Central Otago Trotting Club

08/02/2026

Hi all, here is the link for Lionels funeral for all those asking -

A celebration of Lionel’s life will be held in the Poolburn Moa-Creek Memorial Hall at 1.00pm, on Monday February 9, 2026. Followed by Lionel taking up residence in his lifestyle block in the Drybread Cemetery. All welcome.

Livestreaming at https://www.affinityfunerals.co.nz/live-stream/rr

At a time of loss, Affinity Funerals will guide your family through every aspect of the funeral, ensuring you get the celebration of life you wish for.

04/02/2026

This one was a tough write for me.

It is with great sadness the Central Otago Trotting Club acknowledges the passing of Lionel Sinnamon, a Life Member and stalwart of our club.

Lionel Sinnamon - 3rd February 2026; 88 years young

Funeral to be held 1pm Monday, Feb 9th at the Poolburn-Moa Creek Hall

Lionel was a committee member from 1965, to 2015, and served 3 years as president.

Lionel was an owner, trainer, driver and breeder. He was one of the longest serving trainer to date in New Zealand, and the last active trainer in the Central Otago region. (And still holds a current training licence)

Lionel was awarded the silver tray with Jim Morgan in 2004, by the Central Otago Trotting Club for a combined 100 years service to the club.
He was awarded ‘Outstanding Contribution to Harness Racing’ at the Otago Horse awards; and more recently was also recognised for this at the Harness Racing New Zealand level.

Lionel’s first horse was ‘Major Gaillard’ which he trained in 1955. He was recognised by what now is ‘Harness Racing NZ’ as the youngest trainer, with the oldest horse.

Lionel’s first win was with ‘Lyric Lady’ in 1959, with his last win being with ‘Forty Wives’ in 2024.
His last race as a trainer was at Oamaru in March 2025, also on Forty Wives.

His favourite win was at his home track in Omakau, with ‘Gabbys Star’ in 2019. His son Graham Sinnamon driving and winning with his whole family there. (I can STILL hear the crowd from this! 🥹)
Followed closely by his win on ‘Allandale,’ at Addington.

Other good horses to mention for Lionel: Idaten, Ima Chip and El Vee

‘The greatest thing for Lionel, was his love for the game. This is why he did it for so long.’

The club is incredibly grateful to the significant contributions Lionel gave to our club. We hope he is proud how we are carrying on his legacy.

Rest in peace LV ❤️

Southern Harness Racing

03/02/2026

It is with great sadness the Central Otago Trotting Club acknowledges the passing of 3 of our Life Members and stalwarts of our club; Edwin, Jim and now Lionel.

Jim Morgan: Life Member COTC - Jan 20th 2026, 98 years young

Jim was a member of the Central Otago Trotting club since 1958, which preceded the COTC being granted its first totaliser license in 1965

Jim served an impressive 5 decades a committee member, including 5 years as president.

Jim first raced horses in 1957, and was presented a silver tray with Lionel Sinnamon in 2004 by the club; acknowledging 100 years of service between them both. And also received an award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Harness Racing’ at the Otago Horse awards.

Jim’s first horse was ‘Rebel’ which was talented enough to compete at the Inter dominions in 1965 at Forbury. With his best performing Horse arguably being ‘Tetarney’ which included an impressive double win at Addington.

Special mention of his win at his home track at Omakau, with ‘Major Black.’ This Horse was named after his wife Dorothy (Black) whose father was also a Major in the army.
This was made even more special, as it was driven by his son, Richard Morgan. An incredible moment for all those who were there, and witnessed.

The club is incredibly grateful to the significant contributions Jim gave to our club. We hope he is proud how we are carrying on his legacy.

RIP

Southern Harness Racing

03/02/2026

It is with great sadness the Central Otago Trotting Club acknowledges the passing of 3 of our Life Members and stalwarts of our club; Edwin, Jim and now Lionel.

Edwin Harley: Life Member COTC - October 26th 2025, at 86 years young

Edwin was a member of the Central Otago Trotting Club for 28 years, and was President for 5.

During his term of President, he oversaw the construction of the all weather racing track; which is still used today and stands to be one of his greatest legacies of the club. The job was done done with volunteer labour, came in on time, under budget and it arguably one of the best racing surfaces in the country.

Edwin was a breeder, owner, trainer and driver. With his best Horse being ‘Hurricane Jill.’

A special win for Edwin, was with ‘Joyful Hanover’ at his home track in Omakau in 1984, for Edwin Harley and Laurie Duncan.

The club is incredibly grateful to the significant contributions Edwin gave to our club. We hope he is proud how we are carrying on his legacy.

RIP

Southern Harness Racing

04/01/2026

Thank you Frame Power for capturing ✨

03/01/2026

Omakau Trots 2026 ✔️

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTCvWeRkjfO/?igsh=c2Z5bXFnNHp3emd4

02/01/2026

Otago Rugby Thank-you for being part of our day !

Keep hold of that shield so you can come back next year ✨

GO OTAGOOOO 🔸🔹

02/01/2026

Jamies Jewellers Fashion in the Fields winners for 2026 ✨

Huge entries this year, thank you again to everyone to supported this iconic competition 💅

02/01/2026

President Graham Sinnamon and Vice George Flannery - almost looking relaxed ?? 🤭

02/01/2026

Race 12: ALEXANDRA NEW WORLD/ ANDREW MAY CONTRACTING MOBILE PACE

WINNER- ‘Munroe’s Mate’
Driver John Morrison

CONGRATULATIONS

02/01/2026

Race 11: BULK LIQUID SOLUTIONS GALLAGHER GOLD CUP (mobile trot)

Winner: ‘Midnight Dash’
Driver: Gemma Thornley

CONGRATULATIONS