Nevele R Stud - health status update
Foaling is proceeding normally at Nevele R Stud with no abortions having occurred since the original four over a five-day period in mid September.
Pregnant mares in the regular foaling paddocks are giving birth to healthy foals.
The isolated group of mares has delivered seven healthy foals since EHV-1 was first diagnosed.
All mares, dry or in foal are being accepted on farm.
Many of the arriving mares have commenced a vaccination program and we still recommend that late foalers be vaccinated.
As previously stated, this season is the first time ever that EHV-1 has been discovered on our Prebbleton Farm, however the virus is now established in the standardbred population in Canterbury and breeders need to take appropriate action.
Click here for further information on Equine Herpes Virus
CSBA Tender form
Canterbury Standardbred Breeders' Association has for tender a service (semen only) to Pegasus Spur, The Pres and Raffaello Ambrosio.
If you are interested please click here for the tender form or ring Noel Kennard . Noel will post you the form. Tenders must be received by 5.00pm Friday 23rd Septmeber 2011 at the NZSBA office 6 Burdale street Riccarton or mailed to PO Box 8270, Riccarton.
Thank you Woodlands Stud, John Munro and Noel Kennard.
MAY/JUNE 2011 A very happy birthday for Lancome's owner Brian West got the best birthday present today (Saturday 4th June) after the first race at the Harness Jewels. Favourite Lancome came up with the goods and smashed her rivals winning the Group 1 Standardbred Breeders’ Association 4YO Diamond by one-and-a-half lengths in a time of 1.56.3.
Lancome who is by Courage Under Fire out of Laurent Perrier is now destined for the broodmare paddock, having well and truly earned her retirement.
The illustrious career of Lancome who was bred by Jack Smolenski has seen her win 13 races from 37 starts; amassing winnings just shy of $500,000. This win has firmly cemented her status as ‘black type’ mare, her first Group 1 win and her last race, what a way to finish.
Strangles outbreak - North Canterbury We have been notified that the respiratory disease ‘Strangles’ has been reported on two farms in North Canterbury. Horses who have been vaccinated and those vaccinations are up-to-date have not been affected. Advice from Vet Equine is:
"Experience has taught us that horse owners tend to get complacent and let vaccinations lapse between outbreaks. These recent cases confirm that strangles is an endemic disease in New Zealand and it is essential that horses are vaccinated and booster vaccinations maintained to ensure immunity.
Strangles is a highly infectious respiratory disease causing a range of symptoms that include lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge and rapidly swelling abscesses between or behind the jaw. Other potentially fatal complications can arise such as purpura haemorrhagica and ‘Bastard Strangles’.
We recommend the intranasal vaccination as it produces superior immunity in the nasal cavity – the point of entry for the organism. The initial vaccination course is two intranasal doses administered 2-3 weeks apart. A booster is recommended annually or more frequently in the case of an outbreak."
For further information contact Vet Equine (details below) or your own vet:
Vet Equine
Riccarton Park, Racecourse Road, Christchurch, PO Box 16263
Tel:
Harness Jewels VIP Experience The three regional breeders’ associations (North Island, Canterbury and Southland) are co-sponsoring the 4YO Diamond race for mares at this years' Ashburton Harness Jewels.Part of the sponsorship package is 10 VIP tickets to the Harness Jewels.
As a promotion for NZSBA members, the association ran a draw to win these fantastic tickets. Official adjudicator Marty Coyle (who designed the NZSBA website) drew the names out of a hat on Friday 6th May with the winners being:
Paul Yesberg
Cameron Millar
Carolyn Pannett
Sandy Yarndley
Sean Daly
Each receive two tickets to the VIP/Sponsors lounge on Jewels day. Here they will experience on top of the stunning days racing; a gourmet luncheon buffet and complete hospitality throughout the day.
Marty also drew the names for the second prize 10 pairs of entrance tickets plus race books - the winners of these are:
Martin Pierson
Ken & Karen Breckon
Pauline O'Connor
Margaret Evans
Royden Trask
Ricky Larsen
Katrina Price
Mary Corboy
Peter Kay
Joyce Wilson
Congratulations to all of the winners and we hope you enjoy your day.
APRIL 2011
Creep feeding foals Creep feeding, a feeding system that ensures mares do not consume concentrate meant for the foals, is still practiced, but there have been changes in how much and what type of feed is offered in the creep feeder. Click here to read the KER article.
North Island Breeders news February and March is always a busy time for the North Island breeders as we are involved in helping PGG organise the Australasian Classic Yearling Sale and, we take a major part in financing and promoting the Young Guns two year old series at Alexandra Park. Our thanks go as usual to Cathie Shaw for her great skills in helping produce yet another successful yearling sale and a special evening at Alexandra Park for the Young Guns “Draw”.
The Australasian Classic Yearling Sale is now well positioned as a boutique, generally high quality sale producing above average returns for stock that, on type and condition match their pedigree page. We are grateful for Cathie’s organisation of the details that are so important in making the parade day and the sales day a success. The major talking point after the sale was, whether or not we should combine the parade and the sale on to one day so as to make most economic use of time for the busy trainers who, are ultimately the buyers and distributors of the yearlings to their clients.
The Young Guns evening held on Friday, the 18th of February at Alexandra Park proved to be a most successful format with all of the sales, vendors, buyers and trainers mixing over a light meal and refreshments served in the best view in the house at Alexandra Park – the Tasman Room. It is a format that will no doubt be replicated in future years.
Our thanks go to the sponsors of every race on the programme – JLT Bloodstock, Smith & Partners Lawyers, Studholm Bloodstock Limited, Breckon Bloodstock Limited, Equine Veterinary Services Limited, Caduceus Club, Bayleys Whitianga Real Estate, Kumeu Taxation Services Limited, Auckland Co-Op Taxis, Alabar Stud and Edwards Sound Limited. Congratulations to Terry McDonald and Edwin Griffin for winning the draw for $20,000 to be spent at the Australasian Classic Yearling Sale.
It is with sadness, that we record the death of Kevin Coutts, a doyen of pedigrees and breedings. Kevin was a respected member of our association and his advice was always sought by breeders.
The North Island Breeders look forward to assisting with sponsorship support for the Harness Jewels at Ashburton and, I am sure that many of our members will travel to Ashburton to what is always one of the best days racing. We also look forward to helping organise a Trust to support the North Island Awards dinner at the end of the season.
HRNZ representative report This report from the latest HRNZ Board meeting is available to members only, click here to log in. Not a member? Click here to join.
NZSBA Business plan and Performance Report One of the NZSBA Strategies outlined in the 2011/12 Business Plan is to increase communication to participants in the industry.
Click here to view the NZSBA Business Plan to 31st July 2011 and click here to view Performance Report.
NZSBA at theInter Doms As part of the NZSBA strategy to increase breeder recognition, the NZSBA gave the winning breeder of the Inter Dominion Trotting and Pacing finals a miniature replica Inter Dominion trophy.
The replica was presented to the winning breeder shortly after the race. The winning breeders of the Trotting Inter Dominion final were NZSBA-members Ken and Karen Breckon breeder/owners of I Can Doosit. Pictured below at the main presentation.
