to - New Zealand Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners

OWNERS’
BULLETIN
SEPTEMBER 2015
OUR GOAL
To improve the
economics, integrity
and pleasure of the sport
of thoroughbred racing
on behalf of all owners.
president/members
councillor’s
message
Neil Oldfield
NZTR MEMBERS’ COUNCIL
APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR
TO THE NZTR BOARD
Two Directors of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) are required to retire by
rotation at each Annual General Meeting. This year Matthew Goodson (Chairman) and
John Stace step down and both are eligible to stand for reappointment.
Matthew Goodson announced on 11 June 2015 that he would not be seeking re-election for
a further three-year term and will retire from the NZTR Board at the conclusion of the AGM
to be held in Christchurch on 6 November 2015.
A meeting of the Members’ Council was held on 10 August 2015 at which it was agreed to
appoint Dr Alan Jackson and Mr John Stace to the two vacant seats on the NZTR Board from
the conclusion of the AGM.
Wayne Guppy, Chairman of the Council, stated: “The Council reviewed a very strong group of
applications and unanimously agreed to appoint Dr Alan Jackson to the vacant seat on the
Board and retain the skills of Mr John Stace, the current NZTR director retiring by rotation.”
“Alan will bring enormous racing knowledge and experience to the Board. He has had
over 30 years of business experience across a wide spectrum of industries and disciplines
including public and listed companies and racing bodies in three countries.”
Another season is underway, the days are
lengthening and the excitement of spring racing
abounds. On behalf of the Federation I extend
congratulations to all finalists and the winners
in the recent Thoroughbred Racing Awards.
We certainly were spoilt with the depth in all
of the categories. Given the success in previous
years of category winners in the Australian
Spring Carnivals we all wait in eager anticipation
of the return of these equine athletes.
The season experienced by the Murray Baker/
Andrew Forsman Training Partnership was truly
memorable, not only exceeding by two the previous
record of 111 winners trained by John Sargent, but
also combined stake earnings of some $3.27 million.
The outstanding 3yo Mongolian Khan, was the
largest contributor, the winner of the New Zealand
and Australian Derbies. They had seventeen black
type winners and a host of placings that kept the
focus on racing with professional promotion of
information via Trackside and the printed media.
Murray and Andrew are smartly attired, concise,
informative, and professional in the way they
portray not only their business but also the virtues
of their equine representatives.
The Riding Premiership was taken out by the winner
of last year’s event, Matt Cameron. His vigour in
the finish of a race is seldom rivalled. He is always
a true professional, his appearance, interview, and
availability to Owners skills are second to none.
Owners do appreciate the interaction they have
with jockeys prior to racing. Since the restrictions on
access to saddling enclosures, and the requirements
immediately after a race, the only opportunity to
interact is prior to the event. Many riders take the
chance to use this time after weighing out, but
before having to “leg up” to discuss with owners and
trainers the potential tactics in the race.
Well, all the best for the new racing season,
hopefully many of you have the chance to
experience a raceday performance to cherish.
Regards for now, Neil.
2
His current governance roles include independent directorships of Fletcher Building,
Fletcher Finance Limited and Delegat Group.
He was a founding Director of the New Zealand Racing Board between 2003 and 2006 and
again in 2012-13 including serving as Chairman.
Alan served as Chairman of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Australasia between 2003
and 2009 after holding the positions of Senior Vice President and Managing Director. He has
also chaired the Housing Corporation of New Zealand.
He is an owner and breeder in New Zealand and Australia and a member of the New Zealand
Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners’
Federation and Australian Racehorse Owners’ Association, Auckland Racing Club and Taupo
Racing Club (part of the TRAC Group).
Wayne Guppy added: “The Council followed a thorough process and I thank all members of
the Council for their meticulous approach to this governance role.”
“We look forward to working with Alan and John, and the other four members of the
NZTR Board to continue the progress they have made in ensuring a sustainable model for
thoroughbred racing.”
OWNERS’ FEDERATION
AGM AND DELEGATES REPORT
The above was held in Palmerston North 2 September where a broad range of issues
were discussed. These included the balance sheet which is again stable and the bottom
line which showed a modest surplus for the year. Membership levels are increasing
and Secretary Jim Keyte advised that new seasons subs uptake has been remarkably
positive.
Many issues were covered as well as the costs and administration in the distribution and
governance bodies.
Subscriptions for 2016-17 were set at $55 Single, $60 Dual.
Delegates
Auckland – Mike Gething
Waikato/Bay of Plenty – Jenny Cowan, Reserve – Barbara Keyte
Hawkes Bay – Tony Lyndon
Manawatu – Allan Fenwick, Reserve Mike Collinson
Wanganui/Taranaki – Neil Oldfield, Reserve – Ian Hackett
Central South Island – Fiona Hurst
Co-opted – Bulletin – Neil Miller
Legal – Bernard Hickey.
Patron – Mr A R Galbraith.
The revised constitution was adopted.
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
editorial
ALIESHA MORONEY
Neil Miller
(PROJECT MANAGER) NZTR
Well here we are ‘fresh up’ into a new season. This starts with the
Awards night for the previous one and that is our theme for this issue.
The Awards get references from our President Neil Oldfield and also
Aliesha Moroney but we have included the comprehensive results
as they are interesting. Also there is a ‘photo essay’ of prominent
attendees.
The months seem to continue to fly by! Winter has almost been and
gone and another season of racing in New Zealand has commenced.
Last month I had the privilege of attending the Horse of The Year
Awards and watching many breeders, trainers, jockeys, owners,
media personal and horses be recognised for their outstanding
achievements. It was great to see excitement in the eyes of the
winners and certainly watching the video replays of our top
performers gave me an even greater appreciation of how gifted
our horses and horsemen and women are!
I was asked to be a Selector of the nominations for the Media Award with
other media people. We discussed our nominees at length and were in
accord. I read the racing blogs avidly to see what the naysayers would say
and was pleasantly surprised to see a good positive discussion on those
candidates we put forward. The final vote count from the industry who
voted for the nominees showed support for all of them so we must have
made a reasonable job on our choices.
I had the pleasure of finally meeting Gerald Shand and getting a great
story from him. This tied in nicely with our friends and advertisers Catriona
and Sam Williams of Little Avondale Stud to make a nice double page.
Happy to print a page of Trish Dunell’s Spalato with the consent of the
friendly Singapore Turf Club. We have had some lovely photos from Trish
over the time.
To Trish and Graeme “May the good times roll”
The integrity of NSW and Victorian Racing is in a shambles and if you
couldn’t laugh you would cry. At the back end of this issue is some black
humour that previews what is truly going to end up a blacker outcome.
It is not my want to trawl the low life, but if you‘ve got a good horse
Australia is where you know you can get your best return. You would want
to feel that the competition was fair and your horse was given an even
chance. Has it ever been so?
Contact me, neilandjeanette@yahoo.com
OUR COVER
The top accolades for the night went to Mongolian Khan (Horse of the
Year), the Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry Ltd (Owner’s of the Year),
James McDonald (Outstanding Global Achievement), the Dennis Brothers
(Outstanding Contribution to Racing), Matthew Cameron (Jockey of the
Year), Rory Hutchings (Apprentice Jockey of the Year), Michael Mitchell
(Jumps Jockey of the Year), Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman (Trainers of
the Year), IDL Breeding Ltd (Breeder of the Year) and Brendan Popplewell
(Media Award).
The achievements of the aforementioned were impressive but the stories
behind the success was what made the night interesting and memorable.
The success stories all had a common thread through them, which was
all about team work and dedication. However I found the stories many of
the owners told to be the most interesting. The connection and love that
John and Shirley Blair have with their 11 year old Jumps Horse of the Year
Amanood Lad whom they bred and race was touching, as was Brendan
and Jo Lindsay’s story of how racing Champion Two Year Old of the Year
Marky Mark had brought their family together. Moving further into this
season there are many exciting racing moments to be had. We look
forward to witnessing these and hearing about many more memorable
ownership stories.
From an NZTR perspective we are currently developing a Strategic Plan for
thoroughbred racing in New Zealand, which is due for release in October.
A key initiative that will be presented in the new Strategic Plan, that will
be of particular interest to owners, is a consolidation in the number of
races and race meetings on current levels. The proposed consolidation is
critical to ensuring the long term sustainability and success of the Industry
as a whole, and will enable NZTR to provide increases to average and
aggregate prize money. The consolidation will see increased concentration
of racing at strategic and significant venues, which should help to minimise
the travel costs for many owners. The primary focus will be to increase the
Feature Race Meeting prize money however we are also looking to slightly
increase the minimum prize money this season with the intention to
increase aggregate prize money more significantly over the next few years.
