to - New Zealand Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners

OWNERS’
BULLETIN
NOVEMBER 2015
PHOTO: RACE IMAGES
OUR GOAL
NZTR BOARD ELECTS NEW CHAIRMAN
To improve the economics,
The Board of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) announced today the appointment
of Dr Alan Jackson as its Chairman from the conclusion of the AGM on 6 November 2015.
integrity and pleasure of
Mrs Victoria Carter was appointed Deputy Chairman.
the sport of thoroughbred
The Chairman and Deputy Chairman are appointed annually by the Board from among its six directors.
racing on behalf of all
This follows NZTR Chairman, Matthew Goodson’s, announcement in June 2015 that he will not be seeking
re-election for a further three-year term and will retire from the NZTR Board at the conclusion of this year’s
AGM. Matthew Goodson was appointed to the restructured independent NZTR Board in 2011 and has held
the position of Chairman from that time.
owners.
president/members
councillor’s
message
Neil Oldfield
On his appointment Dr Jackson stated: “Together with the Board, I look forward to working collaboratively
with stakeholders and industry bodies to implement a sustainable plan for thoroughbred racing and
the racing industry in a rapidly changing industry which presents challenges and, more importantly,
opportunities.”
“I appreciate the support and confidence of my fellow directors in appointing me to this significant role
in the racing industry. I and the other directors fully accept the importance of the task the industry has
charged us with.”
Dr Jackson 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.
Welcome members and readers to the
latest edition of your owners Bulletin.
What an endorsement the New Zealand
industry has with the current form in
Australia of the quality four year olds
Mongolian Khan and Turn Mr Loose. I expect
that the late spring, summer and autumn will
see more three and four year olds displaying
significant form abroad and at home.
The firmimg of racetracks is very welcome,
trainers and owners have been frustrated by
the surfaces that have dominated the local
racing since April. Winter started early this
year in many regions in April rain effected
surfaces became the normal surface. Even
now in late October, morning and evening
temperatures are decidedly cooler than the
normal for the time of year. It is especially
noticeable with a greater cloud cover. It
usually means horses prepared in areas
closer to the coast show improved form
earlier than their inland cousins. What was
a striking fact was the number of winners
coming from the Cambridge centre.
Especially to be noted on the final day of the
Hawkes Bay Carnival. The Livamol Classic
being taken by Addictive Habit, and a further
six other winners coming from Cambridge.
Matamata, Wanganui, and Opaki recorded
one a piece.
While significant numbers of horses are
trained at these venues, the facilities also
allowed the preparation of the horses
to perform at Premier level. Centralised
training with track surfaces offer the greatest
return on investment for the industry. The
cost structures support the continued
development of such training centres as
Matamata, and Cambridge. The reverse side
of the coin though is a depletion of racing
horses from such venues as Wanganui.
In days gone more than a hundred were
trained there. Today, I understand , less than
forty. Their advantage, quiet well maintained
tracks that allow fast work on grass surfaces.
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 201213 including serving as Chairman.
He served as Chairman of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Australasia between 2003 and 2009 and has
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, Australian
Racehorse Owners’ Association, Auckland Racing Club and Taupo Racin g Club (part of the TRAC Group).
2015 NEW ZEALAND
PATTERN COMMITTEE REVIEW
The New Zealand Pattern Committee (NZPC) has undertaken its annual review of the Group
and Listed races run in New Zealand in the 2014-15 season.
In accordance with the Rules of Racing the following decisions have been made:
1. The James & Annie Sarten Memorial S. (3YO, 1400m) at Te Rapa has been upgraded from Group 3 to
Group 2 for the 2015-16 season.
2. The Manawatu Challenge S. (1400m) has been upgraded from Group 3 to Group 2 for the 2015-16
season.
3. The Westbury Classic (F&M, 1400m) at Ellerslie has been upgraded from Group 3 to Group 2 for the
2015-16 season.
4. The Anniversary H. (1600m) at Trentham has been upgraded from Listed to Group 3 for the 2015-16
season.
5. The South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. (F&M, 1600m) at Canterbury has been upgraded from
Listed to Group 3 for the 2015-16 season.
6. The Oaks Prelude S. (3YOF, 1800m) at New Plymouth has been granted Listed black type status for the
2015-16 season.
7. The Hawke’s Bay Gold Cup (2200m) has been downgraded from Group 3 to Listed for the 2015-16
season.
As a result of these changes there will again be 22 Group One races conducted in 2015-16, 25 Group Two
races, 38 Group Three races and 63 Listed races. In total there will be 148 Group and Listed races scheduled,
one more than the previous season. The NZPC will review the schedule of Prestige Jumping Races (PJRs) in
October when the results for the 2015 jumping season are available.
The ANZ Race Classifications confirmed for the 2014-15 season were again the basis for the review
undertaken by the NZPC. Consistent with the New Zealand Rules of Racing 506 (8) the NZPC continues to
utilise its warning system as provided in the Rules, with a first warning likely to be issued where any race
fails to attain the minimum race rating required. Such a failure in consecutive years is likely to attract a
second warning. The NZPC continues to operate within parameters laid down by the Pattern Committee of
the Asian Racing Federation.
Which way to toss a coin, that is a question
worth serious contemplation.
The summary of warnings sees two second warnings maintained and two second warnings issued while
five races have reverted to first warnings. There were four first warnings maintained, eight first warnings
issued while fifteen races had their first warnings removed.
Regards, Neil Oldfield.
The Report is at: http://www.nzracing.co.nz/OnHorseFiles/Downloads/2015AnnualReport%20_2_.pdf
2
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
EDITORIAL
Neil Miller
Well I hope your spring is blooming lovely.
It certainly is where we are. At last the tracks
have come good and the irrigation will be
getting checked out as we head into an
El Nino summer.
It was great to see Addictive Habit win the very
prestigious Livamol Classic 2000m at Hastiings.
He absolutely monstered the opposition. I found
the cover shot of the horse and Sam on the Race
Images site and there are so many good ones
there it was hard to choose. Sam of course is
delightful, bright and bubbly and she has great
communication skills to grace our racecourses.
The Auckland Racing Club has asked us to assist
in promoting its new Bonecrusher Owners Room
which you can read about in my Auckland notes.
For years the Auckland Owners Association have
been pressing for a dedicated room. It appears
the implementation has come about from the
clubs expensive upgrade to their members
Takanini Room and the wish to improve the
membership level.
Initially the Bonecrusher Owners Room will be
for “Owners with horses racing on the day” but
we hope that gets expanded once the room gets
bedded in to all Owners on production of their
Owners membership card.
The ‘owners experience’ is so uneven in New
Zealand racedays and its about time that
a genuine effort was made to produce a
nationwide standard like the Victorian Owners
PHOTO: RACE IMAGES
Gold Card. Why Owners are treated as an
expense when if fact they are a resource, is
totally beyond me. What’s wrong with having
hundreds of Owners and their guests turning up
and putting a buzz around the place?
There is the Ready to Run Sale coming up and
here is a chance to buy a runner that you wont
have to wait for. Check out the Little Avondale
draft, there will be some well reared ones worth
consideration. I remember I asked Brent Taylor of
Trelawney years ago, what percentage would he
say rearing contributed to a good strong horse.
After some thought he said at least 30%. That’s
a subjective answer but old timers like the late
Bart Cummings knew where to look.
I asked Tony Lyndon to do a piece on the
Hawkes Bay Classic because I knew he was the
right ‘good man’ to do that task. Thank You Tony!
