing at Ashburton. Head along for a relaxed day trackside, with live racing from late morning and plenty of action throughout the afternoon.
☀️ Gore Racecourse | First race 1.42pm Southern Harness Racing
Heading south? Gore has your Sunday afternoon sorted with live harness racing from 1.42pm. Find a spot trackside and enjoy an afternoon at the races.
“Did you think it would open up like that?”
“No.”
But open up it did, and Peter Ferguson was right there to take it. 👌
Patience paid off. Winner secured. Cake demanded. 🎂
This week’s In The Bike is a good one.
Comment below if you reckon Fergie deserves his cake. 👇
24/08/2026
One for the memory bank 🥹🏆
The Trots sponsored driver Darnika Williams celebrated a pretty special milestone at Rangiora on Sunday, picking up the very first win of her driving career with Royal Belle.
It came at drive number 56, and hopefully it’s the first of plenty 💚
Get to know Darnika and read about her first win in the comments 👇
24/08/2026
Ever wondered why they’re called drivers and not jockeys? 🏇
There’s actually a pretty simple reason 👏
23/08/2026
FIRST WIN FEELING 🥹🏆
A few weeks ago we introduced Darnika Williams as one of The Trots’ sponsored drivers.
Now she’s officially a race winner 💚
Darnika ticked off a pretty special first today, landing the first win of her driving career as a junior driver.
And yep… we’re VERY proud sponsors right now 🥹
First one in the bag ✔️
Go Darnika!!
Spring is coming… which means the big guns are starting to come out to play 👀
We’re officially on the road to Christchurch’s biggest week of the year, with the NZ Trotting Cup and Dominion Trot waiting at the other end 🏆
And if you’re following along for the first time, now’s a good time to start learning a few names.
Here’s who caught our eye on Friday night 👇
20/08/2026
This week, we’re getting to know Peter Ferguson.
He’ll be back at Cambridge Raceway tomorrow night, ready to do what he does best. 🏇
19/08/2026
Here’s what’s happening this week at The Trots 👇
🔹 Friday
✨ Addington Raceway | First race 4.42pm
The road to Cup Week starts here 👀 Friday Night Lights is back with live racing under lights, great food and plenty happening around the track. Entry is free through Spectators Bar & Bistro, or make a night of it with one of Addington’s hospitality options.
✨ Cambridge Raceway | First race 4.51pm
Friday night plans sorted. Grab a bite, find a spot trackside and settle in for an evening of live racing. Entry is free, with the Clubhouse Sports Bar open for food and drinks throughout the night.
🔹 Sunday
☀️ Rangiora Raceway | First race 12.15pm Rangiora Harness Racing Club
Sunday Sessions at Rangiora. A relaxed afternoon of live racing, plenty of trackside action and free entry for all ages. An easy Sunday outing with friends or family.
☀️ Winton Raceway | First race 12.25pm Southern Harness Racing
Heading south? Winton has your Sunday racing sorted with an afternoon of live harness racing and plenty of action on track.