I look forward to reporting the confirmed prize money increases in the
next issue. Until then may you have many exciting racing moments!
LETTERS
Re July Edition press release – Hasselhoof to remain in New Zealand.
JOCKEYS
RIDING FEE INCREASE
Rather disappointed that the article didn’t include ALL the owners’ names namely
myself (AM Goodwin) and Gary Cossey.
More care should be taken before similar errors occur.
Owners are going to be invoiced an increase
in Riding fee from the 26th of August 2015.
Ashley Goodwin. (Subscriber)
Editors reply… I lifted this Press release just at my deadline off the “New Zealand
Racing Desk” website and I was remiss at not accrediting them. Had I done so they could
have taken the hit. However the Owners of Hasselhoof are now shown on the NZTR
site as – B & R Alexander, G J Cossey, Mrs D M Logan, The Baywatch Syndicate, The Hoof
Syndicate, C J & P L Woods
It is an enduring problem for us in our Owners Federation that Ownership can be
obscured in Syndication. Omission and misspelled names of people and their horses are
a nightmare for my contributors and myself. We try our best but from time to time will
come up short. Thank you for the advice Ashley and we wish you “The best of fortune”
with the “HOOF”.
This fee increase is in line with the CPI annualised over
the last three years. The new fee structure is $140.00, the
scratching fee increases to $70.00, Jumping Riding fee
to $190.00 and Trials Fees to $60.00. All fees are plus GST.
This has been a long term formula originally instigated in
the NZ Racing Conference days. The last review in 2011
had the fee at $125.00 plus GST, with the addition of $4.18
in the CPI calculation, a difference of $10.82.
The riding fees will next be reviewed in four years after
agreement between the Jockeys, Trainers, and Owners
Associations and NZ Thoroughbred Racing.
SEPTEMBER 2015
3
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
auckland/northland advice
Neil Miller
Gosh it has been wet around here. At the recent Pakuranga Hunt Cup Meeting at Ellerslie the last race, the Sir Patrick Eidsell Moore Memorial
1600, was won by Nothing, in the something time of 1.49.19.
Avondale has had a couple of industry days on fair if heavy footing. Counties, of course, has grass growing and hopefully getting its roots down deep.
As an aside I recall the notable Keith Haub being asked the question as to what is the difference between racecourses today and yesteryear. His answer
was “Sheep”. But you can’t have sheep when there are cars ripping around the place.
So again, there was for industry people and real enthusiasts the long trek up to Ruakaka. Here there were 5 meetings in the last two months that again
provided good winter footing. The downside is the distance traveled and how to get past the locals. Of these to the fore was Donna Logan, joined mid
August by Chris Gibbs.
11 July – WINS: Rico – Finns Halo – Flamette – Uncle Shayne. PLACES: Zafrenzy
25 July – WINS: Rico – In Flight – Warzone. PLACES: Loves The Show – Serengeti Sun – Big Voices
1 August – WINS: Royal Sceptre. PLACES: Radar – In Flight – Caduceus
12 August – WINS: Warzone – Waznxpektinthat. PLACES: Buster Bloodvessel – Super Ready
29 August – WINS: Hasselhoof. PLACES: In Flight – Royal Sceptre – Caduceus
Donna is known for her meticulous horse management and all the data recording involved in that. But there is also the ability to find the right horse
and maximize its potential. Now with Chris Gibbs son of the legend Jim we surely can see a formidable partnership developing.
Just in front of us is high spring and soon it will be the Logan and Gibbs truck rumbling south to play away. That will even up the playing field again but
if you think about it Donna has to make her home advantage pay when she can. AND she does!
waikato/bay of plenty words
Pakuranga Hunt Race Day at Ellerslie is a
prestigious day on the racing calendar.
Beautiful racecourse, beautiful horses, beautiful
people, beautiful weather.
Waikato Committee member, Brett Pollock
completed an achievement this day winning
the maiden hurdle with Candidly, ridden by
Daniel Miller.
Owning and teaching him jumping in only
10 months and to win with just 3 jump
starts previously, gave many much pleasure.
Especially his OWNERS’ – Brett, and his wife
Narelle, Glyn Davies (longtime huntsman)
and Marilyn Harrison (family friend). Candidly
backed up his Ellerslie performance with a
follow up win at Te Aroha at the end of August.
Just as prestigious in Brett’s mind was a further
win by Candidly 8 days later. This time a
restricted open hurdle at Te Aroha, which Brett
had doubted about being suitable against
the better, experienced hurdlers. But it was an
eye catching display and win for all the same
connections.
So many members horses racing with top
efforts.
Jenny Cowan
Terry Wenn – trainer – clerk of the course.
These facts created a unique occasion when
Terry won at Te Rapa on Aug 15th with Jochen
Rindt, ridden by Sam Spratt, and therefore didn’t
“lead in” his horse, but “rode in” with the winner.
Owned by Terry, Mandy Walters and Don
Grayling, committee man, of Racing Tauranga.
Likewise Ron Cropp, who is still doing an
admirable job, has led in his daughter, Lisa, as a
jockey on many occasions, and Robert Lammas
does similar duty with his sons Cameron and
Buddy at various times.
Alan Tait, with his wife Gaeleen, are the OWNERS
and trainers of Southern Icon who won at Te
Rapa, too. Alan has purchased 6 or so yearlings
at the Gold Coast Magic Million Sales – and this
one is by Big Brown, an American stallion that
arrived in Queensland with a lot of fanfare for
Singleton and Harvey some years back. Alan has
a hands-on association with his training – riding
his own work at 56 yrs of age, every day – jumpouts – and fast work.
With just 3 wins from 10 starts, some tempting
and difficult decisions are predicted with recent
offers to buy Southern Icon.
Ralph, Moss, Rogerson, Paykel, Steffert,
Somervel, Gibbs, Ellis, Fraser-Campin, Campin,
Waddell, Evans, Marsh, Browne, Hogan,
Hickman, Brough, Neal, Hayward, Pollock,
Roddick, and many others who should be
noted. Keep it up – we love watching.
So many members horses racing with top
efforts. Ralph, Moss, Rogerson, Paykel, Steffert,
Somervel, Gibbs, Ellis, Fraser-Campin, Campin,
Waddell, Evans, Marsh, Browne, Hogan,
Hickman, Brough, Neal, Hayward, Pollock,
Roddick, and many others who should be noted.
Keep it up – we love watching.
Lovely gestures from the Paykels and Kawi
(Sharrocks) ? ? team for the Cancer appeal at
the Hawkes Bay meeting.
Lovely gestures from the wonderful folk who
supported the Cancer appeal at the Hawkes Bay
meeting.
4
Terry Wenn has a
word about his horse
Jochen Rindt
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
Jackie O’Shea, proprietor of Poplar Lodge, just out
of Hamilton, won with Girlsarebackintown at Taupo
on Aug 19th. She shares OWNERSHIP with a long
time lady friend from Hong Kong, Nancy Wong,
who visits two or three times a year. By Murtajill,
the filly has had just 6 starts for the win, and four
thirds (two stakes placed). Jackie reports that her
daughter Lisa is now in Singapore with Bruce
Marsh’s stable and is a valuable team member able
to turn her hand to riding, stable or office duties.
She is another in the mould of Justine Hales,
who is the spokesperson/representative for the
Flemington arm of the Chris Waller stable.
I notice the Gold Coast Turf Club listed in the A-Z
Thoroughbred Business Listing.
I visited their headquarters and office to enquire
of the whereabouts of Lee Somervell and Graeme
Boyd. “No we don’t have any information of either
trainer”. But Lee won a big race here three days
ago, I offered.
To which the Secretary replied that I could phone
Racing Queensland. I knew Graeme was stabled
hawkes bay happenings
Tony Lyndon
The 9yo No Excuse Needed gelding Double O Seven won his 5th race in a
Rating 75 at Otaki on June 19th. Then showed his affinity for Otaki by winning
a Rating 85 less than a month later. Both races were run on extremely heavy
tracks that seemed to be to his liking. He is now raced by Grant Cullen and his
partner Dannevirke equine physiotherapist Nikki Lourie.
Two weeks in the paddock was all that was needed for Addictive Habit to return to
form after a stint in Australia that included a win in a Listed $100,000 event on the
Gold Coast, with his win in the $100,000 Foxbridge Plate. He has now won 9 races
and over $457,000 in stakes. Not wanted by the public in the Te Rapa race he paid
$15.00 for a win. Raced by a syndicate which includes his breeders Graham and
Isobel Roddick who stand his half brother Citi Habit for only $1000 at their Montana
Lodge.