– OUR COVER –
Sam celebrates a winning ‘Habit
Now that mysterious to you Midnite has given
up chucking cups on 100s of “spotties’ he has
more time to swan around the district so he
chatted to Gail Drought and the family and got
her story.
Really big news, is we have scored a professional
racing scribe in Charlotte Gendall of Wellington
region who writes stylishly on ‘colours’.
Over time we get enquiries from journos
offering their services but when told it’s a ‘love
job’ they disappear really quick. Charlotte didn’t
flinch but we must try not to scare her off.
Then South Island racing identity Pam Trusttum
came to the party with a story on Thelma Foley.
The ever reliable Jenny Cowan knows an awful
lot of people in racing and a remarkable one
is Sarah Wills who has been everywhere and is
building a remarkable CV.
All of these people mentioned above, both
subjects and writers, are the very essence of
racing. With a strengthening base of like minded
folk racing should survive.
Rosie Hackett who has been in work a long
time has gone out for a spell. Her place in
our stable has been taken up by Brian O’Dea
Welcome Brian!
There are a lot of stories out there that need
telling and as always we would be delighted to
hear yours.
Contact me, neilandjeanette@yahoo.com
Rosie is a pal, so you keep in touch!
NZTR PROFIT AND LOSS BEFORE INFRASTRUCTURE
Stabilising our base
$3.76M
$2.78M
$1.58M
$40.8M
$44.4M
$47.2M
$47.9M
$0.32M
$0.10M
NZTR-FUNDED PRIZEMONEY FY11-FY15
FY11
$50.3M
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15
FY09
($0.57M)
FY08
FY10
($3.15M)
($3.95M)
FY11
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15
NZTR NET CURRENT ASSETS (EXCLUDING INFRASTRUCTURE RESERVE)
$3.60M
AVERAGE NZTR-FUNDED PRIZEMONEY PER RACE FY11-FY15
$13,386
$14,503
$15,687
$16,652
$17,658
$3.50M
$2.90M
$2.90M
$2.80M
$1.40M
$0.20M
FY11
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15
FY08
FY09
FY10
FY11
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15F
($0.30M)
NOVEMBER 2015
3
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
waikato/
bay of plenty words
Jenny Cowan
I felt proud to see Opie footing it against the Aussies as they lined
up in the barriers – but few words describe how we all felt at the
winning post in the Caulfield Cup. And again and again with Turn
Me Loose.
We have newish members with a name we know well – Colin Meads
– of course he has a wife, Verna, and they have titles – Sir and Lady.
So we hope racing continues in the vein of the win at Ruakaka with
Tennessee from the McKee stable – Pinehaven Racing has a ring to it.
Also Dazzling Lady with the interests of Sir Colin, CB Norwood, and RN
Preston.
Chris Campin and Mark Fraser Campin had a day to remember at
Hawera on Oct 10th October. Satay and Kisses won, and Sarookh ran
2nd, all ridden by Trudy Thornton..Satay is in foal to Battle Paint who
has had good winners in Singapore.
At Waipa on their Cup Day anniversary meeting Oct 4th, Roc de Bank
had a nice win ridden by Mark Hills, and trained by Chris Wood. The
OWNERS are a group from Kumeu to Wellington – involved in a variety
of lives – bee-keeping, taxi-driving, real estate, entrepreneurial, a
stock agent, and retired jockey. Avery, Borich, Bucknell, Proverbs,
Duckworth, Green, James, Magill and Manson. And how could I forget
– Edge.
auckland/
northland advice
No Hero is a hero – always been lovely when racing – and could give
HOY contenders a run for their money. And well done for his turnout, his plaits were perfect. These days the all important Clerk of
the Course mount in Central districts. And Tom Hazlett is part of our
colourful, ongoing, racing history.
Neil Miller
Melbourne Cup day brought a very large crowd to Ellerslie.
As I was in the throes of getting this bulletin away to Denise at
Bite Design we did not get there until after race 4. The carparks
were full of what appeared to be corporates vehicles so we parked
out on the street. Walking in, there was some seriously good
looking form perambulating and my lady said there was some
impressive hats too.
I had been asked by ARC Director Brent Cooper to check out and write
about the opening of an Owners Room on the first floor. The Auckland
Owners Association have been pressing for this facility for years. It has
apparently come to pass due to the recent upgrade to the Members
Takanini Room and the clubs desire to restrict this area to its members.
Bonecrusher Owners Room
Going up the stairs to Level 1 to turn right by the lift and walk right to
the end of the building is what used to be the old ‘High Rollers Room’.
On the Regency striped walls are many historic photos of the mighty
Bonecrusher. There was about 60 people in the room and evidence
there had been more.
There was a tote facility and a bank of TV screens and tables and chairs.
The outside viewing was over the pre-race hospitality area and
that end of the parade ring. There is a ramp down to the birdcage
and access from the room through a short passage and door to the
viewing area of the stand
There were two guys running a carvery from big joints of ham and
beef. Those and coleslaw and a bread roll cost $7. 50. A fridge had ales
at $6.50 and premium lager $8.50. I did not check the wine price. A
gentle warning give yourself plenty of time to get to a toilet as they
are away a good distance.
Of course it is early days and this room is a start to provide Owners
with a better choice of facility. We believe that the Auckland Racing
Club will progress this initiative and the Auckland Owners Association
is eager to assist.
4
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
At Te Rapa Oct 26th Davina Waddell had a nice win with Bergerac over
2100m – 3 wins from less starts than many, and he has a good stayers
future. Lisa Allpress riding for member and part-OWNER with Davina,
Doug Thomsen and his wife Ann. Doug bought Bergerac after buyers
failed to pay up, via the Gavelhouse Sales Co. He particularly liked the
breeding, by Mettre En Jeu, and now has five of the breed with Davina.
Doug has a timber yard in Taumaranui and a successful history with
horses and Davina’s stable – it’s just that Kumeu is a long way to go to
watch them work.
Apologies to Michael Collinson regarding my omission in including
him as a part OWNER of Southern Icon. Hope getting two stories in our
Bulletin helped.
Special Memories looked contained in a gallop at Ruakaka races and
followed up with a win in the Guineas Trial at Riccarton. OWNERS Carol
Marshall and Mrs Paykel should be at Riccarton to see her win on the
final day – by Fastnet Rock she carries a bit of reputation with her.
In two trials meetings in 9 days in October, the Baker-Forsman team
had 28 horses at Waipa, and a further 18 at Cambridge. And how many
waiting – in-the-wings, and racing. Imagine the plating!
Tarissa Mitchell had disappointment with her
previous charge when it was deemed
to have a breathing problem, but true
to her interest she found another by
Civics that was untried but now
has a 4212 formline from 4
starts – “Call Me Royal” – a
4yr old won at Tauranga
with Opie riding to help
the cause.
Call Me Royal
with owner trainer
Tarissa Mitchell
hawkes bay happenings
Tony Lyndon
The Elusive City mare Onefortheditch followed an easy 3 length win at Hawera by
backing up to win a class 65 $20,000 race over 1600m. She is raced by Graham Duffy
and Paul Robinson in partnership with Wanganui Kevin Myers.
Havelock North farmers Mike and Bronwyn Griffin went to a Karaka mixed sale to buy a
broodmare, and came home with a Per Canto 2 years old filly. Purchase for the princely
sum of $500 dollars, Missy Moo as she is now named won at her 3rd start at Wanganui in
September and more wins should be forthcoming.