The Pacing final was won by Australian-owned Smoken Up who was bred here in New Zealand by Stan and Caroline Dunlop along with Elizabeth and Dennis Monk. Pictures below:
NZSBA Inter Dominion display Replica Inter Dominion Trophies
Pictured above - Ken and Karen Breckon celebrate with family Smoken Ups breeders'
New export requirement for colts going to Australia The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) has advised that the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has implemented a new import health certificate for horses.
The new import health certificate, to be applied from 1 May 2011, will require Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) tests to be conducted on all colts over the age of 12 months old. The EVA test screens for EVA antibodies in the blood which indicate the presence of the viral disease. The disease is transmitted through both the respiratory and reproductive systems and can cause abortions in pregnant mares.
This requirement will unfortunately mean an additional cost to owners freighting colts to Australia, in order to cover the additional veterinary costs to take blood samples, courier costs to send samples to the laboratory, and testing fees. This test can be sensitive and results may be delayed due to inability to obtain a result, in which case re-testing will be required.
Things to remember:
Horses to be shipped to Australia will require longer lead up times prior to travel to organise blood tests.
There will be additional costs to cover the EVA test, courier and vet.
When the test is run, it takes three days to obtain a reading, however tests can sometimes fail and must therefore be repeated.
The laboratory sets up the test to run on a Tuesday and Friday (results available Friday and Monday).
The blood sample must be taken with 21 days prior to export i.e. the result will expire after 21 days.
Affects all equines, including donkeys, asses and mules.
Geldings, fillies, mares, and colts less than 12 months old, are exempt from this requirement.
Further information contact Greg Northcott at New Zealand Bloodstock on or .
Crosses of Gold
We have just updated the Crosses of Gold which can be found in this area. Click here to be directed to login.
Statistics including Crosses of Gold
All historical statistics can now be found on the left hand navigation bar - under members information. Or alternatively click here.
Future direction of NZ Racing
John Mooney, a former President of NZSBA and now Chairman of the Canterbury Affiliate undertook a close study of the One Racing proposal that was developed by the NZ Racing Board and NZ Thoroughbred Racing. To read John Mooney's personal submission to the Hon. John Carter, Minister of Racing, click here.
MARCH 2011
Breeders Survey The results of the NZSBA breeders' survey have been collated and discussed at the recent NZSBA Executive meeting. The results and a plan forward are available by clicking here.
NZSBA Executive report The NZSBA Executive met in February to discuss a number of items pertaining to the breeding and racing industry. This report is available for members only via the login.Click here to be directed to login.Not a member?Join online today!
Sires Stakes Payments A number of members have asked the question, where do the nominating payments go? How are they distributed into the relevant series? The NZSBA posed this question to Doreen Graham Secretary/Manager of the NZSSB. To read Doreen's answer click here. Website statistics - members only
There are more statistics available to view in the members only section of the website, these are:
• 2011 PGG Wrightson yearling sales results by stallion including averages.
• Breeding details including dam sire of horses entered into the Inter Dominions. Click here to be directed to login. Not a member? Join online today!
Horsemanship
This month's KER featured story is on 'Tying-up' a generic term commonly used to describe muscle disease in performance horses. Other terms often used interchangeably with tying-up include exertional rhabdomyolysis, azoturia, and Monday morning sickness. Click here to read the article.
Beaudiene Bad Babe retired New Zealand harness racing has lost one of it's favourite daughters to the broodmare paddock. Southland super-mare Beaudiene Bad Babe was officially retired from racing last week with trainer Murray Brown frustrated by continual and often severe tie-up problems. Clickhereto read harnesslink.com article
FEBRUARY 2011
Premier yearling sales receives strong support Harness racing's Sale of the Stars found it's feet in Christchurch today (Monday) with the first of the three day New Zealand Premier Yearling Sales getting off to a flying start.
A healthy balance was found by both vendors and buyers with a clearance rate of over eighty percent being reached by the end of the day. PGG Wrightson Representative Bruce Barlass a satisfied man at the close of play after a slow start threatened to unbalance proceedings. "You would have to say it was quite a tardy and patchy start to the day, and rather surprising really as we pretty much expected it just to roll-on from Auckland," Barlass said. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
$170k paid for full sister to Lizzie Maguire It took less than 45 minutes but Kerry and Marilyn Hoggard ensured the 2011 Australasian Classic Yearling Sale at Karaka (South Auckland) got off to the best possible start when they paid $170,000 for Sales topper - Lot 17 - a beautiful looking harness racing filly named Tori Maguire. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Best clearance rate ever at Australasian sale Pyne Gould Guiness Wrightson representative Bruce Barlass was over the moon that that 2011 Australasian Classic Yearling Sale held at Karaka today (Saturday February 19) created a harness racing first in Auckland, despite the doom and gloom predicted by the public prior to the annual one-day sale. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Violanta achieves rare breeding milestone Seventy eight-year-old Violanta Villiger accomplished a rare harness racing milestone in Adelaide last Saturday night (February 5). The Morrinsville-based owner and breeder might only be 78 but she achieved the 'century at Globe Derby Park thanks to her now 19-year-old un-raced Vance Hanover broodmare, Landeck. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Hunter Cup to New Zealand The first prize for Australia's greatest and richest standing start Discretionary Handicap event for open class pacers - the $425,000 Big6 A.G. Hunter Cup held at Tabcorp Park Melton for the very first time, again went to New Zealand, when ultra-consistent 5-Y-0 Christian Cullen/Vicario gelding Stunin Cullen was successful in front of a near capacity harness racing attendance on Saturday February 5. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Four year olds dominate Premier meeting A dazzling win in the first race by four year old pacer Fernleigh Renegade set the stage for what was to come at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's harness racing meeting held on Saturday at Addington Raceway. Click here to read more.
Nearea Franco - filly foal by embryo transfer
The use of a surrogate mare has seen the arrival of a filly foal by McArdle from top harness racing mare Nearea Franco. Born on the 23rd of December the youngster pictured here at just 20 days old, bares many similarities to her dam says Spreydon Lodge Manager Peter O'Rourke. Click here to read the article courtesy of harnesslink.com
NI yearling tour well attended
The North Island Standardbred Breeders Association recently held their annual North Island yearling tour. The tourwas well attended by potential buyers, breeders and trainers, many making the trip from the South Island.
The tour covered a wide area taking in nearly three-quarters of the North Island yearlings on offer; this being the most efficient way of viewing such a large number of yearlings.
Preparers visited were: Highfields Bloodstock; Woodlands Stud; Rod Croon; Pam and Lindsay Turner; Hollis & Robertson Equine Services; Linda Hamilton & Paulette Screen; Graeme and Judy Bowen; Ray and Diana Kennedy on the first day. Then Sandy Stuart; Breckon Farms; Ron Carr; Rob Carr & Don Kirkbride; Dianne Wood and Tony Dickinson on day two.
The standard of yearlings presented was once again very high with a wide variety of choice to suit all pockets. PGG Wrightson representative Bruce Barlass provided knowledgeable and interesting commentary on each yearling, making for a informative and highly entertaining tour.
Cathie Shaw, Secretary of the NISBA commented on the tour;
“This was a very challenging couple of days when late changes had to be made to the programme to accommodate preparer’s with commitments on the Thursday. Auckland traffic took its toll on day one with many holdup’s but in the end, the prospective purchasers value the time to see this many horses.”
“Changes to the itinerary have already been made for 2012 to overcome the traffic situation. The trainers on the trip appreciate all the extra work that the preparer’s and their staff put in to accommodate this bus trip and also appreciate the extensive hospitality that is offered at nearly each stop.” Cathie said.