Nectacollecta was given a stay from retirement when winning at Te Teko. She had
been unsuccessful since winning at this meeting a year ago. Nectacollecta is raced
by Napier men Derek Hill and Kevin Bird.
PHOTO: RACE IMAGES
DEZ First daylight was second
Former H.B.R.I. General Manager John McGifford and retired jumps jockey Graeme Lord along with Kim Hughes should have a top hurdler next season
with D’Llaro. Undefeated in his first 2 starts over hurdles he can race on the pace and handles heavy conditions.
Waipukurau Owner Trainer Simon Wilson has the making of a good horse in Dez. The Zed gelding winning first up at Waverley after getting well off the
pace, then following this up by winning at Otaki. Missing the jump by 5 lengths he flew down the outside to win by over 6 lengths. Raced by Simon in
partnership with Waverley trainer Sam Lennox and Paul Mitchell who also race the promising hurdler Field Daze.
Charleston Girl made it 3 in a row at Hastings for Peter and Margaret Hales of Dannevirke. By Iffraaj, Charleston Girl is out of their Masterclass mare, Miss
Jean Brodie, who was a non winner but was a half sister to Group 3 Merial Ancare Metric Mile winner Old Belvedere. She is raced in partnership with
Havelock North man Bruce MacTaggart
wanganui/taranaki roundup
Rosie Hackett
So the old season has finished and the new one has begun.
On the local scene Kevin Myers was 3rd on the National Premiership with 78 wins, 68 2nds
and 69 3rds, including 2 group or listed winners. His stable earned $1,218.105. That is an
awesome effort. Great team work Angela and Everyone!!
Locally next was Fraser Auret with 21 wins, 14 2nds and 16 3rds, including 3 group or listed
winners and stakes of $367,010
Raymond Connors – 12 winners, 1 group or listed
PHOTO: RACE IMAGES
Evan and J J Rayner – 12 winners, 2 group or listed
Adrian and Harry Bull – 9 winners, with 2 group or listed
at the Gold Coast somewhere, but she looked on
the computer and had no details of him either.
“We are an events centre and don’t have any of
this type of information.” A Racing Club?
Paul Belsham – 8 winners
I walked across the road and found Graeme in
the huge enclosed barn with maybe 100 horses,
giving his star Walhaan a walk and afternoon
pick. Walhaan has a recent form line of a win and
3 seconds in the last 4 starts, and with a little
luck could have read 4 wins. They are loving the
warmth and racing in Queensland.
Once again our Jonathon Parkes was 3rd on the Jockeys Premiership and that’s a huge effort.
You have to waste week after week and yet you are going so well.
He is trying his luck and skills in the jumping
ranks there and should be good – but he’s a bit
naughty. We follow with interest.
A recent winner at Te Rapa, Eksuude is a half
brother to Graemes’ Ginga Dude who raced
successfully here and in Australia.
Nicky Marshall – 5 winners.
Mathew Gillies was 3rd of the Jumps Jockeys with 11 wins, 12 seconds, and seven 3rds.
One of the horses we named special was Start Wondering. Paul Belsham did an awesome
job with him and he has gone to Sydney to Chris Waller’s where he won first up. He sure is
a special boy and keep following him. Steven Gudsell has raced many horses here and has
had some lovely gallopers but I am pretty sure this guy is one of the best. Just watching him
grow into the grouse machine he is today has been pretty special.
The O’Leary boys trainer, Chris Waller, has Who Shot The Barman going really nicely heading
toward the Melbourne Cup and Dan O’Leary sent Mako over and he has had 2 wins in
Australia.
PHOTO: RACE IMAGES
Sometimes getting accustomed to Australian’s
takes a bit of getting used to. We dig our toes
in… One who has left for “browner shores”
is Templeton, OWNED by member, Simon
Rushbridge.
Dan O ‘Leary – 6 winners
As the big boys here get ready there were nice runs from all of the locals at Hastings, Ginner
Hart went a huge race, and Nashville was steaming home, he will love the step up in distance
as well. Thorn Prince was finishing well and was not far from them.
Buck Cannon was a bit of a naughty boy at Hastings, but he has trialed already and will make
amends in the near future. He is a lovely galloper and will make his owners proud.
SEPTEMBER 2015
5
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
CONTINUED
Manawatu/Wellington Matters
The racing career of Marotiri Miss ended on
a sad note when she pulled up lame and was
noticeably distressed after returning to the
tie-up stalls following the Group 3 Winter
Cup in which she had finished second last
year. The diagnosis was a fractured pastern
bone. Two screws were inserted and after 2
months of being boxed she should be ready
to go to Rich Hill stallion Shocking. Raced by
Beven and Christine Parlato Marotiri Miss
won 5 races and with Group placings has
the race track performance to do well as a
broodmare.
Vice President of the Manawatu Association,
Michael Collinson, has enjoyed the last 3 runs
of Southern Icon. A winner on debut the now
4 year old then lost the winning touch, despite
running fair races. However trainer Alan Tait
and rider Mark Hills seemed to have now found
the secret to him. A dual winner at Te Rapa, the
first time by 11 lengths, Southern Icon then ran
a sound third at Hastings on the first day of the
Spring Carnival.
It was great to see Tyne Cot winning at Hastings
for Neil & Erin Connors. The hugely talented
galloper has won 5 races and has only been
out of the money 3 times in 15 starts. However
injury has prevented him racing regularly.
Hopefully Neil can get a few more races with
him this time in.
Golden Bay has raced consistently well this
campaign capped off with his second win
at Riccarton. Although he took 23 starts to
clear maidens he had racked up a heap of
minor placings in the process. He is trained by
Lisa Latta and is raced by a syndicate which
includes Members John Roache, Mark & Fay
Fearon, John Naylor and Kevin & Corrina Tod.
(Apologies Corrina for the mistake with your
name in the last Bulletin).
The lightly raced Tiger Tim was a winner for
Bill Gleeson and Peter Gillespie in July and
the same combination was successful with
Chopper at Riccarton.
Sylvia & Paddy Kay were back in the winner’s
circle at Hawera in August, this time with
Ngario who was recoding win number 5.
Get Flash has been a model of consistency for
owner Tony McMillan and trainer Kevin Myers
with 5 minor placings in jumping races since
winning first up over steeples in July.
Wee Biskit is undoubtedly the star of Ken
Duncan’s team claiming victory in the
Wellington Hurdles and running third in the
Grand National Hurdles. She has also shown
her versatility by winning 2 races on the flat
in between. Matthew Cropp has been the
regular rider this season but injury will see him
replaced by Isaac Lupton in the Great Northern
Hurdles when horse and rider set out to defend
their 2014 title.
But Wee Biskit has not been the only stable
runner to show form. Shamal has had 2 wins
this winter, Chop Suey broke through for his
first win from 3 starts at Hawera and In for Fun
has also been a winner.
The Wellington Hurdles win was significant
for Ken as brother Douglas had also claimed
victory in the event in 1981 with Purcil, ridden
by John McGifford.
Our Gazza took full advantage of an easing
of the Riccarton track to claim victory in the
Christchurch Casino Winter Classic on the final
day. Although unplaced on the better track
in the Winter Cup on the first day, Our Gazza
had tripped south in excellent touch with
consecutive heavy going wins at Wanganui and
Trentham. “He’s a true wet tracker” commented
central south island sayings
Awards season is upon us and the Central
South Island Association will be recognising
horses, owners and contributions to the
industry on October the tenth at our
annual awards evening held at the Phar Lap
Raceway. There is always a few laughs either
from our MC or the Guest Speaker who is yet
to be named for this year.
Other happenings… well probably National
week would be the most exciting race days to be
held recently. Some spectacular jumping races
which were mostly dominated by North Island
horses but you can’t take anything away from
the big hearted, honest jumper – High Forty –
from the Anderton barn in Mosgiel. Carrying
top weight of 69.5kg in the Grand National
Steeplechase he finished strongly to win by a
good margin to the delight of his owners, racing
stalwarts Brian and Lorraine Anderton. We were
lucky enough to have Mr Brian Anderton as
our guest speaker a couple of years ago at our
6
Allan Fenwick
trainer Lisa Latta after his latest success.
Jonathon Parkes has been the rider on all
winning occasions this campaign.
Our Gazza is raced by Cliff and Betty Condren,
Mary Mountier and Bill Skelton and has now
won 8 races. No doubt the latest success would
have given them all a real thrill, particularly Cliff
who has not been in the best of health.
