Zuill & SomeGoldSomeWhere Clinch Champion of Champions
IslandStats.com
The National Equestrian Center on Vesey Street provided a dramatic backdrop this weekend as the Driving Horse and Pony Association hosted its prestigious Champion of Champions event. In a test of speed, stamina, and consistency over two grueling days of racing, Teshi Zuill guided Somegoldsomewhere to a hard-fought overall victory following a tense final dash on Sunday afternoon.
The competition opened on Saturday with several ponies separated by mere fractions of a second. Teshi Zuill set the tone early, recording the fastest combined time of the first day at 2:07/1. However, the leaderboard was congested, with Darico Clarke and Gold Rush sitting just two-tenths of a second behind at 2:07/3. The opening day also saw standout performances from Tahzii Flood and Candyce Martins, both of whom remained firmly in the hunt after clocking identical combined marks of 2:07/4.
Sunday's finale introduced fresh drama as the track conditions and fatigue began to play a role. Candyce Martins and Smart Machine, who had been among the favorites after a blistering 1:03/0 on Saturday, were forced to scratch from both Sunday dashes, ending their title aspirations. Tahzii Flood and Huntinforgold also saw their challenge fade after failing to start the final dash of the day, leaving the battle for the crown to a two-horse race between Zuill and Clarke.
Darico Clarke and Gold Rush put immense pressure on the leaders, clocking a solid 2:08/4 over the two Sunday heats to finish with a final combined time of 4:16/2. Knowing the margin for error was virtually non-existent, Teshi Zuill maintained a composed drive behind Somegoldsomewhere. Matching Clarke’s Sunday time of 2:08/4 exactly, Zuill utilized his slim overnight advantage to secure the championship by the narrowest of margins.
When the final times were tallied, Somegoldsomewhere claimed the top spot on the podium with an aggregate time of 4:16/0, just two-tenths of a second ahead of the runner-up Gold Rush. Xanaje DeGraff and Double Time showcased remarkable durability to secure third place overall with a final time of 4:20/0. Despite their late-session setbacks, Huntinforgold and Smart Machine were credited with fourth and fifth place respectively based on their completed heats, concluding a weekend that once again highlighted the high-octane nature of Bermudian harness racing.
Martins & Clarke Trade Blows Day 1 Champion of Champions
IslandStats.com
The National Equestrian Center on Vesey Street came alive as the Driving Horse and Pony Association hosted the opening day of the prestigious Champion of Champions harness pony racing. A high-octane program saw the island’s elite ponies and drivers battle for supremacy in a series of tightly contested dashes.
The first set of Champion of Champions heats delivered an immediate statement of intent from Huntinforgold, driven by Tahzii Flood, who claimed victory in Dash 1a with a time of 1:03/3. They were closely followed by Somegoldsomewhere and Teshi Zuill, who finished just behind in 1:04/0, with Gold Rush and Darico Clarke rounding out the top three in 1:04/3.
The momentum shifted dramatically in Dash 2a as Darico Clarke steered Gold Rush to a clinical victory, clocking the fastest time of the division at 1:03/0. Teshi Zuill and Somegoldsomewhere remained remarkably consistent to take second place once again in 1:03/1, while the earlier winner Huntinforgold finished third in 1:04/1.
In the second division of heats, Candyce Martins enjoyed a dominant afternoon in the sulky of Smart Machine. The pair secured a clean sweep, first taking Dash 1b in 1:04/4 before significantly improving their mark to win Dash 2b in a blistering 1:03/0. Xanaje DeGraff and Double Time provided stiff competition throughout the day, finishing as runners-up in both heats with times of 1:05/0 and 1:04/2 respectively.
Waldron Secures Race Win in Busy Night at Hoosier Park
IslandStats.com
Bermudian driver Kiwon Waldron made a successful return to the track at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, featuring in three of the fourteen races during a competitive evening of harness racing. The night was highlighted by a victory in the twelfth race, marking a significant result for Waldron against a tough field.
The evening began with a challenging outing in race seven, where Waldron finished in ninth place while in the bike of Shipshape, recording a time of 1:56.1. He showed immediate improvement in the following race, steering He’s Bubbly to a fourth-place finish in the sulky during race eight. The pair clocked a fast 1:55.0, demonstrating a competitive pace as they narrowly missed out on a podium spot.