Paul and Carol Nelson are never without a good jumper and San Pedro who won his second
race from 4 starts at Wanganui should be right up with them next winter. San Pedro has now
won 8 races and $110,000.
H.B.R.I. Director Tim Macphee and wife Briar followed a 3rd at Taupo and a 4th in the listed
Wanganui Guineas with Miss Cobra, then winning at Otaki on a heavy 11 track. The Macphees
bred Miss Cobra out of the Zabeel mare Athenri who is also the dam of Queensland Derby
winner Shootout. They were also awarded The Bi-Monthly Trophy for August/September.
H.B.R.I Director Kevin Wood and wife Shirin had a great thrill winning 2 races within 3 days.
They are part of a syndicate who race Silver Blade who won at Otaki and 3 days later they
won with Jacob Gambino at Wingatui.
If there is any addiction to Addictive Habit it must be winning races. Winning the Group 1
$250,000 Livamol Stakes added to his impressive resume of 10 wins plus Group 2 Couplands
Mile and over $600,000 in stake money. Bred by Graham and Isobell Roddick, he is raced by
them in a syndicate with Colin and Ann Scott, Hayden and Leony Nicholas, Bill O’Brien, Keith
and Meryl Tredaway.
Hastings Market Gardener John Flynn could have a handy stayer in the St. Reims mare
Cyclone Tracy. She won her 3rd race at Egmont over 2000 metres. Already a winner at 2200
metres at Trentham she is only now starting to mature.
Owner/Breeder Judy Holland who been racing horses for 46 years returned to the winners
circle when the Alamosa 3year old filly It’s Bianca won at Taupo. A $70,000 purchase at the
Karaka Select sales in 2013 she is a full sister to Salamanca who has won 6 races. Among a
long list of winners Judy has raced include Hagar who won 9 races and $139,000 dollars.
Ballybay part owned by Napier Accountant Paddy Murphy showed his likening for
Tauherenikau when winning a class 65 there on October 8th. From 4 starts at Tauherenikau
he has recorded 2 wins and 2 placings.
Taradale Owner/Breeder Alan Jackson won his 6th race with Slazenjah at Otaki when winning
the Raukawa Cup. The winner of last years Waipukurau Cup he is raced in partnership with
Wanganui Trainer Paul Belsham and his wife Bridget.
wanganui/taranaki roundup
HAWKES BAY/POVERTY BAY BATE
HALLET/VETERINARY ASSOCIATES
RACING/OWNERS/BREEDERS AWARDS
Hawkes Bay/Poverty Bay Owned Horse of the Year
Saavoya: Raced by the Waimarama Partnership, the
winner of the Group 2 $100,000 Eight Carat Stakes
and the Group 2 $100,000 Royal Stakes.
Hawkes Bay/Poverty Bay Trained Horse of the Year
Designated Driver trained by Sue Thompson and Mick
Brown. Winner of $79,000 dollars last season and 2nd
in the Group 1 Telegraph Handicap.
Hawkes Bay/Poverty Bay Broodmare of the Year
Chasing the Habit owned by Graham and Isobell
Roddick, dam of 6 winners including Addictive Habit
winner of the Group 2 Couplands mile: 10 wins, and
$623,611 in stakes.
Hawkes Bay/Poverty Bay Breeder of the Year
Sue Harty breeder of the most winners including
Waikato Steeplechase winner Sea King.
Hawkes Bay/Poverty Bay Owner of the Year
Paul and Carol Nelson. (Award worked out on a
points system).
Hawkes Bay /Poverty Bay Based Trainers Award
John Bary. (Most wins produced, 22 wins).
Hawkes Bay/Poverty Bay Trainers Award John
Bary (based on strike rate)
Jimmy Choux Award
Doug Phillips (highest earning 3 year old bred in
Hawkes Bay/Poverty Bay)
Red Robyn.
Horlicks Salver
Peter Shirnack (Outstanding contribution to racing).
Lime Country Vase
Kirsty Lawrence (Achievement of Significance)
Intransigent 3 consecutive Kiwifruit Cups at
Tauranga.
Brian O’Dea
A horse bred by President Neil Oldfield, Hundyamonth, and raced by a
syndicate of 28 members of the Wanganui St Johns Club has struck a purple
patch of form with the maiden win being followed by two good seconds. He
is from a very good family of Neil’s the best being Maguire – who won eight
including the Auckland Cup, and also Veloz, winner of six and placed in the
Captain Cook Stakes. On breeding it could develop form at longer distances.
Ken and Mrs J.M. Duncan had further success with Chop Suey and Wee Bisket
which tried hard to defend his G.N .title and was also good enough to win a
couple on the flat . Wee Bisket then featured at the Wanganui J.C. awards and tied
for Jumper of the Year with Mr Mor. Others featuring in the awards were members
Peter and Barbara Smith as most successful Breeders, Kevin Myers as leading
Jumps trainer and leading trainer and the Whangaehu O`Leary brothers took out
the personality award.
Judy Duncan had further success with Skybird from Sandy Cooksons stable ridden
by top local jockey Jonathon Parkes .
Committee member Alan Hawken is also in the Justa Charlie
syndicate with Dawn & Eddie. John Boon their son – in –law has
given away training with the body reminding him of the rogues
he did such a fine job with in his younger days.
Kay and Des Fleming had a great season with Savaria & Postboy and they will be
joined by their old warrior Pero who had a long spell due to injury. They also have
a couple of young horses that were at the abandoned Waverley trials.
Wanganui Life Member Janice Webster has been back in the
stable recently helping out brother-in-law Wayne Marshment
while her sister Judy recovers from a long overdue hip
replacement.
Dawn and Eddie Symes claimed their 100th winner last year with Justa Charlie
and he was trained and placed over the fences by Harvey Wilson this winter then
carried on to two good places on the flat. Dawn thinks he may be the last horse
they race.
Brian Anderson of Whangamomona and Anderson Pies fame
had a great Grand National Carnival with a horse he`s in the
ownership with, Hezanakilad getting his first win then followed
that up with a third in the National Steeples
NOVEMBER 2015
5
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
CONTINUED
Manawatu/Wellington Matters
Wellington Owner Ron Cunningham’s Per Incanto filly,
Shadows Cast was a good winner at Awapuni at only her
second start. A promising first up second ensured she was well
supported. The dam of Shadows Cast, Picnic in the Park, is a
sister to Ron’s good galloper of the past, Rat Tat, a winner of
13 races.
Sylvia & Paddy Kay traditionally have a stable containing one or
more useful gallopers. The latest winner, Keilib, by Librettist from
their good winner Keisano followed up 3 solid performances
when breaking through maidens at the Feilding meeting. Perhaps
Awapuni was an appropriate track for Keilib to record his first win
as he descends from Black Willow, winner of the 1974 Manawatu
Sires Produce Stakes in the hands of Bill Skelton.
Committee members of the Manawatu Association, Gail
Temperton and Stan Alexander rocked punters when their Miss
Benci won the final race on Feilding Cup Day when winning at
odds of 95 to one. Miss Benci has weighed in on 17 occasions,
including 3 wins. She is trained by Gail at Awapuni. The Partnership
also enjoyed success with Cullister at Wanganui in September.
Miss Benci was ridden by Kane Smith, who does a great job as the
riding master for the Central Apprentice Academy.
Tyne Cot scored his sixth and biggest win in the Team Wealleans
Matamata Cup. for Neil & Erin Connors and now has earned in
excess of $100k. The Keeper gelding is trained by Neil at Woodville.