Garry and Janet Harris were delighted with
the win of Salamanca on the final day at
Riccarton in August. Successful in the Listed
Champagne Stakes on the course as a twoyear-old, Salamanca had finished runner-up to
the talented Scapolo seven days previously and
had benefitted from that experience, his first
in blinkers. Trainer Mike Breslin has suggested
that the Stewards in November would suit the
talented galloper, already a winner of 8 races
from 19 starts.
The win of Off Roading at Wanganui in
August was very significant for Apprentice
Jockey Ryan Elliott who was recording his
first raceday success. However it was also a
memorable family day because the horse
was bred and is owned by his Mother Leanne
Elliott and Grandmother Mrs Ker and trained
by Leanne. Maybe race riding was always
going to play a part in Ryan’s life as he does
have the pedigree for it. Both his parents
enjoyed successful riding careers and his
father Grant’s brother Ross rode some top
class gallopers on the flat and over fences in
Australia and New Zealand. In a brief career
as a Jumping Rider Leanne won the Grand
National Steeplechase on Just Red, the Grand
National Hurdles and 3 steeplechases on
Charlie Boy as well as numerous placings on
both. Ryan is apprenticed to Graeme Rogerson
and has since ridden Saber to victory at
Te Aroha for the Rogerson stable.
Fiona Hurst
annual awards evening and it was a thoroughly
enjoyable and informative speech.
even won the Otago Jumps Inc. Restricted
Open hurdle back in May.
Leading up to the pinnacle of the jumps
season there has been some great jumping
performances down here in the south. Faites
Vos Jeux a nine year old Yaminin Vital mare, of
which member Ron Williamson shares in the
ownership, has a great record over the larger
fences and this season was never out of the
money. She was right in contention in the
National Chase but sustained an injury which
put and end to her connections’ dream of their
mare winning a big one. Mr Williamson has also
been a guest speaker at our awards evening.
Owners that are regularly mentioned in these
articles are Bob and Diane Goodeve from
Waimate, they must have the good Waimate
fairy looking over them with such horses as
Astroturf, Them or Us and new stable recruit
High Viz all doing the business for them. High
Viz, a purchase from the mixed bloodstock sale
earlier this year was added to the Michael Daly
stable in Timaru. With one win from twenty
starts she was reasonably quick to add another
win when she easily won her third start, a R65
mile race at Washdyke last month. Toni Direen
put the Perfectly Ready mare in a handy spot
from a wide draw and she drew clear at the top
of the straight and won by two lengths. On the
very same day Astroturf ran over a mile fresh up
and fought very gamely to the line to miss out
by a nose. So a win and a second placing would
have certainly brightened up Mr Goodeves’
Cecil, another South Island jumper that
member Alison Clearwater from Southland has
partial ownership of, has had an honest season
over hurdles. Despite a disappointing end to
the season in his first start over the bigger
fences, Cecil had placed over the hurdles and
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
Proud Owners and connections of Jack Romanov winner
of the Meadow Fresh Great Northern Steeples
PHOTOS: RACE IMAGES LTD
GREAT
NORTHERN
DAY
FITTING
FINALE
TO MAJOR
JUMPING
EVENTS
FOR 2015
day while he was in hospital. Them or Us a four
year old Iffraaj gelding is looking respectable
to say the least with two wins from six starts in
the Steven Prince stable at Wingatui. Bob and
Diane Goodeve will be looking forward to an
exciting season with their three charges.
Committee member, John Walsh had his day
in the sun when his petite little mare – Bridget
Town – saluted the judge at her eighth start,
not a bad race to win, a fillies and mares bonus
race at Timaru in early July.
Maybe another couple with the Waimate fairy
looking over them are Anna Miles and Michael
Simpson who enjoyed success as vendors at
the South Island yearling sales in April then
went on to enjoy seeing their mare – Hot Pants
– win at her eighth start with a convincing
performance in the maiden 1400 at Oamaru a
couple of weeks later.
Good luck to all for summer racing.
Gagarin Schweppes Great Northern hero with fans
young and old
The Schweppes Great Northern Hurdles & Meadow Fresh Great Northern Steeplechase
brought down the curtain on the prestige jumping races for 2015 in spectacular fashion.
The Steeplechase was dominated in the early stages by tearaway leader Eric the Viking. The
2014 Koral and Grand National Steeplechase winner raced to a lead of at least 100 metres
over the first 2 laps. In fact it made viewing difficult because at times he was over a fence
ahead of his rivals. Eventually he was collared at the hill the third time and it was left to the
first 3 home in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup 2 weeks previously on the course to again dominate
the finish with the result the same – Jack Romanov, trained by Mark Brooks, winning from
Snodroptwinkletoes and the 2014 victor and game topweight Amanood Lad. Owners Kit
& Mark Brooks, Missy Browne, Dave Duley, Greg & Laura Hocking, John Jenkins and Gary
Vickers were ecstatic and rightly so. But what a result for the Brooks family – Myths And
Legends had run second twice in the race – to Tom’s Myth (2012) and Ima Heroine (2011)
and The Image Maker had also run second twice – to Lord Tennyson (1992) and Brother Bart
(1991). No one could begrudge them their success.
Irish jockey Richard Cully has ridden many winners of jumping races in New Zealand but
is now based in Australia although he makes frequent trips back here to ride. He was so
delighted to win this event for the first time.
The Schweppes Great Northern Hurdles was a more closely contested affair and with less
than 800 metres to run there appeared to be at least 7 runners in contention. Shortly after
Gagarin raced to the lead and the race was very much his over the final stages eventually
winning by more than 2 lengths from stablemate Mahanadi, last year’s winner and favourite
Wee Biskit and Awapuni Hurdles winner Superturf.
Gagarin is trained by outstanding horseman and conditioner Kevin Myers from Turakina
and is raced by his breeders Sam Trotter, Marton and John Norwood, Taupo. Runner up to
Wee Biskit in 2014 and the winner of this year’s Hawkes Bay Hurdles Gagarin had a big team
of family members on hand to enjoy the win. For rider Mathew Gillies this was his second
Allan Fenwick
win in the event, having won in 2011 on Southern Countess. SEPTEMBER 2015
7
SHAND FAMILY – THEN AND NOW
As told by Gerald Shand…
“My father RW (Robert) Shand’s first horse
was the filly Payette who won the Avondale
Stakes in 1939. She was ridden by Bill
Broughton. It was a strong race and Payette
beat Queen City ridden by Larry Wiggins and
Kentucky ridden by Tommy Green. Soon to be
champion Kindergarten, Lou Rosa and Beau
Leon also started but did not feature in the
finish.
My mother put 2 pound each way on the
horse and won an amazing 120 pounds. With
the money she purchased a seaside cottage
at Clarks Beach, just along the beach from
where we now live.
My family lived at the north side of Huntly by
the Great South Road and my Dad was the
local baker. He had a passion for horses that
we all inherited. When I was about 12 I used to
ride the horses to the Huntly racecourse with
Mr Henry Jakeman who trained my father’s
horses. Coming home one day, a 3yo gelding
called Borderer started to bolt and I couldn’t
hold him. I had been taught if this happened
to get the horse straight and balanced and to
give it a couple and it would pull up where it
was used to stopping. We were 2 miles from
home on the State Highway 1 verge so I got
him straight and I hit him twice. We passed
two cars on the inside as we accelerated and
I was hanging on for dear life. We skittered
over the tar seal and slid to a halt at our
place. I lost all the skin off my knuckles from
hanging on and I didn’t feel that a bit.
I too became a baker with my Dad and 4
o’clock starts were the norm. Work and riding
horses. But they were interesting times as our
place was a kind of halfway house for racing
folk. During World War II and even after there
were strict limits on how far you were allowed
to drive a truck and there was a 30 mile limit.
So if there was a meeting at Te Rapa horses
were trucked to Mercer then ridden to Huntly
(30km) where they overnighted at our place.
Next day they would be ridden on to Te Rapa
(35km). Because of this I met a lot of great
racing people like Hector Grey. I think Colin
Jillings would be the only one left now.
Before this time horses were carried up the
Waikato on the paddle steamer. The 30 mile
limit was put in place by Bob Semple, Labour
Minister to protect the Rail.
Next we moved horses around by train. They
were carried 4 per wagon facing 2 x 2, we
chucked the gear in the middle and sat or laid
on that. The wagon door hinged down onto
the platform with the outer edge on tyres
to reduce the steepness. We could rail north
and south and over to Matamata. The train
would even stop at Taupiri to pick up horses.
