Standardbred Canada (SC) has gathered essential information for fans ahead of the 2025 World Driving Championship (WDC), featuring Canada's James MacDonald, which will take place this November in New Zealand. From racing styles to distances, track setups to sulky designs, stallions to climate, SC has you covered.

The Setting

New Zealand is a diverse island nation in the South Pacific, composed of the North and South Islands. Its maritime climate brings mild winters, cool summers, and variation between regions: the North is warmer and more tropical, while the South, where the WDC will unfold, is temperate and lush. In November, New Zealand is in spring, marked by new growth and lingering snowcaps from winter. Temperatures range from 10–20°C during the day and cool at night, with occasional rainfall.

Separated from Australia by 1,600 kilometres of the deep Pacific Ocean, New Zealand carries its own distinct identity and natural charm.

Harness Racing in New Zealand

Harness racing is New Zealand’s second-largest equine sector, surpassed only by Thoroughbred racing. The sport adds nearly $1.9 billion NZD to the economy each year and profoundly influences local communities. Globally, New Zealand ranks among the sport’s leaders — 10th out of 22 jurisdictions in 2016/17 — and continues to produce exceptional horses and horsepeople.

Although Standardbred and breeding numbers have declined slightly (from 3,745 in 2016/17 to under 2,900 in 2022/23), the stallion index remains strong with 57 stallions — 28 pacers and 29 trotters — including Bettors Delight, Huntsville, Confederate, Lazarus, Father Patrick, Six Pack, Gimpanzee, and King Of The North. New Zealand’s open breeding program contributes to its international success, reflected in the achievements of “N”-suffixed horses and drivers like Dexter Dunn.

Racing Style and Equipment

New Zealand harness racing is more akin to European than North American racing — less speed-dominant, more tactical, and highly competitive. Key distinctions include:

• Starts: Standing starts are just as common as “mobile starts.”
• Distances: Races often exceed one mile.
• Field Size: Up to 14 horses per race.
• Finishes: Tight, competitive finishes are the norm.
• Units: Distances are called in metres, though international broadcasts may use miles.

New Zealand races often feature outer-flow racing, where horses stay two- or three-wide, keeping fields compact and finishes thrilling. Fewer races are won by runaway leaders, partly because headpoles are seldom used, causing horses to drift and increasing the drama of close finishes.

Sulkies also differ markedly. NZ-made sulkies resemble light Canadian jog carts — long, thin, and exceptionally sturdy. The driver sits about 30 centimetres farther back than in North American bikes, resulting in a more upright posture. Built for strength, safety, and endurance, they reflect the country’s distinctive racing style and high craftsmanship.

The 2025 World Driving Championship

The 2025 WDC will take drivers across both the North and South Islands, from oceanfront tracks to metropolitan venues. Below is an overview of the host tracks:

Kaikoura – Coastal Racing at Its Finest
Nov. 1–2

The Championship begins at the Kaikoura Trotting Club (KTC), a breathtaking half-mile seaside track where spectators can watch horses race along the ocean. The weekend features five WDC heats and the $100,000 NZD Kaikoura Cup, accessible via the scenic Whale Train from Christchurch — an experience where spectators might even spot whales from the grandstand.

Cambridge – The Equine Capital
Nov. 4

Drivers then travel north to Cambridge Raceway, known as “The Equine Capital of New Zealand.” Its lush inland landscape makes it a hub for breeders. The five-eighths mile oval offers smaller fields, mobile starts, and tight, single-file sprints reminiscent of Canadian tracks.

Central Southland Raceway (Winton) – Country Racing Charm
Nov. 8

Next, the Championship travels to Winton, a rural Southland town surrounded by farmland and green pastures. Central Southland Raceway provides a true countryside racing experience — even sheep graze in the infield.

Addington Raceway – The Meadowlands of New Zealand
Nov. 6 & 10

Located in downtown Christchurch, Addington Raceway is New Zealand’s premier harness venue and home to the iconic New Zealand Cup. The final day of the WDC coincides with New Zealand Cup Day, drawing more than 12,000 spectators and featuring the $600,000 NZD New Zealand Cup Pace and the $300,000 NZD Dominion Trot.

Championship Format and Prizes

Drivers earn points in each heat based on finishing positions. The competitor with the highest total score at the end of the series will be crowned World Driving Champion. In the case of a tie, placings and wins will determine the final standings.

Prize Pool – $55,000 USD:

Champion: $25,000 USD
Runner-Up: $12,500 USD
Third: $6,000 USD 
Fourth: $4,000 USD 
Fifth: $2,500 USD 
Sixth–10th: $1,000 USD each

The 2025 WDC will be contested under New Zealand’s harness racing rules.

Stay tuned for upcoming details from Standardbred Canada on how to follow the action and cheer on Team Canada as the Championship unfolds!

(Standardbred Canada Press Release)