Fact Sheets & Video - New Zealand

Lindsay Kerslake is the third generation in his family to train racehorses. Now as well as breeding and training horses, he and his wife Jan run the Horsepower experience on their Star Stud property at Lauriston, which is 80km from Christchurch on the vast Canterbury plains, the heart of New Zealand's harness racing industry. The property is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Southern Alps with 120 acres of established racing stables and track.

'Horsepower' have custom designed a two person sulkie, so you get to take the reigns in your very own race, wearing silks, and travelling at 50km per hour, on a champion pacer...It could be a photo finish.

Kerslake was the first in the world to develop and patent a 2 person sulkie with the aim of giving people the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving pure bred race horses in a safe environment. The answer was to put them in a racing sulky with a qualified driver and let them go as fast as you can in a real race. The horse power experience gives you the chance to get behind a top racehorse with an experienced trainer/ driver sitting right beside you. Hammering hooves, whirring wheels, rushing wind, dirt and grit - it's very exciting.

Horsepower horses fall into three categories- youngsters in training, retired champions and those currently racing. The group keeps changing as they retire but the memory of having said you raced i.e. Honkin Vision is a one off. Currently they have Happy Asett, world record holder, $800,000.00, 4th Hunter cup holder! The farms 800m track is found on an oval of fine gravel around several small paddocks. The professional driver explains the fine movements of the long reins used to guide the horse. It takes years to learn the techniques required to drive a racehorse at a professional level, but the basics are surprisingly very quick to pick up. Although the final control is in the hands of the racing professional, the two sets of reins let you take command of the pacing horse as it picks up speed and tows you around the track.

In the stables the horses listen to light music that entertains them and keeps them calm - they are especially fond of the Bee Gees and Neil Diamond!

Further Information:

The Horsepower Experience From $175 per person. Includes all equipment and training. For more information visit: www.horsepower.co.nzPrices correct at 23/06/07. Prices include taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions Apply.

Air New Zealand Fly one way to Christchurch- from $320 ex east coast, $543 ex west coast. For more information visit: www.airnewzealand.com.au Prices correct at 23/06/07. Prices availiable online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions Apply.

Living Spaces Family Apartments2 Bedroom Apartments, From $125 per night. For more information phone: (0011) (643) 964 5212 Prices correct at 23/06/07. Prices include taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.