Few trainers could match Paul Nelson’s record in the Great Northern Hurdle, a reputation he hopes to transfer into the renamed J Swap Great New Zealand Hurdle (4200m), with three contenders in the Te Aroha feature on Friday.
Former elite hurdler Nedwin confirmed his arrival among steeplechasing’s top echelon with a supreme performance in the $75,000 Howden Insurance Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4300m) at Te Aroha on Sunday.
Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougall have a great association with the Pakuranga Hunt meeting, and they are hoping that will continue on Sunday at Te Aroha.
It has been a while between drinks for Mathew Gillies on Grand National Day, but the talented hoop has plenty of firepower heading into this year’s time-honoured Riccarton meeting.
There is a tough sense of déjà vu for Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal in Christchurch this week, with Dictation being ruled out of Saturday’s Hospitality NZ Canterbury 135th Grand National Hurdles (4200m) through injury.