Racing: Nomination mix-up derails pacing star

Our Waikiki Beach. Photo / Stuart McCormick

Unbeaten Kiwi pacing star Waikiki Beach has had his New South Wales campaign derailed by a nomination mistake.

And it could end up costing his connections over A$90,000.

The three-year-old winner of all 19 career starts is only second emergency for his semi final of the rich Breeders Challenge at Menangle on Saturday after he wasn't nominated for the race in time.

When co-trainer Mark Purdon was alerted to the mistake straight after the 11.30am NZtime nomination deadline passed yesterday morning, he put in a late nomination.

But Harness Racing New South Wales rules mean late nominations drop down to last in the ranking and with 25 horses ahead of him for the two, 12-strong semi finals fields, Waikiki Beach is second emergency for both races.

He has to start in one of A$25,000 the semis and finish top six to secure a place in the A$153,000 final on June 26.

Racing as Our Waikiki Beach, the colt has done most of his racing in Australia and won the NSW Derby in February so was a red hot favourite for the final.

But unless there are two scratchings from one of Saturday's semi finals, he will take no more part in the series, which doesn't have a consolation race.

Trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen couldn't be contacted but NSWHRC racing manager David Wonson says the missed nomination looks like a simple mix up.

"I had a missed call on my mobile from Mark on Monday, which was a public holiday here," said Wonson.

"But I am not sure whether that was to nominate or whether they expected somebody over here, where the horse is staying, to nominate.

"It could still get a start because there are a couple of horses in the semis who are racing on Wednesday night as well.

"But there will be some rival trainers of leading chances hoping he doesn't get back in."