In fact our family won its first of 3 Matamata
Cups with Lady Pay in 1943 when we rode in
on the train. She was trained on an adjacent
property to us by Mr Jakeman.
The other Matamata Cup winners were
Megabucks and Kainui Belle.”
8
Shands Bakery grew with Gerald’s input and their bread was famous. Many years later it morphed into
the ubiquitous Rivermill brand. However the interest in thoroughbred ownership remained a constant.
The family expanded with two children Robert and Jacqueline (Jackie). Both children loved the horses
and grew up in the pony club scene. Robert turned to polo and became an international professional.
He rode both the NZ and UK seasons.
When it came time for Jackie to sell her show pony Gerald said they should buy a nice thoroughbred
filly so they went to (Jackie’s one day husband to be), the Rogers place to look at one. They liked the
look of her so George Cameron was asked to check her out and given the price limit of $2,000 to go
to. George advised that he had bought the horse for $2,500. The filly was named UKIAH and was the
dam of Megabucks and Jurango. Megabucks won 5 in a row at one stage, 12 wins in total and $328k, a
great return back in 1991.
Ukiah was also the granddam of top fillies Drama Queen and Kainui Belle, bred by Jackie and her
husband Philip Rogers. The extra $500 she cost was money well spent.
Early days when the Shands went on holiday to Clarks Beach they took the horses. They were set at
Morrie Dell’s place and it was a short walk to miles of sand and when the tide came in the shallows
were warm and the water was very salty. Horse Heaven!
Back at Huntly and with a booming business Gerald passed the training to Lloyd Burdett of
Ngaruawahia. Lloyd was a builder and a very good one but he also could train horses superbly and
Gerald says he has never met anyone better able to get a horse up for a race. Of course it was Gerald
and Jackie that bred Jurango and they took Lloyd Burdett into ownership. Jurango showed promise as
a 2yo and this was confirmed when he won 3 in a row early in his 3yo season.
Lloyd had Jurango all set up for the Derby and Gerald thought they had it won until I’m Henry nosed
him at the post. Throughout Jurango’s 3yo season he also was runner up in the St Leger and the
Wellington Derby where he was beaten again by the champion 3yo I’m Henry. Later on in the season
Jurango went to Australia where he ran 3rd in the Tulloch Stakes, he then ran in the AJC Derby before
being sold to America.
We started this story with Payette and in honour of that first winner there was a more recent Payette
who was the winner of 6 races. We spoke about Megabucks, Jurango, Drama Queen and Kainui Belle.
But there was also The Fuzz, Straight Show, Show Mint and the very good Star Way gelding Cog Hill
who won 11 including the Lord Mayor Stakes at Doomben and followed that up with a 3rd in the
Stradbroke Handicap.
There was the brilliant Crossyourheart whose wins included the New Zealand Bloodstock Classique a
$500k race at Te Rapa by 4½ lengths.
Then came the outstanding 3yo filly Shanzero who Gerald bought and raced with his brother Bruce.
Gerald and Bruce have a great bond having worked together nearly their whole working lives, they
now live down the road from each other and have raced horses together from a young age, the best
to date being the talented Shanzero. There was Finderskeepers, racing shares in the Group 1 winning
stallions Viking Ruler and Danske, Shantaine, Shandream and Roman Ruler. Gerald bred Roman Ruler
by Viking Ruler out of his mare Lady Pay so there was a special attachment, the horse won three and
was looking very promising but injuries halted his racing career.
So Gerald has pretty much done it all in racing. Riding and training in the early days and then as an
owner and breeder. He has had shares in several stallions including current stallions Tavistock, Keeper
and Alamosa. He has done the Queensland winter campaign with horses. Then there were 15 years as
a committeeman and the same as a judicial steward for the Waikato Racing Club.
There have been great friendships made. Recently Sir Patrick Hogan who is a mate rang him up and
told him he needed to buy a share in Hasselhoof to ensure that he was kept in New Zealand, to add
value to the sire Tavistock. Hogan did the numbers and as usual they made sense. Bob Emery got the
next call.
Gerald is also a shareholder in the promising Alamosa filly Stolen Dance, (who is a granddaughter of
Drama Queen) with his granddaughter Jenna and her husband Dane McLeod, among other family
members and friends. Jenna is now the 4th generation of the family, breeding and racing horses and
she works in the racing industry. There are also standardbreds – Mountain Gold, Mr Bojangles, Percy
the Punter and Shandale, successful horses, trained by good friend Maurice McKendry.
These days Gerald enjoys the lifestyle at Clarks Beach, playing golf and watching his horses work at
Pukekohe. They are trained by Richard Collett who has done so for the last 20 years. Son Robert lives
up the road from Clarks Beach on the 90 acre family block. He looks after the farm and the stock.
Richard brings the Shand horses back home to spell and he puts some others on the truck as well.
When asked what he thought of todays racing Gerald was very forthright. He said, “You can’t run any
business and survive if you do not manage the cost side of it. Extra costs from excessive administration
and processes come off the bottom line and have a drastic effect on the returns to owners. That
impacts on the whole industry. The situation must be addressed.”
The Shand family has made such a contribution to racing for 75 years will go on. Let us hope the
industry administration recognises its base was built by people like Gerald, the forebears and their
families. It was built from the grass roots up. Perhaps it would benefit from topping!
Neil Miller
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
Shandream with Natasha Calder (nee Collett), Gerald Shand, Counties Racing President Darryl Butson & Bruce Shand
Shandream raced 41 times for 8 wins,10 seconds and 5 thirds. She weighed in 31 times. Bought from the Shands by
Little Avondale Stud in her final racing season she was served by Savabeel. In foal she last raced in the Cal Isuzu Stakes
at Te Rapa on 13 December 2014. Well before the finish she fractured a leg but galloped on to finish a brave 5th.
With skilled surgery the fracture was screwed together and a beautiful black Savabeel filly was born.
As I write this Shandream is heading north on the truck to revisit Savabeel. The outcome of these matings will be
eagerly greeted at the Sales.
NM
Stud Chat with Sam September 2015
Best time of the year, foals on the ground and lots of young ones starting new campaigns
to glory, we hope! Let’s trust the same applies to the AB’s.
Proven Australian and International sires don’t exactly grow on trees in N.Z and local
breeders have reacted to the excellent value of Nadeem’s (Redoute’s Choice-Candide
by Sound Reason) service fee at $6,500 plus GST. PROVEN SUCCESS – it’s not luck.
Keep an eye on ex top jock and now successful horse trainer Ron Quinton with the 4YO mare
Lucky Can Be (Nadeem-Yes She Can Cancan by Canny Lad) – she is currently unbeaten. Another is Paul Belsham’s
Perfect Harmonee who won up fresh and is on a Guineas campaign.
Shotover River’s (Savabeel-Rivertaine by Centaine) recent winning streak in Brisbane puts some focus on
our upcoming draft for the November NZB RTR Sale. They’ll be prepared again by Mark and Shelley Treweek’s
Lyndhurst Farm. The three Nadeem colts are standouts; there’s a half brother to Australian Gr. 2 winner Savvy
Nature and a half brother to Low Places, a recent winner for Chris Waller, and bred on the same cross as Nadeem’s
2015 Singaporean Group 2 winner Spanish Bay.
Very satisfying to see the Per Incanto’s start the season well as 3YO’s. He achieved his first winner in Singapore
the other day, a horse called Terms of Reference, who we bred and sold at the Inglis Classic Sale last year for
$26,000. He was re-sold to his current owners for $120,000 at the Magic Millions RTR. His first 3YO
in Australia, Bob of the Head, won also only to be relegated to second on protest… watch this space.
A couple of un-raced Per Incanto’s worth keeping an eye on are Lance Noble’s Lanciato, raced by
the Homebush Syndicate and Hot Tempo, raced by the Forward Pass Syndicate and managed
by Lance and Tracy Smith.
Happy Racing All.
SEPTEMBER 2015
9
HAUNUI FARM STALLION READY
FOR BREAK OUT SEASON EX NZTM SITE
The win of two-year-old colt Tasleet in the
DBS Premier Yearling Sales Stakes at York
during the week was further music to the ears
of Haunui Farm principal Mark Chitty as his
resident stallion Showcasing (Oasis Dream)
prepares for his fifth Southern Hemisphere
breeding season at the South Auckland based
stud.
Through the deeds of stakes performers such as
Showboy (Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes) and
Hardline (Listed Karaka Million) Showcasing was
crowned New Zealand’s Champion 2YO & First
Season Sire of 2014/2015 that followed on from
Northern Hemisphere success where he was
leading first season sire of GB/IRE in 2014.
