Rusty

Harness Racing community rallies around Katie Cox 21 October 2023 , News by Jonny Turner Trainers, drivers, and administrators are rallying to encourage their peers in New Zealand harness racing to support Katie Cox in her battle against cancer. The 33-year-old Cox, who is both a highly popular figure and a highly talented horsewoman, has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer. Rural personality Craig Wiggins has formed a charitable trust in Cox’s name to help raise funds for her treatment, which includes medication that costs more than $100,000. Champion reinsman Ricky May and Bruce Taylor have joined Wiggins as trustees. Leading Southland trainer-driver Kirstin Green was touched when hearing of Cox’s cancer battle, and she immediately wanted to contribute. Green is pledging to donate one of her driving fees every week for the next month. The reinswoman hopes the move can be followed by drivers across New Zealand. “Like everyone else, I was so shocked when I found out about Katie’s diagnosis,” Green said. “We are in the same industry and around the same age group. Her team is flying, and she is an outstanding horsewoman.” “I thought if every driver could donate a driving fee each week, it would be a really quick way to raise quite a lot of money. I want to get into it right away, and I hope more drivers will get on board. I am sure they will.” Harness racing clubs have quickly moved to get behind the efforts to support Cox. Southern Harness Racing general manager Jason Broad said his organisation had pledged $1000 to the cause, and the group hopes clubs across New Zealand would do the same. “Southern Harness is right behind Katie and her family during this very difficult time,” Broad said. “It is great to see so many people in the industry offering their support, and we encourage anyone who can to do so.” The Northern Southland Trotting Club has also pledged to donate $1000 to Cox’s charitable trust. “Our committee was unanimous; we really wanted to get behind Katie,” President Greg Tither said. “We are wishing her and her family the best in this very difficult time.” “We hope other clubs will be able to come forward and support the cause, as well.” Invercargill Harness Racing Club President Craig Heyrick has personally pledged $100 to the campaign. He is calling on club presidents across New Zealand to make a personal donation, as well. Harness racing owner and journalist Jonny Turner has donated $500 and hopes as many owners can get behind the cause, too. “I have no doubt Katie’s story will have touched many owners across New Zealand, and I hope they can contribute to the campaign.” “I am also encouraging my colleagues in the media to get behind the cause, as well.” “Harness racing is a tight-knit community made up of some great people; I am sure they will.” Donations to the Whatever with Wiggy Charitable Trust (CC59951) for Katie Cox can be made by bank deposit. Account name: Katie Cox Appeal Account number: 06-0837-0390071-01 More information can be found at the Whatever With Wiggy Facebook page.

Agreed, a massive loss. I've never been a fan of his, (I'm a Storm supporter and can't stand the wahs), but he has taken his game to the next level this season. Very impressive.

Thanks for checking. Let's lock it in, and stick with it! Many thanks.

Thank you. If possible may this multi please put put on? Warrior with 17.5 points head start. into Rooster into Storm Many thanks in advance.

Storm Sea Eagle Rooster Dolphin Panther Knight Titan Shark Many thanks

Can I please go Storm 13+ into Panther 13+ for the $10 multi? Many thanks in advance.

Eel Dragon Cowboy Storm Rooster Bronco Sea Eagle Knight Many thanks

A positive side in my opinion, are the younger generation of drivers. I really rate Sarah O'Reilly and Carter Dalgety. Both really do drive beyond their years and experience.

Have always been quite excitable places, racecourses in Aussie. Never a dull moment.

On Thursday afternoon Tigers were $1.35 favourites, v the Dolphins at $3 something on the head to head market.

Cowboy Warrior Rooster Tiger Panther Storm Knight Raider Thanks

At first glance, it certainly looks that way doesn't it. But then I got thinking. The Storm are my team and I've been a big fan of theirs since day 1. But the Raiders have me worried this week, and massive "overs" in the market in my opinion. They have a great recent record in Melbourne too, winning their last five games at AAMI Park against the Storm. The other thing too, is some teams that are out of the playoff race, with no chance of making the top 8, will start playing fearless footy, throwing it around and having some fun with no pressure on them. Opposed to teams on the border line of making the 8, playing more structured, careful footy, trying bloody hard to get a win, get the 2 comp points and survive the playoff hunt for another week. Throw in this time of the season, where almost all key players are carrying niggling injuries (but still playing), and a few surprises are always on offer here. Been a great season, and this comp has given a bit of added interest along the way so thanks to everyone involved!

Thanks Richie, and thank you Globe, no pressure at all lol Let's give this a crack please... One $20 multi bet - To go on the 6 teams that both Globe and I agree on, and think will win this weekend: 1 - Panther 2 - Bronco 3- Warrior 4- Rooster 5 - Raider 6 - Knight And if that rolls home, I'll make a donation to the Riding for the Disabled organisation in Christchurch. They're a great team of people there, and it brings much joy and confidence to many young children facing their own battles and challenges, so let's get this multi home!! Thanks again.

Panther Shark Bronco Dragon Warrior Rooster Raider Knight Many thanks

Rooster Panther Warrior Bronco Knight Rabbit Eel Raider Many thanks

Bronco Rabbit Eel Knight Sea eagle Panther Dolphin Cowboy Many thanks

One more game... Sharks v Sea Eagles

Dragon Warrior Rabbit Rooster Storm Cowboy Panther Shark Many thanks

Thank you. If possible, may that please go on a 6 leg multi, all on the head to head option? Warrior Storm Raider Cowboy Bronco Rooster Many thanks

Shark Warrior Storm Raider Cowboy Bronco Knight Rooster Many thanks

Or voting Yellow. Yellow is the new Blue!

Warrior Dolphin Panther Storm Bronco Cowboy Raider Thank

"Animal Save New Zealand" is a group of tree hugging hippies trying to close the racing game down. Here is a direct quote from one of their social media platforms: "Horse racing is a disgrace. Join us to fight for an end to this barbaric blood sport!" Now... Can people now understand how this kind of carry on (punching horses mid race) is not the "right" thing to do? And the potential long term consequences of such actions?

Well the story has made it into the NZ Herald. Just yet another example of harness racing shooting itself in the foot. Happens time and time and time and time again. Bloody sick of it. It's so avoidable. Just don't be a dick! I thought rugby league was bad, but harness racing takes the cake unfortunately.

Tigers Raiders Manly Dragons Broncos Roosters Storm Eels Many thanks