Members John Roache, Mark & Fay Fearon and Mike and Kay
Courtney collected this year’s North Canterbury Cup with Brad
Thorn, one of 3 winners on the day for trainer Mike Breslin and
rider Cameron Lammas.
One of Mike’s other winners was the talented but lightly raced
Ringo, who recorded his 6th win in the Couplands Bakeries Mile
Prelude and is now likely to run in the Couplands Bakeries Mile
during the Cup Carnival. Ringo’s owners include Bill Gleeson, Peter
Gillespie and Gordon Calder. Bill Gleeson also races Zabeel mare
Letsgetiton, a winner at big odds at Otaki.
Michael Collinson and Allan Fenwick share in the ownership of Talk
The Torque, a recent winner at New Plymouth and the latter is a
Partner, along with Mike and Kay Courtney and Kevin and Sharin
Wood in Silver Blade who broke through at Otaki.
Allan Fenwick
Manawatu Association – Annual General Meeting
The Association AGM is set down for Tuesday, 8 December, at the Foxton RSA
commencing at 7.30pm. Further details will be contained in the Notice of
Meeting. The Committee is keen to see some new Committee members. This
is an opportunity for you to become more involved.
Central Regional Racing Awards
The NZ Bloodstock Central Regional Awards were held at Awapuni in mid
September. Covering horses and horsemen associated with the Wellington,
Masterton, Otaki-Maori, Marton, Feilding, Rangitikei, Manawatu and Levin
Clubs and tracks, the 2014/15 season had much to celebrate.
Outstanding filly Platinum Witness and her connections were the big winners
on the night. Raced by John Street’s Lincoln Farms Limited and Neville
McAlister and trained by Lisa Latta Platinum Witness won the Armadillo
Stakes, New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas (Group 1), Wellfield Desert
Gold Stakes, dead heated with Savaria in the Little Avondale Lowland Stakes
and was then runner up to Savaria in the Wellfield New Zealand Oaks. Darryl
Bradley was her regular rider.
John Street’s contribution as a major and successful owner, very supportive
of racing in the Central Region was recognised in the award of “Outstanding
Contribution to Racing.”
The Awards were split into two sections – the non-voting section recognised
the most wins for the season in each category. Gary Freeman and Herb Renall
shared the leading Owner/Trainer Award; Kelly and Rosie Myers were the
leading Jockeys and Lisa Latta the leading Trainer.
In the voting section the winners were –
Broodmare of the Year – Cent From Heaven, dam of Haunui Farm Diamond
Stakes winner Dal Cielo, amongst others.
Apprentice Jockey of the Year – Nivesh Teeluck
Jockey of the Year – Darryl Bradley
Owner of the Year – Lincoln Farms Limited and Neville McAlister
Trainer of the Year – Lisa Latta
Horse of the Year – Platinum Witness
Outstanding Contribution to Racing – John Street
central south island sayings
Fiona Hurst
Awards evening
To kick off the start of a sunny summer down here in the central south we hosted our annual awards evening at the Grey Way lounge at the
local racecourse. For the second year running we have had a poor turnout so watch out for something different next year. Despite the lack of
attendance a good night was had by all. We enjoyed a two course meal, a guest speaker and the presentation of the awards.
Jan Hay, training out of Ashburton once again took out the Trainer of the Year Award. Having her horses’ immaculately turned out and performing
consistently it is never a surprise to see Jans’ name at the top of the list for the Trainer Award.
The highs and lows keep on rolling throughout the year for Terrill Charles. Terrill accepted the Horse of the Year Award for She’s Insatiable, a seven year
old mare by Ustinov out of Checkered Past. Terrill trains She’s Insatiable and shares in the ownership with her husband Peter Corbett. Their mare started
off her season winning the Christchurch Casino NZ Cup Trial, then won the Listed Gold Club Metropolitan Trophy on the first day of Cup week and
backed up to run a mighty third in the New Cup one week later. A very credible third in the Group two Wellington Cup rounded off a super season for
horse and owners.
Mr Bob Goodeve from Waimate received an award for Contribution to Racing. Bob has spent a lifetime racing horses, sponsoring races, doing pro bono
contracting work and has also contributed to many committees if not being president of them.
Geoff McCrostie, a member of the Police Force, based in Timaru chatted to us and showed pictures of his social trip to Nepal during the earthquakes.
The pictures told some interesting stories and Geoff enlightened us with a few amusing stories regarding the locals.
Xmas BBQ coming up, hope to see you all there. Notice in your inbox/mailbox soon.
6
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
A lifetime
with
horses
Pam Trusttum
Horses have always played
an important part in Thelma
Foley’s life, from the earliest
memories of travelling to
Seadowm School in a horse
drawn carriage, to breeding,
training and riding her own
racehorses.
Thelma’s father, Arnold Topham was a talented horseman and he taught Thelma to
ride on one of the old farm hacks. She can remember going to her first hunt on a
hack and wear ing a long black dress with black stockings. Thelma was later given a
pony which she rode to school and competed at her first show as a ten year old.
In 1965 Thelma married Colin Adams and they ran a dairy farm in the Hokitika
region and had three children.
Fifteen years later Thelma left the West Coast and moved to Methven, and later
took over the running of the Temuka Motels, with long -time friend and later
husband Charlie Foley. Charlie had a farm at Kerrytown and was a very keen racing
person. The best horse he raced was Red Rebel, who was trained at Washdyke by
Barry Jones, and Red Rebel won eleven races.
A FAIRYTALE STORY
FOR NEW PLYMOUTH
OWNER
A fairy tale story for New Plymouth-based scrap
metal merchant Graham Meridith got even better
on Saturday evening as he and his mates gathered
to cheer home Gr.1 Victoria Derby winner Tarzino
(NZ) (Tavistock).
A stroke of ill-fortune saw Meredith become involved in the
world of thoroughbred breeding and led to the purchase of the
three-year-old classic winner’s dam Zarzino (NZ) (Zabeel) at the
2014 New Zealand Bloodstock Broodmare Sale at Karaka.
Tarzino was the last foal bred by Cambridge Stud supremo
Sir Patrick Hogan and wife, Lady Justine, before they sold his
dam, who was in-foal to the then unproven sire Tavistock (NZ)
(Montjeu).
That decision now sees Meridith living the dream that so
many small breeders aspire to as the value of the colt the mare
produced skyrockets through the deeds of his elder sibling.
Meredith was quick to admit he was still somewhat in a state
of confusion as to what it all means for him but is loving the
opportunity to live a journey that he had initially planned for his
father.
“My old man was dying of cancer and he couldn’t do much,”
Meredith said. “To pass the time he’d sit there and watch the
races.
The first thoroughbred mare Thelma bought was Papina, she was by Fiesta Star and
won two races. Thelma wasn’t game to tell her mother that she had purchased a
mare as her mum thought it was a waste of money.
“I thought I’d buy him a horse to give him a greater interest.
Unfortunately, Dad died and I was stuck with this horse, and
that’s how I got started.
After the sad passing of Charlie, Thelma moved into their 35 acre lifestyle block at
Kerrytown and later continued to breed and race horses in partnership with Peter
South.
“The last thing he said was get rid of that bloody horse, it’s
costing you too much money.”
The third foal of Papina was Our Swan Lake, a lovely big filly by Sumayr, who won
two races for Thelma and Peter, and she later went on to leave Sargent Dan by
Danske who also won a couple of races.
