Harness racing is more than just a sport in Southland – it’s a passion and a key part of the community.
But while the sport is often dominated by male horses, the Southern Belle Speed Series shines a well-deserved spotlight on the females. Not only does it provide a platform to showcase their talent and prove they can compete at a high level, it also enhances their future breeding value.
We sat down with our senior equine veterinarian, Brendon Bell, to talk about the prestigious series, its connection with VetSouth, and what it means for the region.
Brendon has been involved with the Southern Belle series since its inception, 17 years ago. He has witnessed first-hand how the event has grown and how VetSouth’s ongoing support has helped shape its success.
A race designed for mares
In the early days, there were very few harness races solely for mares. After talking to racing clients, Brendon learned that there really needed to be a race that promoted young female Standardbreds (harness racing horses), as they would go on to breed. This idea sparked the eventual creation of the Southern Belle Speed Series. These sponsored races would allow mares to earn credentials, or ‘black type’, on their pedigree.
“Usually geldings and stallions make faster racehorses. But this new race was designed specifically for mares, giving them a fair chance.”
“It filled a gap that many in the harness racing scene felt was missing at the time,” explains Brendon.
Incidentally, the ‘Belle’ element of the name (meaning feminine beauty) accentuates it being for mares only, but many like to think it also references Brendon’s surname ‘Bell’, to allude to his part in bringing the series about.
VetSouth backs a winner
It would be a chance meeting on a flight between Brendon and a representative from a major Standardbred breeding stud in Christchurch that helped the series really take off.
“I had been sitting next to him discussing horsey things, and I decided to float our idea past him”, recounts Brendon. “I said, ‘We're thinking of sponsoring a mare series’, and he said, ‘That’s a really good idea.”
So, a decision was made, with VetSouth agreeing to contribute a significant amount to the race, which was matched by the Christchurch stud and another leading stud from Southland. This brought the total prize purse in those first years to an impressive sum for the time.
A decent purse helped attract entries, and this financial sponsorship was also a way for VetSouth to give back to the harness industry.
Elevating breeding prestige
Early on, Brendon saw the value in such a prestigious race like this for Southland. The knock-on effect would be significant, helping to boost the entire industry.
For mares, winning or placing in the Southern Belle isn’t just about race-day glory – it has a lasting impact on their breeding value. A strong performance elevates a mare’s reputation, making her more desirable for breeding and ultimately more likely to stay in the harness racing industry.
“When a mare wins it gives her credentials,” Brendon explains. “This, in turn, increases the value of her offspring, as prospective buyers are willing to pay more for foals from ‘black type’ lines.”
Most of the time, the father is a good racehorse. A race series like this provides a way for the mother to also gain status before becoming a broodmare, so that her foals have enhanced pedigree from both parents. This makes them more valuable.
The Standardbred nursery of New Zealand
By helping enhance Southland as a breeding hub for quality racehorses, the series plays a key role in strengthening the local racing economy, attracting investment, and ensuring long-term industry sustainability.
“Young racehorses are often bought up in the South because it’s a great nursery for Standardbreds,” says Brendon. “It's cheaper to own, farm, and train them here than in Christchurch, for example, due to lower costs.
“Either they’re sold as yearlings or they start racing at two or three years old, and then if they perform well, they're sold for even more.”
And there’s no shortage of prospective buyers.
“Today, I'm going out to look at a horse that's been sold to Australia. Around 40 to 50 young racehorses from here are exported across to Australia each year, all bred and raised in Southland,” he continues.
“We have a strong reputation for this. The Southern Belle series supports and encourages breeders to race and breed their mares here.”
It’s also beneficial for the horses themselves.
“Geldings, once they reach about six years old and slow down, unfortunately don’t have much of a future in the racing industry. They are normally moved on and become riding horses. But mares can breed. So, they are retained and become broodmares, creating a more sustainable cycle within the industry,” Brendon concludes.
The role of veterinary care in breeding and racing
Brendon also recognised the opportunities for veterinary work that come from this. With higher value placed on the mares and foals, owners were encouraged to breed, and the team at VetSouth saw increased demand for breeding work, branding, and other equine services, including pre-purchase examinations.
Furthermore, VetSouth plays a key role in helping racehorses stay at their best, providing preventive care and recovery strategies that support their racing careers.
Supporting the future of the industry
Naturally Brendon sees the bigger picture. From the racetrack to breeding programmes, to the dedicated people behind the scenes, creating a strong industry in Southland and keeping resources down here benefits everyone.
“It’s great for the sport and the people involved.”
“However, having a great harness racing industry in the South extends beyond that,” Brendon says excitedly. “It draws in farriers, feed suppliers, saddlery specialists, and more – this benefits the whole horse community, not just racing. Everyone wins.”
For VetSouth, being involved in the Southern Belle Speed Series is about more than just sponsorship. It’s about supporting an event that adds value to the wider industry and the local community.
As the series continues to thrive, so does the recognition of mares as top-tier competitors, proving they have just as much grit, heart, and speed as any horse on the track – while also leaving a lasting legacy through their offspring.
QUICK FACTS:
The Southern Belle Speed Series was first run in 2008.
Held annually over the course of a few months, the series consists of four heat races and a final race. These races are held during race meetings at various tracks across Southland, including Invercargill, Winton, and Wyndham. They are generally a mile-long race.
The series is for is for 4-year-old and older Standardbred pacing mares. It attracts horses from as far afield as Canterbury due to its strong reputation.
The prize purse for the final is now $40,000 and for each heat it is $15,000. Harness Racing New Zealand and the Southern Standardbred Breeders Association assist with this, and VetSouth still plays an integral part in the funding as well.
The race is classified as a ‘listed race’, awarding ‘black type’ status. A horse’s name is printed in bold letters, or ‘black type’, in racing documents to indicate that it has won or placed in a race. This distinction is highly sought after by breeders, as it signifies a superior level of performance in a racehorse.