Waldron’s persistence eventually paid off in race twelve. Partnering with Odds On Candy, he delivered a clinical drive to cross the line in first place, clocking a winning time of 1:56.2. The victory capped off a resilient performance from the Bermudian, who continues to establish his presence on the international circuit with consistent results across multiple races.
Monday, February 16, 2026
Waldron stays consistent at Harrah’s Hoosier Park
IslandStats.com
Kiwon Waldron continued his busy run of form as he returned to the track at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in Indiana for another competitive evening of harness racing. The Bermudian driver featured in two races on the card, securing solid finishes in both outings against a tough field.
Waldron first appeared in Race 3 where he was in the sulky of Odds On Candy. The pair showed strong pace throughout the mile, maintaining a steady position to challenge the leaders. As they turned for home, Waldron guided the horse to a third-place finish, crossing the line in a respectable time of 1:57&1.
The action moved quickly for Waldron as he immediately returned to the bike for Race 4. This time he took the reins of Straight Bet Babie, looking to build on the momentum of his previous podium finish. In a tightly contested heat, Waldron managed to navigate the traffic effectively to secure fourth place. The clock stopped at 1:57&2 as they finished just behind the lead pack.
While a victory eluded him during this session, Waldron’s ability to consistently find the frame highlights his growing reputation on the Indiana circuit. His performance at Hoosier Park remains a key part of his international campaign as he continues to test himself in the American racing scene.
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Waldron Solid in Season Opener & Harness Vesey Street Races
IslandStats.com
Bermudian harness driver Kiwon Waldron made a composed start to his 2026 campaign as the North American racing season got underway at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in Indiana.
Waldron, who has established himself as a rising star in the competitive Midwest circuit, opted for a selective start to the opening day. His sole appearance came in the sulky of He’s Bubbly in the fifth race of the card, a contest that provided a sharp early-season test for both horse and driver.
From a competitive draw, Waldron navigated a tactical race, keeping He’s Bubbly within striking distance of the leaders throughout the mile. The pair crossed the line in third place, stopping the clock in a respectable 1:55.1. While narrowly missing out on the win, the performance marks a positive foundation for the season ahead at the Anderson-based track.
The 2026 season at Harrah’s Hoosier Park is one of the most demanding on the calendar, with racing scheduled to continue through until late November. Waldron’s early involvement follows a series of qualifying races held throughout late January, where he was tasked with sharpening the fitness of several high-profile stables.
For Waldron, the objective this year remains clear: to build on the momentum of a 2025 season that saw him climb the driver standings and secure several high-stakes victories. With his first podium of the year already on the board, the Bermudian will be looking to increase his workload as the spring schedule intensifies.
Meanwhile, The thunder of hooves returned to the National Equestrian Center on Vesey Street this weekend as Bermuda’s harness racing elite delivered a day of blistering speeds and photo finishes. On a track that appeared to be playing fast under the island sun, the 1:03/2 & Faster Time Bar class provided the headline drama in what was the fastest heat of the afternoon.
Gold Rush, piloted by Darico Clarke, stole the show in Heat 10, producing a magnificent clocking of 1:02/4. Clarke’s tactical awareness was on full display as he fended off a relentless challenge from Candyce Martins. Martins, who has been in record-breaking form this season with Smart Machine, had to settle for second place despite a sharp 1:03/0 finish. Bobby DeGraff and Double Time rounded out the top three, crossing the line in 1:05/0.
While Heat 10 provided the raw speed, it was Heat One that delivered the most nail-biting finish of the day. In the 1:04/2 – 1:05/3 Time Bar class, Jashaun Young and Holy Grail emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins.
Stopping the clock at 1:07/0, Young narrowly out-dueled D.J. Burchall in the sulky of Inwood's Realist, who was just a tenth of a second behind at 1:07/1. Teshi Zuill completed the podium in a tightly packed finish, driving Gold-N-Glory to a time of 1:07/4.
The competitive nature of the afternoon continued in the 1:03/3 – 1:04/1 Time Bar class. Tahzii Flood produced a masterclass in pacing behind Huntinforgold, claiming Heat 8 with a time of 1:03/3.
Flood faced a stern challenge from Teshi Zuill, who made her second podium appearance of the day. Driving Somegoldsomewhere, Zuill pushed the winner all the way to finish in 1:03/4. Maurice Raynor and Rockeyed Optimist took third place with a time of 1:05/0, capping off a session that highlighted the depth of talent currently competing on local soil.