Another mare that Thelma and Peter bred from was Olini by Spectacular Love, that
left several winners including Bridge Player, Your Call and the six winner Imajoker.
Her last foal is a three year old by Onceuponatime, named Don’t Shuffle Me, and he
is presently spelling after going shin sore.
The most exciting horse that Thelma has bred and raced was Bio Chicquita. As
a two year old she was third in the Welcome Stakes at Riccarton and second in
The Old Bailey at Trentham. She went on to win two races as an early three year
old, including running third in the Listed Canterbury Stakes. Unfortunately Bio
Chicquita never reached the potential that Thelma felt she possessed as she broke
down in the 1000 Guineas.
Thelma has a two year old Raise The Flag filly out of Bio Chicquita’s half-sister Mary
Chicquita, and she is the last horse that Thelma has bred.
Up until about a year ago Thelma was still riding track work, but being in her
seventies, and having soundness issues, she reluctantly decided it was time to hang
up her riding boots.
At time of writing Thelma has two mares in work, half-sisters Kerrytown Lady and
Bridget Town. The later won a Pearl Series race at Timaru in July and fortunately she
was registered for that and collected the bonus.
Kerrytown Lady broke some bones in her hind fetlock during her last start in
which she won a R65 1600m at Timaru on 16 May 2014. Thelma turned her out for
fourteen months and three months ago had the injury rescanned. The vet gave her
the all clear, and as she didn’t want to breed any more foals, Thelma decided to put
her four win mare back into training. So far she is showing no signs of soreness and
enjoying the attention of being in work and stabled.
I am sure there are more wins on the radar for this dedicated horsewoman.
Ignoring his father’s advice and with one mare in foal on his 20
acre property, Meredith decided she needed a companion. Good
friend and local breeder Jeff Bliss was heading to the Broodmare
Sale at Karaka and Meredith’s instructions were fairly simple.
“I said to Jeff, just go to the sale and get me a cheapo. When this
one came up for $1500, he thought that was a good deal.”
That selection will now provide Meredith with the chance to
multiply his initial investment many times over at next year’s
National Yearling Sale Series at Karaka.
“Her yearling colt is an absolute cracker. He’s a lovely, big horse,”
Meredith said.
“I had the chance to speak with Sir Patrick after Tarzino started
showing so much promise and that relationship has seen us
send the colt to him to get ready for the sale next year.
“We also had the mare served by Tavistock again and she
is ready to foal any day now so not only do we have the
opportunity with her yearling colt we’ve hopefully got another
one on the way.”
That mix will change however this season with Meredith having
decided to try something different with Zarzino.
“The mare will foal down at Rich Hill Stud this time as we are
going to send her to Jimmy Choux,” he said.
“He was a champion racehorse and I really like what I see with
him so I thought we’d have a wee change this year.
With his victory in the Derby Tarzino becomes the fifth individual
stakes winner for his sire Tavistock and the second at the elite
level after Volkstok’n’barrell (NZ) was successful in the Gr. 1
Rosehill Guineas earlier in the year. – NZ Racing Desk
NOVEMBER 2015
7
SARA WILLS (NZ)
BUILDING A LIFE NEAR HORSES
We know of, read of or are actually a part of, varying outcomes for ‘Women in Racing.’
There seems an inevitability in some. Timing in some instances has played its part in
the achievement but mostly it is the striving that has produced the result. One who
holds a sought after position gained from the different aspects of experience and
time is New Zealand woman Sarah Wills, CEO of Scone Racing Club in Central Coast
New South Wales, Australia.
Sarah was in her words “just born horse mad”, and she is still the same. But that has lead
her to where she is today through learning and working hard. Her father, Bill Wills from
Cambridge loved the fact of her interest in horses and eagerness to work with them but her
mother, Janet, encouraged her down a study path of anything but.
So came a secretarial course, then preparing Sir Patrick’s yearlings, work with horses at the
Campins’ Chequer’s Stud. There was a while at Jim Gibbs’ racing stable, administration work
at Ra Ora Stud ; and a study course in management and breeding in Ireland that filled her
young years.
She moved on to travel and work overseas in Ireland at Kilmarnock then Sweden for trainer
John Huber. On to Kentucky at Lanes End Farm, where 18 months where noted sires
A.P.Indy, Miesque and Summer Squall stood. Then two years in Italy brought a learning of
language and culture whilst working with the horses.
Back to New Zealand with secretarial jobs with Wrightson’s, Windsor Park and Fayette Park
for a period before she took up an offer to work at Coolmore Stud, NSW, where she spent 11
years as stud secretary.
A two year stint as CEO of Ballina Jockey Club was enjoyable, but Sarah preferred the Hunter
Valley area, and accepted her present position at Scone, where she has been for four years.
Sarah says Scone has a very progressive committee and an outstanding Chairman, Noel
Lecke who was instrumental in gaining the only stand-alone Saturday meeting for a NSW
8
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
country club. The Emirates Park Scone Cup Carnival is a
two day meeting with nearly $2m in prize money. Her
many and varied duties are organising upcoming race
meetings, overseeing track maintenance, managing the
Function Center, advertising, social media and website
management.
Sarah has followed her Dad’s advice to work hard at
whatever field she chose – her CV relates to career
focused work with horses – in many disciplines – which
has resulted in her high-profile job at Scone.
It is a compelling story of Sarah’s aptitude and application
that enabled her to enjoy working in an industry where
she says many friendships have been formed and many
have helped her on the journey. She is a great ambassador
for Kiwi women.– Jenny Cowan
STUD CHAT
WITH SAM
November 2015
Not only has Dal Cielo been a rock star for
PER INCANTO but the likes of Bob Of The
Head in Aus and Magnum, whom Corey
Brown rates as an ideal type for the 1600m
Singapore Guineas, are an excellent
supporting cast. There’s a real theme of
value amongst some of his latest winners.
Hawkes Bay’s Mike and Bronwyn Griffin
paid just $500 for Missy Moo, and Trevor
McKee found the first 2YO stakeswinner in
the Wellesley Stakes for the 2015 season
in Tennessee handing over just $11,000 for
rugby legend Sir Colin Meads and Thayne
Green.
Congratulations to the connections of
Mongolian Khan. Our family has a proud
history in the Caulfield Cup with horses
we’ve bred and reared, so when Opie shot
him away turning for home, we were very
proud. WHY? Not just because he was
Kiwi trained and ridden but because we
bred Mongolian Khan’s dam, Centafit.
Arguably one of the best bred horses in
the Sale, LOT 326, the O’Reilly colt from
the Zabeel mare Kumari also has a lot of
other things going for him. He displayed
a quality action in his breeze up and has
the making of a lovely 3YO. This is Jim
Barlow’s wonderful family of Sharvasti,
Shastri, and Bhandara.
Leading vendors Lyndhurst Farm,
Riversley Park and Diamond Lodge
present five quality star 2YO’s on our
behalf at the Karaka RTR Sale. It’s exciting
to once again be part of the most in-form
sale of its type probably anywhere in the
world.
The Nadeem colt from the Zabeel mare
Kurabeel (LOT 327) rounds out our
offering. Going forward from Lyndhurst,
he looks every inch a 3YO type yet still
belied his physique to breeze-up in a
comfortable 10.61.
LOT 81 is the Per Incanto colt from the
O’Reilly mare Surreptitious. He’s a strong
fella, typical of the likes of Mettre En
Jeu and Saint Cecile from the family, so
it’s a nice cross given the precocity that
Per Incanto imparts. O’Reilly mares are
working well with Per Incanto too, shown
in the impressive Tennessee.
