Addington Welcome to The Addington Harness Hall of Fame.

We aim to preserve the great moments of the past at Addington Raceway by providing an interactive virtual presence using the internet to reach millions of people world wide and our local harness racing industry here in New Zealand.

Harness Racing in New Zealand is one of the most popular forms of equestrian sport. There is nothing more exciting than owning and racing a harness horse.

Addington Harness Hall of Fame is proud to be a part of this wonderful club and venue and we will be there for many more years to come bringing you the great moments of the past and those of the future.

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BLAST FROM THE PAST

DAPHNE RHODES

DAPHNE RHODES

Daphne Rhodes died in Christchurch Hospital last Tuesday, aged 93. Mrs Rhodes (nee Holmes) was the daughter of Freeman Holmes, making her the youngest sister in one of the most famous racing families in NZ.

Freeman Holmes was the first person to ride and drive the winner of the galloping and harness racing New Zealand Cups, teaming with Manton in 1887 and Trix Pointer in 1919. Mrs Rhodes' brother Maurice is considered to be one of the greatest reinsman to ever sit in a sulky, while other brothers in Alan and Freeman junior were also outstanding trainer/drivers.

Marrying the late Clarrie Rhodes in 1929, Mrs Rhodes raced many successful horses with her husband, although they were always in his name. Among the best were Lookaway, who became the first 4-year-old to win the NZ Cup when successful in 1957; True Averil, who won the Cup in 1971; Safety Pin, Best Bet and Free's Best.

The Holmes family is renowned for ite longevity. Freeman was still riding gallopers in his 80s and lived until he was 95, while another brother lived until he was 94. Mrs Rhodes' brother Maurice Holmes is the last remaining sibling; he is in his 90s and lives in Christchurch.

Mrs Rhodes is survived by her five children - Mary (Dawson), Gerald, Freeman, Peter and Alan

Credit: HRWeekly 21Jan98
 
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