Next yearling tour on the calendar is the Canterbury tour on the 7th February followed by Southern Bred/Southern Reared on the 14th and 15th February
HRNZ Representative report
Racing Board
Betting – turnover down across all codes. It was hoped NZ Cup Week in November would stimulate turnover but this did not eventuate;
While betting turnover was down this was due to reduced ticket values as the number of tickets sold was around the same;
Concerns raised by codes concerning the second channel (channel 36) and whether this was having a detrimental effect on domestic turnover;
Integrity Unit – Mike Godber (formerly CEO at NZMTC) appointed Operations Manager and Cameron George appointed Chief Stipendiary Stewart;
Agreed to continue with Christmas at the Races – Summer Racing Festival promotions;
Turf Digest had been purchased and Australian fields to be included;
Registration of Andrew Brown – Chief Executive announced in January.
HRNZ – Management and General
Retirement of Neil Escott, Chief Stipendiary Steward, after 37 years;
Head Office Building in Lincoln Road suffered structural damage in earthquake.
Inter-Dominion
2011 at Addington will be the last in the current format in New Zealand with both trotters and pacers involved;
In future (after Perth), clubs will “bid” to stage Inter-Dominions for pacers;
HRNZ and HRV are looking to develop a separate series for trotters.
Racing
Saturday Night Trials – 2009/10 calendar provided for 10 nights. Draft calendar for 2010/11 has the same;
Review of trials to be conducted in January;
Agreed to NZMTC request to reduce stakes on prior meetings to $15,000 for all non listed/group races
JANUARY 2011
Star Swedish trotter set for Inter-dominions
The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club (NZMTC) is proud to announce that its push to lure a top European trotter to contest the 2011 Inter Dominion Trotting Championship at Addington Raceway had been successful harness racing mission. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Breeders survey The NZSBA invites all breeders of a Standardbred in New Zealand to complete their online 'Breeders Survey'. The NZSBA is committed to ensuring that breeders voices are heard. This survey is the first step in finding out what you the breeder thinks about the current industry.
The survey will only take approximately 5 minutes, please take the time to complete the questions - your input is very much appreciated.
Thank you very much for your time and support. Please start with the survey now by clicking here.
DECEMBER 2010
Canterbury breeders' awards night
A night of racing at Addington complimented the new look Christmas awards function for the Canterbury Standardbred Breeders’ Association which was held on Thursday 9th December.
Over 110 breeders attended the evening with a host of awards, group certificates and gold pins being awarded. The major awards presented were: Lifetime Breeding Awards -Helen Pope, Denise Nyhan and Lyn Smith. This year’s winner took all but a few minutes to decide. Once the name “the Doyle Family” was put mentioned, no other name put forward could sway the panel. The recipients for the “Doyle” family are Helen Pope, Denise Nyhan and Lyn Smith. All have enjoyed a lifetime of involvement and success in the breeding industry. Their now retired broodmare Look was recipient of the 2010 NZSBA/PGG Wrightson Broodmare of Excellence Award. Pacing Breeder of theYear – Dennis Bennett and Linda Joyce. Dennis and Linda bred a number of winners last season but stand-out pacer Bettor Cover Lover, clinched the award for the couple. She has amassed over $332,322 in stakes and has won 6 races from 7 starts. Her wins include two Group 1’s, a Listed race and second place in a Group 1 race. Also a NZ Record holder when pacing 1.55 crossing the line in the 2YO Fillies Sires Stakes Final. Trotting Breeder of the Year – Anne Patterson. Anne has enjoyed a wonderful season with her trotting star Stylish Monarch, Anne bred and races Stylish Monarch. From 18 starts he had 7 wins and 8 seconds winning over $175,000. His 7 wins included the Group 1 NZ Trotting Championships and the Listed United Fisheries Trotting FFA, he also ran 2nd in the Rowe Cup. Broodmare of Excellence– Look. Canterbury-bred Look was the only choice for the Canterbury Broodmare of Excellence award. Look was chosen due to her overall lifetime contribution to the breed, taking into account her own progeny and her successful racing and breeding progeny. Look has produced 10 foals for 9 winners. These include the Group 1 winning mare Speculate; Some Direction (25 wins $307,000); Now Another Look (4YO Trotter of the year); Total Perception (7 wins), who is the dam of With Intent ( 4YO Trotting Filly of the Year. Contribution to Harness Racing – Michael House. This award is an all encompassing one, it is not restricted to one segment of our industry. Previous winners have usually been involved in one section, for example, the media and administration. This years’ recipient was judged the winner as he has and is involved in many different aspects of the industry.
Michael has for many years been a trainer, but in recent times Michael has moved into ready-to-run vendor, stud master and now veterinary practice owner. Stud employee - Jonathan McNeill. Jonathan runs Barra Equine who stand stallion’s here in Canterbury for the Australian Stallion Station. Jonathan has a Masters degree in equine reproduction, has worked for most of the major studs here in NZ and since 2001 has travelled to Canada to work for Tara Hills Stud as their stallion Manager. Jonathan’s knowledge and great customer relation skills make him the ideal recipient for this years’ award. Broodmare Base – Wai Eyre Farm. Wai Eyre is a family owned business which has experience growth in all aspects of our industry. The number of stallions that they stand, the number of mares that they foal, agist and serve have all grown over the last few years. Wai Eyre have shown great customer service and no problem is too big or small to overcome.
De Lovely victorious in Northern Breeders Stakes
She had the crowd gasping at the 200m and driver David Butcher hadn't even pushed the turbo button. Harness racing's new 'Queen Of Alexandra Park' came of age tonight (Friday December 10) when De Lovely trounced her rivals in the Group Three $30,000 Caduceus Club Northern Breeders Stakes.
To say De Lovely’s 2-3/4 length victory was emphatic is understating the obvious somewhat. Later in the stabling enclosure trainer Ian Small said 4-year-old Falcon Seelster mare was the best racehorse he had trained.
“She’s something special alright and she’s still not really four until January because she’s Northern Hemisphere bred. I thought she might go alright tonight because she was exactly where we wanted her to be. She’ll be even better next week,” the Patumahoe horseman warned.
On tonight’s first-up performance for six months De Lovely will start at miniscule odds in next Friday’s Group One $100,000 Queen Of Hearts Pace for the country’s best mares.
Even the usually modest David Butcher, who drove the exception bay, thought she would be a tough nut to crack in seven days.
“They went hard up front so I never really panicked at any stage. Even though we were four and five deep on the markers at stages. Once we got a drag into the race three-wide I thought we she would go close to winning because she was rolling along so well.
“She’s certainly one of the best mares I’ve driven,” Butcher said.
De Lovely, who started from one on the second line, was three-deep along the markers soon after the start
and then ended up four and then five-deep when Trigirl Brigade (Andrew Neal) and Suidelike Maisie (Maurice McKendry) had a speed dual at the 1500m.
At that stage the $1.80 favourite backers might have been trembling but they had no cause for concern when Butcher managed to secure the mare into the three-wide train at the 900m.
From that point she got a drag into the race and on the home-turn she was five wide storming down the outside.
Not long after De Lovely left them to it with Southland mare Beaudiene Bad Babe and Dexter Dunn a distance second. Storm Light (John Dunn), who made up a heap of ground late finished 3-1/2 lengths back in third.