LOT 265, the Nadeem gelding from Foxtrot
ticks all the boxes. His 10.15 was the third
fastest breeze-up, he’s bred on the same
cross as 2015 Singapore Group 2 winner
Spanish Bay (Nadeem- Belle Jest by Rory’s
Young Carnegie mare Generous Nature
already has two stakes performers to
her name including Australian Group 2
winner Savvy Nature, so LOT 269 is going
to attract plenty of interest. The Nadeem
colt is typical of the mares other three
foals, strong and athletic, and he cruised
through his breeze-up in 10.59.
We’ve taken some lovely horses to this
Sale but I can’t recall a better offering.
Look forward to seeing you at Karaka.
M
W
I LL I A MS B
R
75
Ye ar s
DING
Over the ditch keep an eye on Cockles
the smart NADEEM 3YO colt. ANZ
Bloodstock News also highlighted him as
Jester), and is a half brother to Chris
Waller’s promising stayer Low Places, who
has won three of his last five starts.
EE
I had a wry smile earlier last month
when ZED, in whom we still retain the
majority shareholding, led the NZ Sires
Premiership, and TOWKAY was running
second in Hong Kong, behind none other
than Fastnet Rock. Domestically the likes
of Slazenjah and Heni are reminders that
there’s still plenty of kick left in the old boy.
a horse to follow. Another is Kareeming,
who ran a close second in the $300,000
Cranbourne Cup last month showing off
again Nadeems staying ability. Nadeem’s
oldest NZ crop are 2YO’s and his RTR
draft of nine colts and geldings showed
excellent natural speed at last month’s
RTR breeze-ups. With his proven pedigree
and progeny race results they definitely
need to be checked out if you’re at the
RTR Sale.
A
Getting horses ready for spring racing in
Melbourne from NZ is a good challenge
and we were very proud of Dal Cielo (Per
Incanto-Cent From Heaven by Centaine).
His sectionals and courage to run a close
third in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas
Prelude showed us he was well up to the
class.
– RTR LOT 265 –
TE
Rugby and horses have been the only
topic of conversation in our household
over the last couple of months. I might
have a slight edge over Catriona when
it comes to the actual breeding of our
future champions but when the topic
turns to rugby she’s the one with all the
stats. We will certainly miss our main man
Richie… like great racehorses they are
rare but ALWAYS give 150%.
PROV
EN
THE GROUP 1
SPRING W.F.A.
CLASSIC
Tony Lyndon
The last 2 years the Spring Classic has been raced as The Livamol Classic but
this race has had many sponsors and is one of the oldest races run at Hastings.
Up to 1986 it was raced on the second day of The Autumn Carnival with the
Hawkes Bay Cup on the first day. A quick perusal over the last 40 years is a
journey down memory lane to remember some of our great W.F.A. horses.
Time and space does not give room to remark on most of them but a few I have
selected will surely jog your memories to times gone by.
ORMOND GOLD CUP 1973 DUTY FREE
ORMOND MEMORIAL GOLD CUP
1972 Count Kereru
1973 Duty Free
1974 Guest Star
1975 Curly Wave
1976 Duty Free
1977 Balmerino
1978 Le Mer
1979 Le Mer
1981 Serendiper
1982 Ruanuku
1983 Commissionaire
1984 Commissionaire
1985 Debs Mate
TRAILWAYS ORMOND STAKES
1986 Always Summer
1987 Lomondy
Not generally considered to be a W.F.A. horse Duty Free was bred by Mike Peacock at
Hastings. Like his full brother Brockton he took a long time to mature, and Brockton
only made his mark as a jumper, but what a jumper, winning the 1971 and 1972 Great
Northern Hurdles and 1971 Great Northern Steeplechase. Duty Free struck form as a 6
year old starting with the Wellington Racing Club Handicap and then the Benson and
Hedges Inter-Island at Riccarton. Then onto the Stars Travel Invitation Stakes at Tauranga
(N.Z. richest W.F.A. race at the time), beaten into 3rd in the Hawkes Bay Cup on the first
day he made amends by winning The Ormond Gold Cup on the 2nd day.
ORMOND STAKES
1977 BALMERINO
1991 Castletown
1992 Veandercross
1993 Calm Harbour
1994 Solvit
1995 Italian Saint
1996 Love Dance
1977 Moss Downs
1988 Just call me Sir
1999 Cent Home
2000 The Message
2001 Cinderbella
2002 Prized Gem
2003 Distinctly Secret
2004 Balmuse
2005 Xcellent
2006 Legs
2007 Princess Coup
2008 Princess Coup
2009 Vosne Rommanee
2010 Wall Street
During the 1975-76 season a colt stepped out that had the old timers comparing him
with Te Awamutu Thunderbolt Mainbrace. By an unfashionable stallion and trained
by a young inexperienced trainer who years later was quoted as saying “he wished he
knew then what he knew now”. Balmerino was to win 14 races from 18 starts in N.Z. and
Australia. W.F.A. wins Air N.Z. Stakes, Awapuni Gold Cup, Harcourt and Ormond Gold
Cup. As a 3 year old Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Avondale and N.Z. 2000 guineas, Rotorua
Challenge Stakes, N.Z. and Wellington Derby and Brisbane Cup.
1978-1979 ORMOND GOLD CUP LA MER
The lightly framed filly La Mer was sparingly raced by her trainer Malcom Smith as a
2year old. Facing the starter only 3 times she was unbeaten and finished her season by
winning the Group 1 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes.
At 3 years old she won 7 of her 8 starts in the Filly of the Year series. At 4 years old she
was the star W.F.A. Horse of the Year, winning the Levin Cup, Auckland Thoroughbred
Stakes, Manawatu Challenge Stake, N.Z. International Stakes, Rotorua Travelodge
Stakes, Awapuni Gold Cup and Ormond Gold Cup. A trip to Australia in the Spring as
a 5 year old was not a success winning the Coongy Handicap her only win in 3 starts.
Brought home and freshened up she won the W.F.A. Manawatu Challenge Stakes, Air
N.Z. Stakes and her 2nd Ormond Gold Cup. Le Mer raced 43 times for 24 wins and 13
placings, truly a champion.
1992 KELT CAPITAL STAKES VANDERCROSS
Who could forget the rags to riches story of Vandercross and Owner/Trainer Chris Turner.
Bought at a dispersal sale with his dam Lavender for on $1400 dollars and returning over
2 million in stake money. Probably his placings out ranked his wins although he was
clearly the best 3year old of the 191-92 season. He ran 2nd in the N.Z. Derby, Rosehill
Guineas and A.J.C. Derby, and who forget his 2nd in the Caufield Cup as a 4 year old
when Shane Dye thought the outside rail was the place to be. At 3 years old he won the
H.B. Guineas, N.Z. 2000 Guineas and Bayer Classic while adding The Canterbury Guineas
in Australia in the Autumn.
10
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
1988 Secret Seal
BEAMISH BLOODSTOCK STAKES
1989 Classic Bay
1990 Lomondy
KELT CAPITAL STAKES
N.Z. BLOODSTOCK INSURANCE
2011 Jimmy Choux
2012 Shez Sinsational
TURKS SPRING CLASSIC
2013 Ransomed
LIVAMOL CLASSIC STAKES
2014 Costume
2015 Addictive Habit
A COLOURFUL LIFE
By Charlotte Gendall
French grey, cerise cuffs and collar, black and white quartered cap.
