Just Believe has moved into rare air by being named the 2024 New Zealand Horse of the Year.
He achieved the feat with five wins in six starts over two visits - the second being his last racing campaign before retirement.
Just Believe was also named NZ Trotter of the Year and NZ 5yo & older Trotting Entire/Gelding of the Year.
The son of Orlando Vici Fra is only the second Australian to be bestowed with the NZ Horse of the Year honour, following NSW pacer Steel Jaw in 1983-84.
He is also only the third Australian to be named the NZ Trotter of the Year, with mare Scotch Notch (1982-83) and La Coocaracha (2001-02) also taking out the award.
Yabby Dam Farms principal Pat Driscoll said it was a great honour as owner and breeder to see Just Believe crowned the best in New Zealand.
Driscoll also operates Haras des Trotteurs, which stands Orlando Vici.
Just Believe’s 2024 NZ record for trainer Jess Tubbs and driver Greg Sugars, which earned him $690,000:
1st The TAB Trot (slot race)
1st G1 National Trot
1st G1 Rowe Cup
1st G1 The Dominion
1st G2 Lyell Creek Stakes
2nd G1 NZ Trotting Free-For-All
HARAS des Trotteurs shared in the 2024 NZ Harness Racing Awards with Volstead US the joint NZ Trotting Stallion of the Year with Majestic Son Ca.
Volstead had nine winners from 15 starters in NZ in 2024 with progeny from his first two crops in Australasia, produced when he stood as a chilled stallion with Haras des Trotteurs in Australia.
Australian filly Keayang Zahara was the star of his progeny, winning the Ascent (3yo slow race), NZ Trotters Derby and NZ Trotters Oaks.
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