The acid is now on the stock of the son of
Oasis Dream to deliver in their three-year-old
season and beyond, something that Chitty is
supremely confident they can do. “If you look at
the performances from his two-year-old crop the
one thing you can see quite clearly is their ability
to hit the line well,” he noted.
“The evidence is strong in the Northern
Hemisphere that they train on and I’m sure it will
be the same here. One of the best examples is
the filly Prize Exhibit who has won three times
over a mile as a three-year-old and was third in
the Group One Del Mar Oaks recently.”
“He hasn’t been just a one-trick pony either as he
has had several quality runners from his first crop
both here or in Australia while Boodles, who was
unbeaten in two starts in New Zealand, has also
performed well in Singapore.”
Having served over 400 mares in his first four
years at Haunui, Showcasing has again attracted
a strong book for the coming season, one which
has Chitty excited at the quality of mare he has
attracted off the back of racetrack success.
“It would be fair to say he has basically attracted
middle of the road mares to date however this
year there has been a distinct lift in the quality of
his bookings,” he confirmed. “He has the ability
to upgrade his progeny with both Showboy and
Hardline good examples of that. They were both
the seventh or eighth foal from their respective
mares and both became the first stakes winner in
the family.”
“Breeders have seen that and I believe it has
encouraged them in his direction. We are very
fortunate that he has had great backing from
his shareholders who have sent in excess of
forty mares to him each season while we have
also supported him strongly with fifteen further
Haunui mares going to him this season. “
“At this stage his book will be limited to 125 and
he has nearly reached that mark now so we are
naturally thrilled with his results.”
With the connections of Karaka Million winner
Hardline announcing a tilt at the Gr. 1 Coolmore
Stud Stakes at Flemington on VRC Derby Day,
Chitty is nervously awaiting a possible first elite
level victory. “A win at the highest level would
just put the icing on the cake for him, especially
one at the Victorian Spring Carnival which is
essentially the best racing in Australasia,” he
said. “We have been eagerly anticipating his first
Group One winner and if it came at Flemington
in front of a massive worldwide audience then I
don’t think it could get any better.”
Showcasing stands at Haunui Farm in 2015 for a
fee of $10,000 + GST. – NZ Racing Desk
SPALATO RUNS RIVALS RAGGED IN COMEBACK RACE
SINGAPORE TURF CLUB
If there were any doubts how Spalato (NZ)
(Elusive City) would run at his first race from
a long injury layoff, they were quickly allayed
the moment he raced away in the blink of an
eye to gap his rivals with consummate ease
by 5½ lengths in the $200,000 Sgp. Group 3
Woodlands Handicap (1200m).
To think he had to shoulder the top impost of
59kg, was giving away weight all round, as much
as 9 kilos to some and had not faced the starter
since his dismal run in the Longines Hong Kong
Sprint (1200m) in December.
Undefeated before his Hong Kong raid, the
Elusive City five-year-old blotted his copybook
for the first time with the two Sha Tin defeats (he
also lost in the lead-up race in November, the
BOCHK Hong Kong Jockey Sprint over 1200m),
but the Woodlands Handicap triumph has
maintained an unblemished record on local soil
with a seventh success and a third Group win
after the Patron’s Bowl (1600m) and Emirates
Singapore Derby (2000m), both Group 1 events
last year.
One of the best away in the handicap feature,
last year’s champion four-year-old was eased
outside leader El Milagro (Red Dazzler), jogging
along within his own steam till the top of the
straight. Already, the complexion of the race told
the story: Nunes had not moved one iota while
his fellow riders were already scrubbing up their
mounts and were not making much ground.
El Milagro folded quickly when Spalato shot past,
but the others were about to be left standing
10
as well when O’Hara’s magnificent running
machine was slipped an inch of rein more. In one
fell swoop, Graham Mackie and Trish Dunell’s
champion hurtled away to coast home unrivalled
with a message that could not be clearer: The
champ was back and back better than ever.
Not one given to excessive hyperbole, O’Hara
was his usual composed self at the winner’s
circle, but visibly relieved that first race after
all the doom and gloom was over and most
importantly won in the most emphatic fashion
he could have hoped for. “It’s such a relief he
won, especially after all the problems he’s had
since Hong Kong,” said the Singaporean handler.
“It’s good to see him win again as I was a bit
worried about the pull in weights. Not so much
the weight itself as he’s carried weights before.”
“I left it to Nunes to ride his own race. I just
told him to look after him and he’s a complete
professional and the horse did the rest. He
always had a lot in hand throughout and the
way he won, it’s pretty obvious that his back
problems are behind him now. I was actually
never worried about that going into the race.
I will see how he pulls up but the plan is now to
set him for the Kranji Mile.”
The Group 1 Panasonic Kranji Mile (16 00m) on
October 4 is the first Leg of the Singapore Triple
Crown series which also comprises the Group
1 Raffles Cup (1800m) on October 25 and the
Group 1 Longines Singapore Gold Cup (2200m)
on November 15. Among the many mouth-
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
Spaloto
watering clashes for Spalato could be on a headon collision with Singapore Horse of the Year War
Affair (NZ) (O’Reilly). It sure lets the imagination
of many go wild.
After such a sight to behold, Mackie was still able
to contain himself at the prize presentation, but
Dunell was a complete wreck after her “baby”,
whom she bred herself, had bounced back from
injury in such stellar fashion, with the promise of
more to come. “I’m a complete mess now. I’m so
glad he won,” said Dunell.
“There is always a bit of anxiety how he would go
first-up after such a long break, but this was just
awesome.”
With that seventh success, Spalato, who clocked
1min 10.44secs for the 1200m on the Long
Course, has now taken his stakes earnings past
the $1.17 million mark.
Awards Night
CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD MONGOLIAN KHAN AND HIS CONNECTIONS
DOMINATED THE ANNUAL THOROUGHBRED AWARDS ON THURSDAY NIGHT.
More than 300 people gathered at the Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton to salute the champions of last season and they saved their biggest
cheers for the exciting three-year-old and his owners and trainers.
Mongolian Khan was the only horse to score a clean sweep of the judges’ votes in his age group – he was the first horse in nearly 30 years to win the
New Zealand and Australian Derbies – and he clearly outpointed Caulfield Cup runner-up Rising Romance in the champion stayers’ category. But
Mongolian Khan was also an overwhelming winner of the ultimate accolade, the Horse of the Year, the now retired mare Silent Achiever stealing just
one vote from him.
Mongolian Khan, who won seven of his nine starts during the season, including the Avondale Guineas, Waikato Guineas, New Zealand Derby and ATC
Derby at Randwick, bankrolled more than $2 million for his Chinese owners.
The incredible season earned Lang Lin and his fellow members of the Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry syndicate the coveted owner of the year
prize.
And it also helped Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman to collect the trainer of the year trophy, their 113 win bag and stake
earnings of $3,273,070 clear records.
The Judges had little trouble separating the contenders in most other categories with Telegraph and Waikato Sprint winner Sacred Star hailed top
sprinter and Zabeel Classic and Herbie Dyke Stakes heroine Soriano voted champion middle distance horse.
The voting wasn’t quite so clear cut in the two-year-old section with Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Marky Mark downing Baker and
Forsman’s Diamond Stakes winner Dal Cielo.
And while premiership winner Matt Cameron was named champion jockey, after winning 154 races, Opie Bosson scored 15 votes for his rollercoaster
season when, with nearly 600 fewer rides, he still collected more stakemoney, $2.8 million, than Cameron through winning 14 Group and Listed races.
The Southland’s renowned Dennis brothers – Joe, Martin, Ray and Tony – received a standing ovation when named the winners of the award for
outstanding contribution to racing.
In its citation NZTR described the brothers as men of the land whose stockmanship had morphed into astute horsemanship, and who were known for
their modesty and sincerity ahead of flamboyance and showmanship.
Working together with a thoroughbred line tracing back 70 years they had enjoyed immense success as breeders, owners, trainers and vendors. With
horses like broodmare of the year The Pixie, The Fantasy and The Grin and class gallopers like The Phantom Chance, The Jewel, The Phantom, The
Twinkle and The Diamond One, they had won a raft of Group I derbies, oaks, cups and weight-for-age features in New Zealand and Australia.
Champion jockey James McDonald was the inaugural winner of a new award for outstanding global achievement.
At just 20, McDonald has proved himself against the world’s best in Hong Kong and in two stints in the United Kingdom and throughout 2015 had
been jointly rated the Longines’ world’s best jockey, and was still second equal.