Winner’s time for the 2200m mobile: 2:40.26. Mile rate: 1:57.2. Last 800m: 58. Last 400m: 29.
After the race the owners – The Les Girls 2 Syndicate refused to reveal De Lovely’s race plans after the Queen Of Hearts but Harnesslink heard through the grapevine that she will line up in the 2011 Interdominion Championship at Addington Raceway in March and April.
De Lovely has now won12 of her 20 starts and just over $530,000 in stakes. It was her sixth win from 12 starts at Alexandra Park and seventh over the distance.
The match-race between the North and South Islands two best harness racing 3-year-old fillies resulted in a victory for the south when the Brendon Hill trained Carabella won tonight's (December 10) Group Two $81,000 Peter Breckon Memorial Ladyship Stakes.
When she got to the front at the 1800m the daughter of Bettor’s Delight was going to be very hard to beat especially when her main rival Bettor Cover Lover and Brent Mangos had worked hard to sit in the death at the bell.
“My estimation of her is as high as ever but in saying that she did get the run to suit compared to Brent, who was forced to do all the work in the race. If we got the run she had I’m sure the result might have been different, but in saying that Carabella is an exceptional filly.
“She relaxed nice in front and even though she can relax a little bit too much she seems to dig in when she has to and doesn’t like getting passed. Said driver Ricky May.
Carabella, who drew three, held on to win by a neck from the early pace maker Maid In Splendour (Peter Ferguson) who the ended up in the trail. Bettor Cover Lover was half a length back in third.
Winning time for the 2200m mobile: 2:41.69. Mile rate: 1:58.2. Last 800m: 57.7. Last 400m: 29.3.
Mangos was proud of his filly after the tough run.
“She will bounce back. She did a lot of work tonight but that’s not to say we would have beaten Carabella.
She’s a very smart filly. Hopefully the result will be different on New Year’s Eve,” said Mangos, who co-trains Bettor Cover Lover with Hayden Cullen at Pukekohe.
Both fillies will line up in the Group One $150,000 Alabar Sires Stakes Fillies Final at Alexandra Park on December 31 and then long-term they will again go head to head in the Group One $150,000 Pascoes Northern Oaks, also at Alexandra Park on March 4.
Carabella is now unbeaten in six starts and has won three from three at Alexandra Park.
Her stakes earnings currently stand at almost $120,000.
The Ken and Karen Breckon-bred and owned I Can Doosit, continued on his winning journey. This time breaking the NZ Record over 2700m mobile - previously held by One Over Kenny.
I Can Doosit took out the Group 2 Swiss Deli Lyell Creek Stakes Mobile Trot, in a time of 3.22.6 (mile rate of 2.00.7. He won by half-a-length ahead of Ima Gold Digger (breeders Keith and Bevan Grice) and Sovereignty (breeder Roydon Lodge Stud).
I Can Doosit is by Muscles Yankee, out of 2009/10 Broodmare of the Year Shezadoosie. The five-year-old gelding has won a total of 12 races from 21 starts and amassed over $230,000 in prize money.
He now heads to Australia to make an attack on the Group One $125,000 Australasian Trotting Grand Prix, to be run in Victoria on the 18th December.
Stars primed to perform at Alexandra Park on Friday
Club officials at Auckland Trotting Club are buzzing with the fields they’ve attracted for this Friday night, the first of their three Premier meetings for the Summer Carnival.
Auckland TC Racing Manager, Kevin Smith, told HRNZ that in his time as the Racing Manager, “these are the best fields I’ve ever assembled for a race meeting”. Smith went on to add, “this is the perfect way to start the December Premier series and it’s great to have such great support from South Island owners and trainers.”
Aside from a staggering 22 horses representing the multi-located (Pukekohe, Rolleston) Mark Purdon/Grant Payne stable, a substantial 27 horses represent South Island stables at Alexandra Park this Friday.
11 races have been carded, three of those are Group Races but the supporting card is stacked with quality horses and up-and-coming stars, ensuring a captivating night’s racing.
The features:
Race 5: Peter Brecon Memorial Ladyship Stakes (7.37pm)
The major players: Carabella and Bettor Cover Lover.
The story: Who will take first blood in the initial meeting of two potentially great rivals?
Last year’s winner: De Lovely
Race 7: Caduceus Club Northern Breeders Stakes (8.50pm)
The Major Players: Trigirl Brigade, Beaudiene Bad Babe, Lancome, De Lovely and Breath Of Life.
The Story: Can De Lovely overcome the tricky barrier draw of one on the second line?
Last year’s winner: Breath Of Life
Race 8: Swiss Deli Lyell Creek Stakes (9.22pm)
The Major Players: I Can Doosit, Ima Gold Digger, Raydon, Sovereignty, Stylish Monarch and One Over Kenny.
The story: Can millionaire trotter One Over Kenny find her form again on the big stage?
Last year’s winner: Sovereignty
Undercard highlights:
Race 2: Promising sophomores Lewis Hamilton, Hands Christian and Zenola Seelster clash.
Race 4: NRM Sires Stakes winner Gold Ace resumes and battles last week’s stunner Terror To Love and the top-rated southerner Empyrean.
Race 6: One of the best mid-grade races assembled in NZ for a long time. Many potential free-for-all pacers clash. River Field, Five Star Anvil, Sir Lincoln, Mach Banner and Gomeo Romeo are all four-year-olds with promising careers ahead of them.
Race 8: Commences the Bonus Quaddie with $20,000 injected into the pool.
Race 9: Sleepy Tripp drops back in class from the NZ Cup and NZ FFA to clash with classy stablemates Highview Tommy and Russley Rascal.
Off the track the Auckland TC will enjoy a great night financially with all corporate areas fully booked. The ‘Xmas at the Races’ promotion will offer plenty for those attending corporates and the general public. There will be plenty of competitions and great prizes to be won with tremendous food options available.
Courtesy of Andrew Morris, HRNZ
Foster homes needed
The SPCA/International Horse Protection League urgently require foster homes for five standardbred horses in the Canterbury region. Even if you were able to take just one of these horses it would be greatly appreciated.
The SPCA is also looking for donations of feed.
If you are able to assist in any way please contact:
Sara Elliot-Warren
New Zealand SPCA
Email:
Mobile:
NOVEMBER 2010
Smoken Up sets Australasian record - 1.50.3 NZ-bred Smoken Up (bred by Dennis and Elizabeth Monk) scored a thoroughly deserved victory in tonight's $500,000 SEW Eurodrive Miracle Mile at Tabcorp Park Menangle. The Lance Justice-trained and driven harness racing star did all the bullocking work outside the leader Blacks A Fake, before overpowering the champ right on the line in a rate of 1:50.3 - a new Australasian record. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
NZ-bred Washakie breaks Australasian mile record Washakie who was bred by Southland NZSBA member Lester Paisley (Big Stone Lodge Ltd)broke the Australian mile rate record at Menangle on Saturday November 20th. The seven-year-old gelding paced a scintillating mile rate of 1.50.5.
Washakie is by Badlands Hanover out of Shoshoni Sunrise. He has amassed over $890,000 in stakes with 25 wins since his career began in 2005/06. Washakie was sold to Australia by Robert Famularo in 2007.
