Highgrove (NZ) Secures Brilliant Harness Million Trot Win

17 May 2021

Highgrove (NZ) claims the Listed Harness Million 2YO Trot (1980m).

Highgrove (NZ) (Love You) gave trainer Kevin Townley a boost with his emphatic win in the $75,000 Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million Two-Year-old Trot (1980m) at Addington on Friday 14 May. 

Townley and wife Margaret bred the exciting up-and-comer, selling him to trainer Robert Dunn. Dunn purchased the colt for $34,000 from NZB Standardbred’s 2020 National Yearling Sale in Christchurch, where he was prepared by Laura Smith.

In his four starts leading into Friday night’s lucrative feature, Highgrove established himself as one of New Zealand’s best two-year-old trotters. Highgrove is owned by prolific standardbred owners, the Neumann family. 

The brilliant squaregaiter only enhanced his reputation when powering to a brilliant Harness Million victory.

Watching the son of Love You out of the Townleys’ mare Focus On Me (NZ) (S J’s Photo), has given the horseman a boost during his recuperation.

“It certainly was a thrill,” Townley said.

“The mare has had a lot of foals, leaving some nice ones and the only thing missing was a really top one.

“Highgrove certainly came along at the right time.”

Laura Smith also prepared a full brother to the trotting star at this year’s National Yearling Sale. The Love You colt was sold to Canterbury trainer Tom Bargrie for $39,000.

Driver John Dunn gave the punters that backed Highgrove into red-hot favouritism a smooth ride in his Harness Million win.

The two-year-old was in front soon after the start and from there, he powered away from his rivals to score by more than four lengths.

Wy Fi (NZ) (Love You) notched his second blacktype placing when running second for trainer Hayden Cullen and driver Natalie Rasmussen.

The two-year-old was left in the parked position for much of Friday night’s lucrative feature and produced a gritty effort.

Wy Fi was purchased by All Stars Racing Sales for $40,000 from Breckon Farms' 2020 Auckland National Yearling Sale draft.

Rakero Blaze (NZ) (Bettor’ Delight) also produced a good effort to run third for trainer Phil Burrows and driver Bob Butt.

The two-year-old was purchased for $30,000 out of the Woodlands Stud draft at the 2020 National Yearling Sale in Auckland by Dawe Contracting.

Consignor L. Smith
Purchaser Diamond Racing
Breeding Love You x Focus on Me
Sale Lot 177, 2020 Christchurch National Yearling Sale, $34,000
Bred by Tavistock Breeding