Now aligned to one of the world’s powerhouses of racing, Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin Stable, he was a true ambassador for New Zealand racing
and a role model for young Kiwis.
12
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
AWARDS PRESENTED WERE:
Big winner
Horse of the Year:
Mongolian Khan (51). Other votes: Silent
Achiever (1)
Two-year-old:
Marky Mark (38). Other votes: Dal Cielo (17)
Three-year-old:
Mongolian Khan (55)
Sprinter (up to 1500m):
Sacred Star (47). Other votes: I Do (6), In Style (1)
Middle distance (1501m -2100m):
Soriano (37). Other votes: Silent Achiever (8),
Sakhee’s Soldier (7), Puccini (3)
Stayer (2101m +):
Mongolian Khan (44). Other votes: Rising
Romance (6), Rock Diva (4).
Jumper:
Amanood Lad (30). Other votes: Sea King (10),
Wee Biskit (10), Mr Mor (4).
Owner:
Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry (NZ) Ltd
(27). Other votes: Denise Howell (8), Sir Peter
Vela (2), Raffles Thoroughbred Racing (2), Lincoln
Farms and Neville McAlister (1), Garry Chittick (1)
Owners’ premiership:
Sir Peter Vela
Trainer:
Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman
Trainers’ premiership:
Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman
Jockey:
Matt Cameron (36). Other votes: Opie Bosson
(15), Danielle Johnson (1)
Jockeys’ premiership:
Matt Cameron
Mr Lin Lang and his party with Nathan Guy
Telling stories Cherry and Mary
Brendan Popplewell,
Recognition
Karyn and Jimmy Mac
Jumps jockey:
Michael Mitchell (48). Other votes: Charlie Studd
(7)
Apprentice:
Rory Hutchings
Media:
Brendan Popplewell (20). Other votes: Des
Coppins (10), Brenda Collins (9), Steve Davis (7),
Matt Smith (6)
Filly of the year:
Platinum Witness
Breeder:
IDL Breeding Ltd (breeder of Volkstok’n’barrell)
Quiz – name these…
Broodmare:
Parfore (dam of Terravista and Tiger Tees)
Centaine award (stallion earnings worldwide):
O’Reilly
Dewar award (stallion earnings in Australasia):
Savabeel
Grosvenor award (stallion earnings in NZ):
Savabeel
Outstanding global achievement:
James McDonald
Outstanding contribution to NZ racing:
Joe, Martin, Ray and Tony Dennis
– Stuff
SEPTEMBER 2015
13
COBALT CIRCUS IS ENTERTAINING
BUT IT’S NOT FUNNY FOR RACING
As the cobalt circus continues to roll on, barely
a week goes by without some form of hearing
or some new revelation.
Last week in Sydney there was the “show-cause”
hearing on Australian Turf Club official Matt
Rudolph and also final legal submissions on
the long-running Sam Kavanagh hearing with
charges against an eclectic bunch including
Kavanagh, his vet Tom Brennan, Brennan’s
manager Aaron Corby and Standardbred
identities John Camilleri and Mitchell Butterfield.
In Melbourne this week trainer Mark Kavanagh
and Danny O’Brien go to the Racing Appeals
and Disciplinary Board to argue against the
recent steward’s decision to impound Spring
prizemoney from major race wins until their
cobalt cases are resolved.
The other three trainers – Peter Moody and
father-son training team Lee and Shannon Hope
– have accepted the garnishment and will not
be appealing this decision. Also on Wednesday,
Brennan has his directions hearing on multiple
charges relating to the cobalt positives of O’Brien
and Mark Kavanagh.
Surely there is a book or a movie script in this
cobalt fiasco. It certainly has all the ingredients –
leading trainers with international reputations on
the line, serious doping allegations with racing’s
newest go-fast, involvement of veterinarians and
unlicensed shadowy characters from harness
racing, links to the underworld and horses being
heavily backed on the punt.
In NSW it is even more intriguing with Australian
Turf Club officials allegedly involved in leaking
sensitive confidential stewards information and
trying to coerce Sam Kavanagh to alter evidence
and not implicate Brennan.
All this and we have not even heard the cases in
Victoria. If it wasn’t so serious and so damming of
Australian racing’s reputation one could envisage
a horse-theme movie – perhaps Blazing Saddles or
Cobalt Blues. But given the many twists and turns
already, perhaps the best way to portray the cobalt
saga would be a TV mini-series in the two states.
The cobalt drama series in NSW would have to be
Days of our Lives with maybe a bit of Judge Judy
and Family Court.
In NSW we have estranged father and son, Mark
and Sam Kavanagh, brothers Matt and Greg
Rudolph. At last week’s show-cause hearing we
were told of a conversation about cobalt between
the Rudolph brothers. Apparently Greg Rudolph,
the deputy chairman of stewards, discussed a
conversation he had had with his father-in-law,
Ray Murrihy who is chairman of stewards. The
trouble is that Matt Rudolph is facing show-cause
notices that he acted inappropriately in meeting
the Kavanaghs in an attempt to get Sam to leave
vet Brennan out of the picture.
So now Murrihy has been drawn into the saga by
the possible involvement of Rudolph.
As there have been only brief hearings in Victoria
so far, there is not a lot of script on which to build
a mini-series, but given what has been aired
PATRICK BARTLEY
Racing writer for The Age
August 18, 2015
to date it would seem our TV series should be
Random Breath Test – RBT.
Imagine the Monash Freeway blocked off one
Friday night and a booze bust stops and tests
5,000 drivers. Sadly there are five positive drivers
all testing in the 0.15 blood alcohol range – three
times the allowed limit. Initially all drivers blamed
the police, saying they had been entrapped and
the 0.05 rule was not publicised enough and
has been introduced hastily without enough
planning and thought.
But now as these drivers head towards their
day defending the charge, there is an idea of
the defence arguments. The first two drivers – a
father and son – are going to argue that they
want a blood test as the first test is not good
enough and is unreliable.
The next driver – a high-profile person – has no
idea how he recorded such a high level, he has
done nothing different on the night and he gets
tested around 300 times a year and has not had
any problems.
The final two drivers are also perplexed but admit
they have had a couple of shots of the world’s
most expensive whiskey at $3,000 a shot but
believe that it didn’t contain any alcohol and now
they are blaming the publican for nobbling their
drinks.
This might seem humorous if it wasn’t a take
on what is actually happening in Australian
racing and which is damaging the International
standing of our racing.
BRENT ZERAFA THE LATEST TO BE CHARGED
IN ONGOING SAM KAVANAGH COBALT INQUIRIES
Media personality Brent Zerafa is the latest to
be charged in relation to the ongoing inquiry
into the Sam Kavanagh stable.
Zerafa was issued a charge of conduct prejudicial
to the image of racing because of his actions
when working for defunct television station
TVN at Randwick on January 17. Stewards are
concerned he backed a winner, Palazzo Pubblico,
but failed to tip to it to punters on air.
He joins a long list of people involved in racing
to be charged following the investigation, which
started with a swab irregularity to caffeine
and cobalt taken from Kavanagh’s runner
Midsummer Sun after he won the Gosford Cup
in January. Zerafa has been stood down by
Sky Channel following the charge. Zerafa had
been interviewed by stewards as part of the
investigation a couple of weeks ago about texts
he received from racing identity John Camilleri,
who has answered six charges relating to alleged
raceday treatments of horses in the Kavanagh
stable.
Camilleri had texted Zerafa a tip for Palazzo
Pubblico before it won on January 17 when
heavily supported in betting. Stewards stated
14
they have a message from Camilleri to Zerafa,
which implied involvement by Camilleri with the
Kavanagh stable. Zerafa was working on TVN on
the afternoon and failed to tip Palazzo Pubblico
on air, and to punters on track at Randwick.
Stewards have evidence from his betting records
that he actually backed the winner.
During the hearing into Camilleri’s involvement in
raceday treatments, stewards revealed a message
believed to have been sent from him to Zerafa.
“These galloping ****s have to wake up a week
before to outsmart us trotting grubs,” Camilleri
texted.
Stewards have stated there are further text
communications between the pair after the race
where Zerafa made reference to not tipping
Palazzo Pubblico in his selections on TVN. A date
to hear the charge has not been announced.
Meanwhile, the second day of hearings regarding
the show-cause notice issued to Matthew
Rudolph, the Australian Turf Club executive
general manager of racing, heard from the vet at
the centre of the cobalt inquiries into two states,
Tom Brennan.