Monkey King goes back-to-back in NZ Cup Harness racing's little black horse with the big heart - Monkey King - won his second consecutive New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington Raceway today (Tuesday November 9). The Brendon Hill trained and Ricky May driven 8-year-old overcame the unruly mark and a rocky run to beat Australian Smoken Up (Lance Justice) and Sleepy Tripp (Mark Purdon) in the Group One $750,000, 3200m standing start event. Click here to read the full article courtesy of harnesslink.com
Owner breeder Col Kennedy passes away Col (Colin) Kennedy went for one last circuit of his Glenbrook property pulled by one of his favourite horses today (Wednesday November 10) - four-win trotter Jazmin Alicia. The 72-year-old harness racing owner and breeder passed away at Middlemore Hospital last Thursday but didn't want his death made public until today (Wednesday 10th November).
Kennedy insisted on a private funeral and no death notices or obituaries to be made public until the day he was buried.
"Even though he had been ill for a long time we did not expect his death at this time. He was a brave fighter," said his wife Karen.
Born in Mt Isa Australia, Kennedy absolutely loved horses - right from an early age when growing up on his father's sheep station in north-west Queensland.
He had a colourful life and undertook many jobs including managing a farm, breaking in horses, a charter boat operator, had a trucking business, and was also a painter and paper hanger. He also had a private pilot's licence.
But outside his family horses were one of his greatest loves.
Kennedy came to New Zealand at the age of 22 and did returned back and forth to his homeland before settling in New Zealand. He was initially involved in galloping but was introduced to harness racing by Ted Hooper and then his first trainer Sandy Purdon, who trained Kennedy's first winner City Byrd - who won for him at Cambridge Raceway on January 30, 1986.
That Alba Byrd mare went on to win four races and $18,627 before being exported to the United States on October 20, 1987.
"Col loved breeding and racing horses. I think Tony H and Jazmin Alicia provided him with his biggest wins," his wife said.
Kennedy was renowned for the Shardon name. One of his best was Shardon's Aflyin, who was exported to Australia in May 2004. That Sands A Flyin mare then went on to win 21 races across the Tasman and more than half a million dollars in stake money.
Other Kennedy standardbreds included Lord Graceland, Shardon's Star, Native Opera, and Shardon's Lass. There were many, many others.
Kennedy's funeral (as requested) was held today at his Glenbrook home, not far from Waiuku.
He is survived by his wife Karen, three children Russell, Gary and Donna; 12 grand children, and two great-grand children.
Courtesy of Duane RANGER - www.harnesslink.com
Recognition for breeders at NZSBA Cup Eve Function The New Zealand Standardbred Breeders’ Association, tonight (Monday 8th November 2010) held their annual Cup Eve function, at the Armstrong Prestige showrooms in Christchurch.
The event which has secured itself on the ‘Cup Week’ calendar, showcased the breeders of the NZ Cup horses. Along with presenting a miniature New Zealand Cup replica to Lesley Matthews and June Sharples for breeding Monkey King, winner of the 2009 NZ Cup. Pictured are June Sharples with husband Tom with the replica New Zealand Cup.
Once again one of the highlights of the evening was the Broodmare of Excellence award. This year the award was presented to the connections of Look. Look was bred by the late William Doyle and is owned by sisters Denise Nyhan, Helen Pope and Lynn Smith. Helen, Denise and Lynn are pictured receiving the award from PGG Wrightson representative Peter Lagan.
Look has reached the grand age of 27 and was breeding well into her mid-twenties. The grand old mare was retired four years ago after producing her last foal See Ya by Dream Vacation. She now enjoys her retirement at co-owner Lynn Smith’s property in Rakaia.
Look was chosen as a Broodmare of Excellence due to her overall lifetime contribution to the breed. Ranking her among the leading NZ broodmares taking into account her own progeny and her successful racing and breeding descendents.
Peter Lagan from PGG Wrightson, sponsors of this award, summed up Look’s achievements.
“Look was a very good race mare herself winning nine. As a three-yearold she was awarded Trotting Filly of the Year and at stud she has really excelled. Look has produced 10 foals (her 10th foal is only 4 now) for 9 winners.
These include Gr.1 winning mare Speculate (8 wins to date $126,000, NZ Trotting FFA), grand trotting mare Some Direction (25 wins $307,000), Now Another Look (T.3, 1.59.4, 4YO Trotter of the Year) and Total perception (7 wins).
Total Perception is dam of With Intent (9 wins to date,$107,000, 3yo Trotting Filly of the Year, 4YO Trotting Mare of the Year). As you can see by her statistics she thoroughly deserved this prestigious award. “
The NZSBA is delighted that the organisation can be a part of the Cup Week celebrations and recognise the achievements of Look and the breeders of the NZ Cup horses.
Breeders of the 2010 New Zealand Cup horses are: Bettor’s Strike Noreen Stiven Bondy Russell Hockham & Bill Pearce Fake Chance Beverley & Stan Moore Georgetown Mike Finlayson Highview Tommy Allan Clark Kiwi Ingenuity Dr Kim Lawson & Hamish Scott Lord Forbes Sharon & Grant Hunt Monkey King June Sharples, Lesley & Matthew Lewis Mr Molly Gordon Guthrie, Robert Kerr & Mike Crequer Ohoka Dallas Katie & the late Dave Carville Pembrook Benny Gwynneth & Wally Power Power Of Tara Ray Anicich Raglan Geraldine & Robin Wilson Sleepy Trip Adrienne & Terry Taylor Smoken Up Caroline & Stan Dunlop, Elizabeth & Dennis Monk Stunin Cullen Jan & Sandy Yarndley
Pictured above Helen Pope, Peter Lagan, Denise Nyhan and Lynn Smith
June and Tom Sharples with Miniature NZ Cup for breeding Monkey King
Huge run by Smiling Shard The little horse with the big heart - Smiling Shard - sat three wide without cover for the last lap and put in a Herculean performance to get up and win the Group Two $50,000 Kaikoura Cup at the town's picturesque South Bay Racecourse today (Monday November 1). Click here to read the article courtesy of harnesslink.com.
Breeding figures so far Harness racing super sire in the making "Bettors Delight" looks set (in the current 2010/2011 breeding season) to challenge his own record of 546 mares that he bred in the 2006/2007 breeding season. That year he bred 345 in New Zealand and 201 in Australia. Please click here to read the article courtesy of harnesslink.com
NZSBA policy on black type
The New Zealand Standardbred Breeders’ Association has developed and agreed upon a policy for black type. Black type is usually found in sales catalogues. It recognises mare that achieve above the industry standard. Almost all racing jurisdictions have been unable to agree to any changes in the last 40 years – despite the 2.00 Mile Rate (MR) becoming commonplace these days.
PGG Wrightson wrote to NZSBA last year proposing significant changes to their policy for publishing black type in the sales catalogues. PGG Wrightson believed that the current criteria did not reflect the modern standardbred.
This policy was developed after extensive consultation with Harness Racing Industry including; HRNZ, PGG Wrightson, the three regional breeders associations and over 30 submissions received from harness racing participants. The majority of submissions agreed that a change was needed to the 2.00.0 mile rate for pacers. There were mixed opinions on total criteria.
PGG Wrightson’s proposal to shift the lifetime earnings bar from $100,000 to $500,000 was a stretch too far for most. $200,000 has been nominated as a preferred level. Whether a mare should be able to earn black type in a time trial caused significant debate. The status quo will remain as there was a 50/50 split. Time trial black type is indicated with the abbreviation ‘TT’.
