Orange makes move in World Drivers Championship
Jordyn Bublitz • November 6th, 2025 9:45 AM • 3 min read
Last night at Cambridge Canada's James MacDonald and Sweden's Mats Djuse both had two wins apiece and Orange also starred by going from ninth place into fourth thanks to one win, two thirds and a fourth.
His win was his first of the series so far.
Blair Orange wins for NZ in Heat 10 of the World Drivers Champs
At the halfway mark (10 of 20 heats) Orange has 68 points, 30 leader behind leader and 2017 WDC champion MacDonald (98).
MacDonald’s night started strongly in Heat 6 (Race 3 of the night), where he guided the Steve and Amanda Telfer-trained Captain’s Secret to victory. Drawing perfectly in barrier two for the 1700m trip, MacDonald used the pacer’s early speed to take control heading into the first bend. After briefly handing up to Bruntwood Brigade, he quickly angled back out to reclaim the front, dictating terms from there. Captain’s Secret never looked back, cruising home in a sharp 1:55.2 mile to score by a length.
Heat 7 (Race 4) saw Sweden’s Mats Djuse strike back with a perfectly judged drive aboard the Ival Brownlee-trained Brienne. From the inside draw, Djuse positioned the mare in the trail and made the most of the passing lane, sprinting through late to score by half a length.
MacDonald added another to his tally in Heat 8 (Race 5), teaming up with the Jay Abernethy-trained Mick Konstantin. Once again, the Canadian made the most of the barrier one draw, pinging straight to the lead and never looking back. The gelding travelled sweetly throughout and left his rivals standing when MacDonald asked for an effort at the 800m mark, surging clear to record an emphatic five-length victory.
Djuse wasn’t done yet, claiming his second win of the night in Heat 9 (Race 6) behind Son Of Patrick, trained by Derek and Neita Balle. After settling three back in the running line, the Swede angled the gelding wide from the 500m and finished strongly to nab the leaders right on the line, winning by a narrow head in a thrilling finish.
Orange kept his best to last, delivering a dominant performance aboard Melton Mogul for trainer Scott Dickson. (Heat 10, Race 7) Sitting beautifully in the one-one, Orange waited until the home straight to make his move, unleashing a powerful sprint to win by two and three-quarter lengths — a confident drive that reminded everyone why he’s among the best in the business.
WDC Leaderboard (after 10 heats) :
James MacDonald (Canada) 98
Gary Hall Junior (Australia) 85
Michael Nimczyk (Germany) 69
Blair Orange (New Zealand) 68
Santtu Raitala (Finland) 62
Mats Djuse (Sweden) 57
Giampaolo Minnucci (Italy) 54
Pierre Vercruysse (France) 51
Jaap van Rijn (Netherlands) 51
Brett Beckwith (USA) 46
Gary Hall Junior (Australia) 85
Michael Nimczyk (Germany) 69
Blair Orange (New Zealand) 68
Santtu Raitala (Finland) 62
Mats Djuse (Sweden) 57
Giampaolo Minnucci (Italy) 54
Pierre Vercruysse (France) 51
Jaap van Rijn (Netherlands) 51
Brett Beckwith (USA) 46
The WDC now heads to Addington for another five heats on Friday before heading to Winton for four more on Sunday before the 20th and final heat on IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup day at Addington next Tuesday.
