Kerryn claims the Kidz Kartz NZ Trotting Cup 2016

Another great opportunity for kids to get involved with horses, even if they don't have one themselves!

Kerryn Tomlinson and her pony Boost (Image: Harness Racing NZ)
Kerryn Tomlinson and her pony Boost (Image: Harness Racing NZ)

If you are involved with horses, then you will already know that New Zealand Cup and Show Week is one of the major events of the calendar year in Christchurch. There is the Canterbury A&P Show, thoroughbred racing and, of course, the biggest harness race day of the year, the NZ Trotting Cup.

There is also, however, one event that many of you may not be aware of – the Kidz Kartz NZ Trotting Cup, for the country’s fastest Kidz Kartz competitors. After achieving their qualification, ponies travel from all over New Zealand to Christchurch to compete in this, beginning with the Kidz Kartz NZ Cup Prelude at Riccarton Racecourse, the glorious big galloping track. The main event, the 1000m Kidz Kartz NZ Trotting Cup, takes place two days later in front of the huge Show Day crowd at Addington Raceway.

A good field! (Image: Harness Racing NZ)
A good field! (Image: Harness Racing NZ)

What a week it was this year for Kerryn Tomlinson and her pony Boost; not only did they win the Templeton Medical NZ Cup Prelude, but they put on a perfect display of trotting to take out the big one – the 2016 Westview Racing Kidz Kartz NZ Trotting Cup.

Kerryn and Boost have been very consistent performers in Canterbury, and for such a young pony (he’s only four years old) the future looks exciting. For Kerryn, though, it’s a final season in Kidz Kartz before she turns 17 – and she’s certainly making the most of it!

Kerryn Tomlinson and her pony Boost after their big win (Image: Harness Racing NZ)
Kerryn Tomlinson and her pony Boost after their big win (Image: Harness Racing NZ)

Kidz Kartz is an educational organisation established to help develop a well-rounded horse person who is capable of driving safely and tactfully on a trotting track, and has the knowledge to care for a pony. Children between the ages of 6 to 16 can join a local club; they don’t need to have their own pony, just an interest in horses.

Some cute ponies in this race! (Image: Harness Racing NZ)
Some cute competitors in this race! (Image: Harness Racing NZ)

There are Kidz Kartz Clubs in Canterbury, Kumeu, Franklin, Waikato, Taranaki, Otago and Southland. If you would like any more information please contact Natalie Gameson from Harness Racing NZ email [email protected] or Phone 03 964 1193.

SOURCENZ Horse & Pony
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