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
CHRIS ROOTS
August 20, 2015
Rudolph is showing cause to four charges related
to a meeting, which took place at the Lord
Dudley on March 2 between Sam Kavanagh and
his father, Mark Kavanagh that he attended. The
charges include dishonest, corrupt, improper and
dishonourable conduct, an attempt to obstruct or
hinder the stewards in exercising their powers and
conduct prejudicial to the image of racing.
Brennan was quizzed about his long friendship
with Rudolph and the use of his wife, Emma’s,
phone to talk with Rudolph. He stated that the
meeting had been set up by Mark Kavanagh, even
though he had discussed it with the trainer and
“Matt was never meant to go to the meeting. He
was to pick Mark Kavanagh up from the airport and
take him there.” Rudolph rang Brennan before and
after the meeting.
The hearing by a subcommittee of the Racing NSW
board chaired by Ken Brown also heard evidence
from ATC director Laurie Macri. It was adjourned
until next month for closing submissions.
Trainer Kevin Moses will front stewards on Friday
over a cobalt reading above the threshold taken
from Felix Bay after it ran fifth at Hawkesbury in
May.
CONGRATULATIONS TO FEDERATION MEMBERS ON THEIR RECENT WINS!
We continue to track winning horses owned by Owner’s Federation members. As we only have visibility of owner’s named in the race book, we know we will
have missed members involved in winning syndicates and may have inadvertently missed others. We apologise to any member we have missed and extend
our congratulations to all members who have recently experienced the thrill of winning.
R G Allen
K E Bird
A J A Bosma
Mrs A Browne
N C Burkitt
A O Burton
Ms L B Cai
J C & Mrs E A Carran
T J & Mrs M Carter
Miss T T Charles
M S Claydon
M A Collinson
C J & Mrs B R Condren
P R Corbett
R A & Mrs J D Coupland
P L Cross
N T Delahunty
P J Dobson
M K & Mrs C Dravitzki
F T & Mrs F I Drummond
Ken & Mrs J M Duncan
W M & Mrs F L Fearon
J A Gibbs
P G Gillespie
W J Gleeson
Go Racing
A S & Mrs L R Goodall
Hayley Govorko
C J Grace
Miss J J Harkness
T O Harrison
B J & Mrs M A Harvey
Haunui Bloodstock Ltd
Mrs J Heim
A J Hickman
D B Hill
G & A Hill Trust
C C Hobbs
G Hodel
Sir Patrick
& Lady Justine Hogan
J P Hurley
P J & Mrs S L Kay
Miss E M Keegan
G B Kemp
T R King
G G R & Mrs A B Lambert
Lincoln Farms Ltd
T G Lines
J F Marks
A B McMillan
J D Morris
I S & Mrs M G Morrison
D J & S Mullally
Mrs G D Munro
E Y Nakhle
P S & Mrs C Nelson
S M Payne
Carterton
Napier
Herne Bay
Cambridge
Cambridge
Rotorua
Papakura
Otautau
Cambridge
Ashburton
Waihi
Palmerston Nth
Wellington
Ashburton
Christchurch
Riversdale
Whakatane
Ohaupo
New Plymouth
Pukeatua
Hunterville
Palmerston Nth
Matamata
Mt Maunganui
Palmerston Nth
Herne Bay
Hamilton
Epsom
Hamilton
Manukau
Parnell
Cambridge
Papakura
Greenlane
Christchurch
Napier
Hawera
New Plymouth
Katikati
Cambridge
SANJARA
NECTACOLECTA
MIHAIA
IMA DANCER
FORBIDDEN
HEATH
NOTABADROOSTER
JAZZMAN
MR KNOWITALL
LAKOTA, HOWZAT
FORBIDDEN
SOUTHERN ICON
OUR GAZZA
LAKOTA, HOWZAT
RIVERTAINE COUP
QUEEN OF COOL
FORTUNE KEPT
KENTUCKY SON
ZAFRENZY
JOKING
SHAMAL, WEE BISKIT
GOLDEN BAY
IN FLIGHT
TIGER TIM, THE CZAR, CHOPPER
TIGER TIM, CHOPPER
NATIONAL PRIDE, MISS LIGHTNING, MONEYBOX, PINZANO
PEPPER MILL
CAILEAG
RULE THE WORLD
HIGH TAIL IT
CASTLE BEE
ROCKWELL
SIR LINDAUER
RUSSIAN MAGIC
PARAKETO
NECTACOLECTA
NOM DE BOSS, BIGREDMOON
WAITOKI AHI
GREY POWER
ZACADA
Hawera
Levin
Hawera
Gisborne
Taupo
Palmerston Nth
Kumeu
Papakura
Matamata
Levin
Mosgiel
Warkworth
Alexandra
Winton
Hunter’s Corner
Hastings
Waitara
CATWOMANDU
NGARIO
VEGA
HERE’SHOPING
FORTUNE KEPT
SUPERTURF
ROD’S LINCOLN
HONOR THAT, ZAH CHAMP, INA JAM
SMARTLY
GET FLASH
SAN MICHELE
DUFFERS CREEK
THE LION QUEEN
BECHTOLSHEIMER
ELEGANT LAD
ZARDETTO, SAN PEDRO
SECOND TIME LUCKY
Mrs M Pratt
B J & Mrs M A Priest
D N & Dame Wendy Pye
John & S B Ralph
Patricia Redwood
J A Roache
G A Rogerson
C P Russell
Seaton Park Ltd
E P Shearman
G R Shewan
C & T Simpson
W D Skelton MBE
W Slee
C J Solomon
K & A Stove
B M & Mrs C N Taylor
B C Thomas
D Thomsen
R Thornley
K J & Mrs C J Tod
R M Tunnicliffe
E M Tynan
Sir Peter Vela
R Vercoe
M D N Wallace
J G Walsh
J D Watson
Whakanui Stud
J R Wheeler
K R Williams
R M Williamson
Palmerston
North
Matamata
Otahuhu
Pukekohe
Seddon
Marton
Hamilton
GRAYZE ANATOMY
QUEENS ROSE, NECTACOLECTA
LETMEBY, SPEEDY JAX
THENAMESBOND
PLACID PRINCESS
GOLDEN BAY
GOODN’TARG, CULLCH FORTY FIVE, THE BEST MAN,
RAJASTHAN
Hastings
DONNA BEEL
Morrinsville
BISHOPBRIGGS
Levin
BANG
Hamilton
ILLUMINATI
New Plymouth BRAVE KAT
Levin
OUR GAZZA
Auckland
NECTACOLECTA
Auckland
KINDALEICA
Drury
UNTAMED DIAMOND, QUEEN OF COOL,
Cambridge
SHAMAL
Queenstown
MAYBE MIAMI
Taumarunui
RUSSIAN MAGIC
Mt Maunganui IN FLIGHT
Palmerston Nth SUPERTURF, GOLDEN BAY
Takapuna
PERMESSO
Howick
IN FLIGHT
Hamilton
MAKARSKA
Tirau
DE NIRO
Cambridge
YARDARM
Pleasant Point BRIDGET TOWN
Levin
BANG
Hamilton
WARZONE
New Plymouth ZED CASE
Taradale
GOLDEN BAY
Twizel
FAITES VOS JEUX
THE OWNER’S FEDERATION WELCOMES
NEW MEMBERS
We wish to extend a very warm welcome to the new members who have joined
the Owner’s Federation in July to August 2015.
We really appreciate your membership support and look forward to a long and
enjoyable association with you.
AUCKLAND
Kerry & Anna Stove
Hayley Govorko
WAIKATO
Jan Walker
Diane Burkitt
B F Appleton
MANAWATU
Faye Fearon
HAWKES BAY
Lester Drake
K Russell
Gerald Kemp
Drury
Epsom
Te Awamutu
Cambridge
Morrinsville
Palmerston North
Havelock North
Hastings
Gisborne
CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND
Dennis & Sally Mullally
Phil Cross
Tony Hickman
Patricia Redwood
Jenny & Hamish Cochran
TARANAKI
Jason Hurley
G & A Hill Trust
Warren Bolton
C Dravitzki
Alexandra
Riversdale
Christchurch
Seddon
Christchurch
Hawera
Hawera
New Plymouth
New Plymouth
FEDERATION CONTACTS
JOIN US TODAY
Telephone: 0800 696 377 Fax: 07 855 0330 E-mail: nztrof@xtra.co.nz
The annual membership fee of $55 Single or $60 Dual
P.O. Box: 14-027, Hamilton 3252 President: Neil Oldfield 06 327 8426
will be the smallest investment you make in racing –
Secretary: Jim Keyte 027 276 0464 Website: www.racehorseowner.co.nz
but possibly the best.
SEPTEMBER 2015
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