The NZSBA decided that if a policy was required some updating of times was necessary, but overall minimal change as to how black type is earned. The NZSBA’s black type policy is as follows: • Group 1 win – BOLD CAPITAL TYPE • Group 1 place – Bold ordinary type • Group 2 or 3 win – Bold ordinary type • Total Stakes $200,000 or over – BOLD CAPITAL TYPE • Winning times NZ & AUS – Pacers MR 1.58.0 or faster, Trotters MR 2.00.0 or faster – BOLD CAPITAL
TYPE • Winning times USA & CAN – Pacers MR 1.55.0 or faster, Trotters MR 1.58.0 or faster – BOLD CAPITAL
TYPE • Time trials – Pacers MR 1.58.0 or faster, Trotters MR 2.00.0 or faster – bold ordinary type with (TT) against
horse name
The NZSBA would like to stress that black type earned by a horse prior to 1st August 2010 will still remain. Please note this is the NZSBA’s policy on black type for use in the Sires Register. PGG Wrightson have not released their policy on Black Type for the sales catalogues at the time of writing.
OCTOBER 2010
Sun shines on Stallion Stations open day Harness racing breeders who turned up for the Stallion Station open day were met with beautiful weather and some of the most outstanding Stallions in the southern hemisphere. The day commenced with a tour of the farm and introduction to the 6 resident Stallions, Art Official, Attorney General, Mach Three, Majestic Son, Royal Mattjesty and finally the one they had come to see, NZ's own superstar Auckland Reactor. Click here to read the article courtesy of harnesslink.com
Stunnin Cullen bursts into NZ Cup favouritism Judging by tonight's (Friday) performance by Stunin Cullen in the Maurice Holmes Vase at Addington Raceway, the Tim Butt trained harness racer will only need an ounce of luck to secure the Templeton trainer his third New Zealand Cup victory come November. Clickhereto read the article courtesy of harnesslink.com
World database Free at Peppertree Farm website On the weekend of 10th/11th October when the world witnessed live the super Breeders Crown day at Pocono Downs, there was also Breeders Crown races at Truro, the Ohio Sires Stakes finals at Lebanon, the Gran Premio Adultos in Argentina, the Italian Derby and Oaks, the Slovenia MS Classic, Methven Cup in NZ, the Fremantle Members Sprint (Australia), the European Derby in France and on Ontario SS Gold final at Mohawk. All winners of those are on the amazing online database Classic Families.
Not only those races but some 2,715 races (over 75,700 results) in total from the following countries – Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Holland (Netherlands), Hungary, Italy, Norway, New Zealand, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, UK (England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales), USA and Yugoslavia (Serbia).
But there are more than just races and the pedigrees of the winners of all these races. Much more.
Want to know the fastest trotter in North America in 1949, the ten fastest 2YO pacers of all time, all the world’s millionaire trotters, the leading sire in Austria in 2009, the leading sire of 2:00 trotters in 20, the richest pacer in North America in 1900, the ten fastest performances ever in Australia/NZ, a complete list of Classic winners for Abercrombie, all the classic winners from Peter The Great mares, the members of the Canadian Hall of Fame or maybe the winner of the first Austrian Derby in 1884?
Classic Families has the answer and the bonus for visitors is that the promised one month free access has been extended to allow exploration of the website right up until 14th December.
Just visit the Pepper Tree Farm website (www.peppertreefarm.org) and get your free access code and password.
In preparation for the thousands of new users all times/stakes for all horses in North America and Europe have been updated to 11th October and as usual there will be daily updates of all feature races throughout the world as well as the speed/money lists.
You are invited to click on and explore Classic Families and the way Pepper Tree Farm is going you may well see their 2011 bound sire Rock N Roll Heaven rocket up the Classic Families 1:50 list at the weekend.
And remember the best part is that like the world’s first Harness Racing e-book – The American Standardbred – which is still available at the Pepper Tree Farm website, it is all FREE.
NZ-bred favourite for US Breeders Crown Foreclosure is the solo flag bearer for New Zealand, in the upcoming US Breeders Crown. Bred by the Platinum Breeding Syndicate, Foreclosure left our shores for the bright lights of America as a yearling in 2009.
Foreclosure is by Rocknroll Hanover out of Australian-bred mare Pleasing Package. His dam was no stranger to the USA, she earned over $300,000US and paced a scintillating mile rate of 1.50.4.
Pleasing Package was imported to New Zealand in 2006 and has bred two foals. Foreclosure being the first and a filly born in 2008 ‘Glenferrie Diva’. Pleasing Package is now in foal again to Rocknroll Hanover, the foal will be due January 2011.
Foreclosure was bred for the Northern Hemisphere season therefore is still eligible to race as a two-year-old. As such, he goes in favourite for the two-year-old colt or gelding pace finals. This illustrious race is being run for $600,000US – equivalent of nearly $800,000NZ.
Now owned by Canadian Peter Heffering , Foreclosure has never been out of the money since his US career began in July 2010. Going into the final he sits on five wins, one second and one third from eight starts.
The US Breeders Crown is being shown live on Trackside this Sunday (9th October 2010) see schedule below:
Race 1 10:00 AM - Breeders Crown Mare Trot
Race 2 10:27 AM - Breeders Crown Open Trot
Race 3 10:55 AM - Breeders Crown 2 year old Filly Trot
Race 4 11:23 AM - Breeders Crown 3 year old Colt Trot
Race 5 11:51 AM - Breeders Crown 2 year old Filly Pace
Race 6 12:18 PM - Breeders Crown 2 year old Colt Trot
Race 7 12:46 PM - Invitational Pace Race 8 1:14 PM - Breeders Crown 2 year old Colt Pace
Race 9 1.42 PM - Breeders Crown 3 year old Filly Trot
Race 10 2:09 PM - Breeders Crown Mare Pace
Race 11 2:37 PM - Breeders Crown 3 year old Filly Pace
Race 12 3:05 PM - Breeders Crown Open Pace
Foreclosure making it big in the States He may have an American dad and an Australian mum but he's New Zealand born and raised, and come October 9 the son of Rocknroll Hanover known as Foreclosure N will give harness racing followers in this country something to cheer about when he lines up in one of the richest two year old races in North America, the $600,000 Breeders Crown Final. Click here to read the article courtesy of harnesslink.com.
Empyrean going from strength to strength Memories of a tardy beginning to the race career of three year old pacer Empyrean have long since been erased for Jim and Susan Wakefield. The longtime harness racing supporters and NZSBA members, bred and race the son of Christian Cullen who last Friday night at Addington Raceway made it six straights wins. Click here to read the article courtesy of harnesslink.com.
Springbank Richard wins Group 3 D G Jones Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup NZSBA members Alistair and Denise Smith made the trip from Southland to watch their star trotter Springbank Richard, take out the DG Jones Banks Penisula Trotting Cup for the second consecutive year. Harnesslink.com cover the story here.
SEPTEMBER 2010
PGG Wrightson launch new site A brand new PGG Wrightson Standardbred site launched by PGG Wrightson this week is set to serve the harness racing industry well in coming years. The new site is a complete reference of past and upcoming sales and holds comprehensive data regarding the Ready-To-Run Sale next month in Christchurch. To view the new PGG Wrightson Standardbred website click here. If you are interested in a summary of the breeze-up times from the recently held Ready-To-Run trials click here.
