The World Cup of Amateur Racing came to a close at the Motu Karara Raceway grass oval in New Zealand on Sunday with Germany's Marian Tux taking home the trophy. USA representative Kelly Walker finished fifth
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The World Cup events consisted of six driving contests at Alexandra Park, Addington Rack Track and Motu Karara Raceway running from Wednesday, January 18 through Sunday, January 22. A total of 11 countries took part including the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Russia, Czech Republic, Spain, Denmark, Ukraine, Belgium, France and of course, New Zealand.
Germany's Marian Tux topped the final standings with 87 points, edging out Spain's Damia Oliver Oliver by two points. Third went to the Netherland's Jaap Terstal with 81 points, followed by the hometown favourite Steve Phillips at 78 points and USA's Kelly Walker at 68 rounding out the top five finishers.
"Kelly drove well in every event and today's win and second placing was personal satisfaction for him," noted Joe Faraldo, the president of the North American Amateur Drivers Association (NAADA), who accompanied Walker to New Zealand.
"The trip set a new standard of excellence for such World Cup events thanks mostly to the very great horsemen of New Zealand, the members, friends and supporters of harness racing here and the personal efforts of two work horses -- Gavin and Marie Cook," added Faraldo. "The people involved in this event earned great respect and admiration for the rugged, tough and wonderfully friendly people who call this little piece of heaven home."
The next World Cup will be held in 2014.
(With files from NAADA)