Racing: Father and son raise Cup stakes

Eighteen-year-old Zac Butcher would love to beat his father David and Changeover, two of his heroes. Photo / Christine Cornege

This time, a lot more than chocolate bars and beer will be at stake.

When 18-year-old harness racing driver Zac Butcher takes on his father David in the Auckland Trotting Cup tonight, they go head to head for a share of $500,000.

The younger Butcher has been given the opportunity of a lifetime, driving Tintin In America - possibly New Zealand's fastest pacer - in the big race at Alexandra Park.

Butcher won the drive partly because his father David is committed to pacing great Changeover in what is his last race before retirement to stud.

But while his father may have put in a good word for him, Zac still had to beat other leading drivers hoping to be in his hot seat tonight.

"To get a chance like this, behind a horse like him, is an awesome buzz," says Zac.

While 18-year-old jockeys starring in thoroughbred racing are more common because of the weight advantages of youth, harness racing drivers rarely get to compete at the highest level in their teens.

But Zac is an exception to many rules.

Not only is he bred to be a great reinsman, but his career started prematurely by accident. He accompanied his father to a dual-code race meeting in the Central Districts two years ago and was granted an exemption to drive because there were not enough reinsmen to handle the horses.

Since then he has developed into a budding star - his Franklin Cup win at Pukekohe on Tuesday was his 50th from just over 500 drives, a superb strike rate as he learns his trade.

Butcher says he has learnt much from his father, who has won an Interdominion, New Zealand Cup and two Auckland Cups during a career in which he has driven the winners of more than $18 million.

"He is very cool before big races and never gets nervous," says Zac. "When I'm driving he occasionally gives me advice or will watch the race videos with me but on the whole he leaves me to do my own thing.

"But because we drive in the same races a lot, we sometimes bet a chocolate bar or a beer on who wins between us."

Butcher knows his father will be back with Tintin In America after tonight's race but hopes the cup drive will provide him with great exposure.

And how would it feel beating Dad and Changeover, two of his heroes?

"I'd love to beat him. We might talk about the race in the morning but my job is to do the best for the horse's owners and I am sure Dad can take care of himself."

New Zealand Cup winner Monkey King is the favourite for the Auckland Cup.