Gotta Go Cullect's first foal Pictured is the first colt foal by the Alabar NZ based harness racing stallion, Gotta Go Cullect - and what an outstanding foal he is. The colt is out of the Pacific Rocket mare, Shazza's Dream - a half-sister to the NZ Two Year Old Pacer of the Year, Marika. Click here to read harnesslink.com article.
Ready-To-Run sale gaining momentum A fine day in Mid Canterbury provided harness racing trainers with perfect conditions for this year's Ready To Run two year old trial day. The fastest time of the day was recorded by the Malcolm Shinn trained Courage Under Fire colt Marble Ridge, who produced a scintillating 800 in 54.9 and 400 in 25.8. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Champion Sire In The Pocket dies aged 23 In The Pocket, the stallion bred by Brittany Farms in the USA who came to New Zealand in 1993 and revolutionised our harness racing breed has died. The outstanding son of Direct Scooter and Black Jade who won $1,537,473 on the race track in the US pacing 1.53.8 as a two-year-old, was put down at Wai Eyre Farm in North Canterbury and is buried there. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
AUGUST 2010
$732,000 turnover at Cullen Breeding sale
High profile harness racing entrepreneur Ian Dobson received solid support from buyers today (Sunday) as 25 broodmares and 12 yearlings offered up by Cullen Breeding went under the hammer at Addington Raceway. A 100% clearance rate and a turnover of $732,000 was bolstered by the sale of former New Zealand Cup winner and superstar racemare Mainland Banner. click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
North Island Awards - winners
Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Kiwis claim Breeders Crown spoils
There won't be any shortage of Australian harness racing owners or trainers happy to oblige if any of the New Zealanders who brought horses over for this year's Tabcorp Australasian Breeders Crown are stuck for a lift to the airport in the next few days... click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Canterbury Breeders' winning day out
Despite the wintery conditions many braved the cold to enjoy a day's harness racing courtesy of Rangiora Harness Racing Club on Sunday 15th August.
The Canterbury Standardbred Breeders' Association sponsored two races on the day, in memory of the late Rangiora harness identity Joan Belcher. Joan bequeathed funds to CSBA last year. The committee decided that it would be fitting if CSBA sponsored two fillies and mares' races in her memory at Rangiora.
In an addition to the race sponsorship, the CSBA also presented a $250 bonus to the first CSBA member-bred horse past the post in each race.
The first race in Joan's honour was for non-winning fillies and mares. Amelie (Julius Caesar - Becks) was bred by the late Stuart Le Lievre in partnership with his son Justin. Justin and owner-trainer (brother Nick) are both financial members of the association - a wonderful result for the Le Lievre family. It was Nick's first win as a trainer and also the first horse Justin bred with his late father.
Justin commented after the race on the CSBA bonus:
"To get a bonus from the CSBA of which I am a member just caps the win off as a breeder, the only thing missing was my wonderful dad. I feel like breeding another horse." Said Justin
"Thank you to the late Joan Belcher and CSBA" Justin added.
CSBA and Joan Belcher Memorial sponsored the one to two-win fillies and mares race. Let's Talk Art was the victor for owner, breeders and trainer, Maureen and Steve O'Brien. The four-year-old mare by Art Major out of Natural Talker won by half a length which was its fifth straight win. This impressive looking daughter of Art Major is setting herself some very high standards to keep up. Best wishes to the O'Briens.
The second place getter, Wonderful Tonight, was also bred by a CSBA member and former committee member Barry Ward, with his wife Ann Marie. Wonderful Tonight looks well placed to breakthrough for a win at Addington on Friday night.
Dave and Dawn Kennedy honoured
Click here to read the www.stuff.co.nz article courtesy of the Southland Times.
Kiwis really smiling ahead of classic crown
Australia's dwindling chances in the three-year-old colts and geldings' section of this year's Tabcorp Australasian Breeders Crown plummeted further last night when New Zealanders won both semi-finals. Reigning harness racing titleholder Smiling Shard put his rivals on notice when he sat parked but still proved far too good in the second semi-final in scintillating time. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Joan Belcher legacy
The late Joan Belcher was a Rangiora racing identity born in the late 1920s. Miss Belcher obtained her first licence in 1983 to assist her uncle Noel Wilson. Although they were never in partnership folks can remember Noel training horses called Crusader & Little John that won races. Joan would have helped with them. The last horse she trained in her own right was Opulent (2 wins, $7000 in 1998 season)
On the Crusader theme, Miss Belcher was a huge fan of the Crusaders and either started or was instrumental in starting the Rangiora chapter of the Crusaders Fan Club. Joan Belcher’s racing colours are on display today on the fence in the birdcage.
Joan Belcher left a legacy to the Canterbury Standardbred Breeders Assn. CSBA has decided to use the funds to support fillies and mares racing. Today CSBA is proud to support the Rangiora Harness Racing Club, of which Joan was a life member, with the Joan Belcher Memorial sponsoring two fillies & mares races.
Additionally, the first horse home in each of the races that is bred by a financial member of the CSBA will earn that member a small bonus of $250.
CSBA organizes a number of events during the year including: • Stallion Night with the major studs – 7 September • Breeders Night – Addington 17 September • Awards Night – date to be advised in October.
As a member of CSBA you will receive: • Annual NZ Sires Register • “Breeding Matters” magazine four times a year • A member’s only discount book of vouchers worth $400.
CSBA has over 140 members representing over 200 people. Please join us in supporting our industry. The subscription is only $89.50. If you wish to join please click here.
JULY 2010
$1.8 million extra to go to clubs
In January the New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB) announced that an interim profit distribution of $6m would be made to the three racing codes. This is additional to the Board's annual funding commitment to the codes and reflects the positive financial result and operational efficiencies being achieved by the NZRB in the current harness racing season. Click here to read harnesslink.com article.
Mainland Banner to go under hammer
Mainland Banner, the former Queen of Addington Raceway and winner of six Group One races is set to go under the hammer later next month. The daughter of Christian Cullen and winner of the 2005 New Zealand Cup is one of 25 broodmares along with 12 weanlings (yearlings by sale time) being offered up by harness racing mogul Ian Dobson. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article. Click here to view pdf of Cullen Breeding disperal sale, catalogue available from PGG Wrightson at end of July.
NISBA response to Black Type proposal
Discussion was held regarding the proposal put forward by a group consisting of NZSBA, PGG Wrightson and HRNZ regarding the changes to the black type listings.
Comments on the listings as provided are as follows:
Group 1 Win Committee happy with status quo.
Group 1 Place Committee would like to leave this as it is as being placed in a Group 1 race is an achievement in itself and should be left alone.
Group 2 & 3 Committee happy with status quo
Stakes $100,000 or over Committee not happy with the change to $500,000. Would like to leave as it is as for a filly or mare to win $100,000 is a huge achievement. It was considered that in some year’s the top filly or mare would win all of the money and it would not be fair to those who are placegetters to be further jeophardised for black type listing by raising the amount so significantly. Recent examples of One Dream etc were used to highlight this fact. $500,000 is just way to high and request leaving the amount to the status quo.
Recommend: remain the status quo of $100,000
Winning time 2.00 pacers and trotters Committee not happy to lower winning times of pacers to 1.57. It was considered that a sub 1.59 time would eliminate 70% of those who are awarded this at the moment. It was considered that an adjustment now is appropriate but if you go too far, you cannot bring it back but if you take it down at a slower increment, you can always review it in a few years after assessing the impact of this smaller change.
