Alexandra Park

Breckon Farms Northern Trotting Derby Gr.1

You won’t see many Derby victories more dominant than that!

🏆KYVALLEY RAY produced a faultless front-running performance for Blair Orange, dictating throughout and never giving his rivals a look in.

With several key challengers making costly errors, the classy trotter made them pay in emphatic fashion - cruising away to score by a staggering 11 lengths and complete a feature race hat-trick in style for trainer Brent Lilley.

🎉Congratulations to his owners on a standout preparation: J W Connelly, S Maxwell

REHARVEST ROWE CUP 2026

One of the great staying tests on the harness racing calendar returns tonight at Alexandra Park, with the historic Group One Reharvest Rowe Cup once again bringing together the elite of New Zealand trotting.

Steeped in history and prestige, the Rowe Cup has long stood as one of the most coveted titles in trotting, and tonight’s edition shapes as another unforgettable chapter in the race’s rich legacy.

A quality field of 10 trotters has assembled, headed by the talented Greg & Ben Hope-trained Mr Love, who has opened favourite for the feature. Ben Hope takes the reins as he looks to capture the famous trophy for the first time, while the stable also lines up the ultra-consistent Midnight Dash, to be driven by the country’s leading reinsman, Blair Orange.

Fresh off his outstanding Gr.1 Anzac Cup victory, Higher Power (Harrison Orange) will look to continue his rise through the trotting ranks and maintain his incredible run of form as he takes another step into the open class spotlight.

Amongst the star-studded line-up are Group One and Golden Gait winners Hillbilly Blues (Tony Herlihy) and Ya Rite Darl (John Dunn), while former North Island leading juvenile Meant To Be (Zachary Butcher) also looks to further etch his name into the history books.

Adding even more emotion to the occasion is the farewell appearance of champion trotter Oscar Bonavena. The millionaire and crowd favourite will step onto the track for the final time with trainer-driver Mark Purdon hoping to deliver the ultimate fairytale ending to a decorated career.

History, class, staying power and emotion - the Rowe Cup has it all.

Be on course to witness all the group one racing action tonight!
https://www.alexandrapark.co.nz/race-night/friday-8-may-rowe-cup-at-top-of-the-park-08-05-2026/

First race: 4.53pm
Rowe Cup: Race 8, 8.22pm

See you there!

Pascoes The Jewellers Northern Oaks 2026

🏆CATH

Making full use of barrier one, SETH HILL rated the Sweet Lou filly perfectly in front to secure his first Group 1 driving victory, for trainer (and father) Brendon Hill, in a moment the family will never forget.

CATH now adds her name to the honour roll of outstanding fillies to have captured this iconic race.

The pair line up again this Friday Night - contesting the Magness Benrow Sires Stakes 3yo Fillies Gr.1 final, race 7 at 7.52pm, on a massive night of racing at Alexandra Park.

Don't miss all the action! Check out our hospitality options here ⬇️
https://www.alexandrapark.co.nz/race-night/friday-8-may-rowe-cup-at-top-of-the-park-08-05-2026/