Meadowlands: International performers a consistent factor during live racing

New Zealand-bred Chris Ryder-trainee Burnham Boy N hit the winner's circle at The Meadowlands on Saturday, Jan. 28 before a close-up second-place finish one week later in the weekly feature while Great Britain's On The Money GB has won both of her starts since coming to North America for trainer Ron Burke.

Another Burke student, Ladyford Dollar GB, one of several horses brought over from the Weaver Bruscemi ownership group, missed a neck in his last Big M start, coming up just short in a bid to also stay perfect in two American outings.

The Nik Drennan-schooled Crunch Time A (Australia) arrived from Down Under in early November and reeled off four wins in a row, the last two in overnight features. Belmont Royale N (NZ) has won three-of-five starts since coming to town from the land of kangaroos, wallabies and the All-Blacks Rugby Club.

Horses from far-away lands have been making a lot of noise at The Big M of late, and figure to continue to do so for a long time to come.

Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, France. These countries -- in addition to the U.S., Canada and Sweden -- have seen horses owned and bred from these destinations compete this winter at the No. 1 harness venue in the world in recent weeks. All over the globe, people are turning in to see and wager on the most popular nighttime horse racing venue in North America, The Meadowlands.

It's no surprise that two of the most well-known trainers in the game have dipped their toes into the international waters, but with varying expectations.

"I have lots of connections in New Zealand and Australia who are looking for horses for me," said New Zealand-native Nifty Norman, who trains Belmont Royale N. "If it's the right kind of horse and if the deal is right, I go for it. I wait for them to find me. I think there are more horses for sale in Australia, but I prefer the New Zealand horses because they haven't done as much racing. You go and try to buy the better ones. You want an open horse or better because it costs $25,000 to get them here."

Burke keeps his expectations lower than Norman's when it comes to his British-bred horses, but it's easier to do since the plane flight for the horse is $15,000 lower.

"We had five horses before come over from Great Britain a couple of years ago and they did some winning on the middle coast," said Burke. "On The Money GB is a good horse. We need them just to be good horses. We're shooting for $40,000 claimers. Anything above that is a bonus. We have brought over another five. I really have faith in the guy we have. He and (my owner) Mark Weaver pick horses who they feel can transfer well to here."

-release (Meadowlands)