Royal blue, black sleeves, gold armband, gold cap.
Maroon, yellow diamond and cap.
Who carried these colours? You’ll find the answers below, but it’s enough to say that the colours worn
by champions form an integral part of any racing tapestry.
I first became aware of the long term
significance of colours during my teen
crush on La Mer during the 1970s. The then
Malcolm Smith’s purple with brown band,
purple cap were pinned for years in a tattered
poster on my bedroom wall.
In subsequent decades, it was the light green
and gold quarters, the red and white diamonds,
and the purple with black maltese cross of our
own trainers to cheer for but then – having
married a fellow racegoer with a photographic
memory for famous colours of the past – it was
inevitable that Warwick would begin to draw up
plans for our own.
One day, having presented me with a hand
drawn sketch of dark green, scarlet epaulettes
and quartered cap, he demanded “Do you know
who these are?!” I didn’t recognise the Aga
Khan’s colours at first glance but yes, they were
available in New Zealand (with a minor tweak)
and, setting aside the unlikely event of a clash
with HRH, they were off to a winning start with
Veil and are now serving us well with Billy Elliot.
12
Colours themselves have a fascinating history
with origins attributed as far back as the days
of Roman chariot racing, and a first formal
mention during the reign of Henry VIII in the
early 1500s. The website www.jockeycolours.
com is a fascinating place to search out new
combinations and look up old favourites.
Just recently, a chance conversation at Trentham
added a new twist to our own ‘colourful history.’
Long-time Trentham supporter and former
committee colleague Henry Ward mentioned
that he wouldn’t be renewing a family set.
Warwick – “Not the brown, white sleeves and
white cap?!” Henry – “Yes.” Warwick -“Carbine’s
colours!”
And so it is, with grateful thanks to Henry, that
we have been able to secure this beautiful
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
set of historic colours, originally registered in
New Zealand by Dan O Brien, an Australian
born in Melbourne of Irish parents. O’Brien
was educated in equestrian pursuits at a very
early age and by 10 was rounding up cattle on
his own horse. At 14, he was working in racing
stables and between 18 and 21 earned the
reputation of being a highly competent jockey
with many winners.
Dan O’Brien looked after and rode in training the
colt Fishhook which in 1866 scored victories in
the VRC Flemington Stakes, the AJC 2YO Stakes
and Champagne Stakes. After this he decided
to try his luck in New Zealand. This side of the
Tasman, he had an equally successful career with
the likes of Tasman, Rubina, Gipsy King, Carbine,
Flame, Loyalty and Maranui in the Caulfield Cup
of 1908.
Billy Elliot in the green and scarlet
over fences at Hawera.
Photo by permission Race Images
Undoubtedly however the most famous of Dan
O’Brien’s horses was the legendary Carbine.
Purchased as a well-bred but lightly framed
yearling at Auckland’s Sylvia Park sale in 1887
for 620 guineas, Carbine made his two year
old debut in the Hopeful Stakes at Riccarton,
winning effortlessly under Bob Derritt in the
brown and white colours. Undefeated in five
starts – all in the South Island – he was rested
over the winter and in September 1888 was
shipped to Australia to run in the V.R.C. Derby,
which he lost by a head, defeat variously blamed
on his jockey and a lack of preparation by
O’Brien. After winning two more races he was
sold for the sum of 3000 guineas to Australian
industrialist and entrepreneur Donald Wallace.
At this stage and with the new ownership,
Carbine’s colours were changed to the more
commonly recognised black, brown, red and
white set (subsequently registered in Australia
to the VRC and latterly associated in this
country with Jim Wallace) and under which the
champion went on to win the 1890 Melbourne
Cup. Interestingly, it’s still possible to search his
domestic record on www.nzracing.co.nz
Carbine would have just turned 130.
Back home, the busy Dan O’Brien – who was
also a publican – eventually offered his brown
colours to William Henry Ward of Christchurch
another publican who owned and trained his
own horses at Riccarton. As W.H. Ward had his
own, he in turn offered them to his second
son Ernest Frederick Ward. Henry was the
subsequent recipient and raced a number of
good winners after his father died. They have
indeed been lucky colours for the Wards having
won many nice races, including Allegro’s three
Group Ones and the Brisbane Cup of 1957 with
Cambridge.
In closing, it’s timely to reflect on the role colours play in our industry. Along with the horses and
jockeys, they are the most visible part of the sport and should be celebrated. They add so much to
a race day, and there is nothing in the world to match that heart pumping moment when you see
yours hit the front.
Charlotte Gendall is a former racing journalist for The Dominion and Radio New Zealand Sport.
With a background in equestrian pursuits, Charlotte purchased her first racehorse, Prince Chiming,
from rugby great Sir Brian Lochore during a 1987 interview at his farm. Since then, she’s enjoyed
success with Sheryl McGlade and Ginni Thurston, Howie and Lorraine Mathews, John Sargent,
Roger James and most recently Kevin Myers, who trains the jumper Billy Elliot.
It would be beyond our wildest dreams to
enjoy even an ounce of such fortune so for the
time being, Warwick and I feel fortunate to be
connected with this piece of thoroughbred
heritage, with just a couple of pieces of the
puzzle to complete.
Firstly, we have to find a horse up to the task of
carrying them and then there is a slightly more
unusual request and this is where readers come
in.
As our wedding gift in 1993, my mother had a
print of Carbine restored after it had languished
for years in a woodshed.
What I would love now is to be able to access
another photo or painting of the old boy under
his original brown and white silks. There are a
number depicting the Australian set, but my
search for “ours” has so far been fruitless. Can you
help? If so, I would love to copy something for
our records. Email: cgendall62@yahoo.co.nz –
thank you!
ANSWERS: Passive / Rising Fast / Red Rum
NOVEMBER 2015
13
From left: Sarah, Gail, Casey and
Nigel Drought and Gail’s Dad, Ron Brewer.
GAIL DROUGHT & FAMILY OF OPUNAKI
AS RELATED TO “MIDNITE”
Opunake, is a seaside township
overlooking the Tasman Sea, it has more
than a few people avidly following the
equine interests of fellow citizens. Gail
Drought has lived here all her life and
enjoys pursuing a diverse interest in all
things horse.
Whether it is a neighbour or acquaintance the
district is full of people interested in harness,
galloping, sports horses, showjumping or
hunting. Her early interest was kindled with
an active love of ponies at the local pony club.
The usual gymkhana’s, agricultural shows and
the like helped develop a love and respect for
not only the horse, but cattle as well. “I stopped
riding at about seventeen she recalls, fell in
love with a local lad Gary Drought, and we
developed a herd of Pedigree Holstein Friesian
cattle which carried the registered Seaview
prefix.
The three children Nigel, Casey and Sarah took
to competing in the local Calf Club, A&P Shows
and the like. We had a fair bit of success over
the years both showing cows, and the kids
efforts in calf club. It helps round the young
out, they develop a respect for the animals,
and get used to running second. They learn to
accept with humility the success, and to strive
to improve if finishing further down the line.
“I took up riding again when I was forty.
I joined the local hunt club, which I really love.
That led on to competing in the showjumping
arena at the Agricultural and Pastoral Shows.
It is great way to enjoy competition and
the fellowship of other equine enthusiasts,
because New Zealand is such a small country
there is a huge crossover between codes”.
14
“Our family had always had taken a real
interest in racing. We often attended local
race meetings, Hawera, and New Plymouth
in particular, but we travelled to many other
meetings through the childrens early life. It
is a great social experience, that taught our
children people skills, and the fun that was
always available. The joy of winning, and the
acceptance of usually losing is all good for the
development of character”.
“When Gary died, our family life changed
forever. I am so fortunate to have such
wonderful parents. Mum and Dad, Ron and
Nevis Brewer are always supportive, and
available to help in anyway. The sale of the
dairy farm with the retention of the house,
and a few acres descision was taken. This
also involved the selling of the herd. We had
another property not too far away, that was
kept, and a sharemilker now manages the
property.”
“A decision was made to try and buy a well
bred filly, after the company I worked for
was sold to Williams and Kettle. This filly was
named Kind Return, a Zabeel, who competed
at the top level. She had numerous black type
success, and had Group One placings in races
like the Auckland Cup, and Zabeel Classic.
Ellerslie has been a good course to me. Though
one thing that grates me is that a second
place in a Group One race still does not get
an invitation to the Owners Room. Surely, the
owner’s rooms are for every owner. A drink to
share the moment with fellow owners should
be part of the social experience of racing.”
“The children are always interested in
attending or watching the progress of any
horse we race. Sarah works in the Reserve
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
Bank as an economist, Casey, while earlier
having an worked in hospitality in Australia
and Dubai, has recently started a degree in
Social Work, which is a three year course. Nigel
is now an Environmental Scientist, primarily as
a Hydrographic Officer in Sydney”.
“We all enjoy racing for the thrill of
competition, wagering is not a factor, just a
dollar or two each way buys a meal on the
way home if we are lucky. We don’t have
expectations, therefore we seldom have
disappointments and have raced enough
horses to appreciate running second. Cassini
winning her first Wanganui Cup was a massive
thrill as it gave me my first black type success.”
“We have a two year old daughter by Savabeel
out of Crossword in an early training regime
with Mark Oulaghan. Some of the syndicate
that raced Kool Return are going to race her
with myself, and Sarah. Also with Mark is the
Encosta De Lago mare, Catalina De Lago, who
will join the broodmares at the end of her
racing career. It is quite exciting really. The
mares Kind Return, and Cassini and Kindacool
will visit Per Incanto, Makfi, and Nadeem
respectively.
Unfortunately Crossword died from
complications after foaling last spring.”
Gail has just retired after twenty years as a
dairy livestock agent and is also a member
of the Board of Directors for Taranaki Racing
and always offers a warm greeting to local and
visiting owners. She says, “We as a family all
share a passion and gain pleasure from the
interaction with people and the performance
of our and our friends horses”.
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.
Miss T T Charles
P R Corbett
J T Askin
D W Lake
G P Calder
Chequers Stud
B J & Mrs M A Harvey
Sir Patrick & Lady Justine Hogan
B J & Mrs N P Pollock
Windsor Park Stud
Miss C A Marshall
T J & Mrs M Carter
Mrs A Jones
Mrs A Browne
Mrs R A Scott
D G & Mrs H M Smith
B F McLeod
K J Hickman
H H & Mrs L R Nicholson
C & Mrs E M Connors
G A Rogerson
Ashburton
Ashburton
Ashburton
Ashburton
Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge
Carterton
Christchurch
Christchurch
Cockle Bay
Dannevirke
Hamilton
Mrs J H Holland
G & A Hill Trust
Brian Anderson
C R Grace
Ken & Mrs J M Duncan
Lincoln Farms
Hastings
Hawera
Hawera
Hunterville
Hunterville
Kumeu
J A Roache
Ms B M Duffy
G J & Mrs L M Moore
Seaton Park Ltd
P G Gillespie
P M Murphy
G J & Mrs I M Roddick
J R & Mrs L M Wheeler
D N & Dame Wendy Pye
P E Izett
A Groves
K B & Mrs K M Keene
W M & Mrs F L Fearon
K & Mrs K A Gray
Michael Collinson
M D & Mrs K A Courtney
W J Gleeson
Marton
Masterton
Matamata
Morrinsville
Mt Maunganui
Napier
Napier
New Plymouth
Otahuhu
Otaki
Paekakariki
Pahiatua
Palmerston North
Palmerston North
Palmerston North
Palmerston North
Palmerston North
HOWZAT
HOWZAT
SOMETHINGS BURNING
BAHHARE BABE
RINGO
SATAY, KISSES
ALL TORN UP
KATY O’BEEL
CANDIDLY
FLAVIGNY
SPECIAL MEMORIES
MR KNOWITALL
SPECIAL UNIT
RAISAFUASHO
HONKIETONK TIGER
ZARTAN
INIS ROSE
DELACROIX, TANIA
ADDICTIVE HABIT
TYNE COT
FIERTE, SABER, COLONEL
CARRERA, LUSTROUS
IT’S BIANCA
JACKABEAN
HEZANAKILAD
PROFILE
CHOP SUEY, WEE BISKIT
ROD’S LINCOLN, REILLY LINCOLN,
PLATINUM WITNESS, PLATINUM
SONG
BRAD THORN, GOLDEN BAY
ZARTAN
LIZZIE L’AMOUR
BISHOPBRIGGS, VICKI ANNE
RINGO
BALLYBAY
ADDICTIVE HABIT
DIAMANTINE
SPEEDY JAX
SAMPSON
EDENSONG
PERFECT MIX
BRAD THORN, GOLDEN BAY
BROKEN BELT
SOUTHERN ICON
BRAD THORN
RINGO
K J Tod
T G Lines
T O Harrison
Palmerston North
Papakura
Parnell
L A & R M Opie
F T & Mrs F I Drummond
Stephen Ralph
D V & Mrs A M Fea
B G & Mrs D G Neville-White
J A MacMillan
S L Painton
D & Mrs A Paykel
K R Williams
J J Steffert
Miss A P Currey
W J Kerr
Mrs C M Horne
R & Mrs D M Goodeve
I W McErlich
Porirua
Pukeatua
Pukekohe
Queenstown
Remuera
Rotorua
Silverdale
Takapuna
Taradale
Te Aroha
Timaru
Timaru
Waiheke Island
Waimate
Waitomo
GOLDEN BAY
TOP CHOICE, LORD BENTLEY
MAGGIE’S SECRET, PRINCE OF
PASSION
EXCUSE ME BAYBEE
KONOHIKI
SHINKO SHIBATA
ANIMATOR
ALI BABA
CALL ME MAYBE
LADY PAINTON
SERIOUS SATIRE
GOLDEN BAY
LATE DECISION
PRESENTATIE
PRESENTATIE
CHARLIE FARLEY
HIGH VIZ
ALAMER
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 September to October 2015.
We really appreciate your membership support and look forward to a long and
enjoyable association with you.
AUCKLAND
Christine & Steve Horne
WAIKATO
Dorothy McHardy
Lance & Leigh Noble
J Kay
Doug & Ann Jones
MANAWATU
Colin Campbell
M C Fenwick
LAC Fenwick
HAWKES BAY
Horton Plumbing
CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND
Duncan & Annette Fea
John Macmillan
TARANAKI
Robert Newton
Lance Mepham
Brian Anderson
Waiheke Island
Te Aroha
Matamata
Te Awamutu
Cambridge
Carterton
Marton
Lower Hutt
Hastings
Queenstown
Rotorua
New Plymouth
New Plymouth
Hawera
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.
NOVEMBER 2015
15