Recommend: sub 1.59 time for pacers and leave at sub 2.00 for trotters.
Time Trial pacers and trotters Committee felt that it is essential to allow for time trials especially for fillies and mares. All times are assessed as being against the clock and it should not matter how many horses are involved, whether a race or a time trial and is the reason for us being called “the standardbred”.
Recommend: Time Trial times be allowed but be bold ordinary type.
Black Type - proposed changes
The NZSBA, HRNZ and PGG Wrightson recently held a meeting to discuss a variety of changes to Black Type.
Below are the proposed changes for discussion, we urge all Standardbred members to read the proposed changes and we welcome any submissions from members regarding these changes.
Please note that if changes occur they will be implemented on a certain date, ie 1st August. Any black type earned prior to this date WILL remain in the catalogue.
Black type criteria
Current Type
Proposed Change
Group 1 win
BOLD CAPITAL
No change
Group 1 place
Bold ordinary type
Discussion topic: should a horse that is placed in a Group 1 be given black type?
Group 2 & 3
Bold ordinary type
No change
Stakes $100,000 or over
BOLD CAPITAL TYPE
Change to $500,000
Winning time 2.00.0 pacers & trotters
BOLD CAPITAL TYPE
Winning time(NZ & Aus) - 1.57.0 Pacers
2.00.0 Trotters
Winning time (USA) - 1.55.0 Pacers
1.58.0 Trotters
Time Trial 2.00.0 pacers & trotters
BOLD CAPITAL TYPE
Proposed change no black type, time still recorded in catalogue
Notes:
Number of horses (pacers and trotters) earning over $100,000 based on last two years
170horses winnings over $100,000 69 horses winnings over $200,000 45 horses winnings over $300,000 30 horses winnings over $400,000 24 horses winnings over $500,000
Number of horses (pacers and trotters) recording winning mile rates over two years
764horses - 2.00.0 or faster 318 horses - 1.58.0 or faster 201 horses - 1.57.0 or faster
Please put all submissions in writing by 28th May 2010 and either email to or post to NZSBA, PO Box 8270, Riccarton, Christchurch, 8440.
JUNE 2010
Racing to focus on integrity and marketing
Focusing on integrity and marketing the excitement of harness racing will put the industry back on track to be competitive with other forms of entertainment, Racing Minister John Carter said today (Tuesday June 22).
In Wellington yesterday leadership from the New Zealand Racing Board and the three racing codes - thoroughbred, harness and greyhound - met with the Minister to agree on a way forward to address the industry's future profitability as it faces a wagering decline of $100 million in the past 20 years.
"No business can sustain that kind of reduction in its income stream and it is vital to the industry's future that moves are made quickly to increase participation and profitability," Mr Carter said.
"All agreed on developing a new model of integrity services that will give independence to the "policing" of racing. People will not invest in an industry - with time or money - if they don't believe in its integrity.
"Making both the policing and the judicial systems independent and transparent is critical to the integrity of racing.
"A high level of integrity makes marketing racing as one brand more viable too. At the moment there is a tendency to operate in silos without the benefit of an overarching plan.
"There is a lot of magic on the racetrack and I want to see more of the great stories of racing in mainstream media. There are so many tales I'd love to see told of triumph against the odds, of great friendships forged, of mighty athletes both human and animal.
"It is clear from this meeting, which called together a substantial group of New Zealand racing's leaders, it is time to act. There has been some destructive negativity in some quarters, but I certainly didn't see that at the meeting table.
"I believe everyone is clear that the focus needs to be on the future and on success, not on re-litigating past issues.
"It is essential that the industry backs its leaders, because I certainly do. They have a passion for racing and they want to see racing flourish.
"I have every intention of seeing New Zealand have the highest quality racing. I sincerely believe that this is the objective of those tasked with managing the industry at the board and code levels."
Hon. John CARTER (New Zealand Racing minister)
Regg Clapp Memorial Winter Cup to Percy The Punter
Percy The Punter couldn't have wished for a better way to end his harness racing career in New Zealand. The Maurice McKendry trained and driven 4-year-old was a gutsy winner of the Listed $25,000 Nevele R Stud Reg Clapp Memorial Winter Cup at Alexandra Park tonight (Friday June 18). Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
NHT Pace to Carabella
Ricky May had a lot of praise for Carabella after she strolled to victory in tonight's (Fri June 18) Listed $100,000 PGG Wrightson Yearling Sakes NHT Final at Alexandra Park in Auckland. But the gifted filly did annoy the Mid Canterbury harness racing driver a little bit.Click here to read the article courtesy of harnesslink.com.
One Racing parked
The Minister of Racing today (14th June 2010) visited Selwyn to talk to the industry participants of all three codes about the future of racing and to clear up some misinformation that has been circulating.
In brief the minister spoke to the crowd of about 40 stating that the industry is in decline – turnover 20 years ago was approximately 2 billion, has significantly decreased since then. Racing must constantly re-asses itself and look to see how to raise the attractiveness of racing to the general public.
The Racing Act 20, states that racing is self-governing any change to that must be agreed to collectively. The time for talking has to stop, now is time for action.
The Minister then opened the floor for questions:
First question raised was inevitably One Racing and what is happening with the report. The Minister replied that One Racing was parked. He is now working with the four Chairs (Racing Board, Harness, Greyhound and Thoroughbreds) plus their CEO’s to build a strategic plan that is inclusive (meeting to be held on 21st June), rather than the One Racing proposal that was born out of the TB boardroom.
The next question was aimed at Thoroughbred Racing from one of their participants, asking what is going to happen if the smaller clubs are closed in favour of shifting them to metropolitan areas. The Minister replied that the information in the documents will not take effect. As far as he is aware there will be no closures of smaller clubs.
The Minister is pushing for clubs, codes and the racing board to work together and market the good aspects of the industry to the wider audience.
The Minister made mention to a meeting he will be holding with the four Chairs and CEO’s to discuss the way forward holistically, one of the focus points will be how does the industry attract new people on and off-course.
A question was raised that the committee system was not working, should racing be moving toward a commercial structure.
The Minister assured the room that no changes to governance will be made in his term of office, he said that there is too much suspicion and mistrust within the codes to contemplate a move in this direction. His goal is to get the three codes and racing board working together for the betterment of the whole industry.
He asked that the industry as a whole moves on from the One Racing report and the negative impact that it had on the industry, to focus on how we can work together to create better and more prosperous industry.
One member of the floor raised the point that he has seen a decline in racing not just in New Zealand but around the world. He felt that the focus in stakes was wrong and more money should be put into looking after the customer – the punter.
The Minister quoted figures relating to the share of the gambling dollar – in 1999 racing had 96% share this has dramatically reduced to 16% today.
The Minister went onto give and update on where the industry is at with ‘pokie’ funding. At present it is still legal to use ‘pokie’ money for stakes but the Minister is still stressing that the industry needs to move away from this use of the funding towards administration, infrastructure and other ‘non stake’ purposes. There is a high risk that there will be a law change and the funding to dry up completely if the industry continues to use it for stakes.
A question was raised on if ‘pokie’ money does stop, how can the industry fund itself? Is there any move afoot to capitalise on technology and stream races live via the internet with associated betting.
Minister replied that as per the racing board’s strategic plan, moves were underway to utilise technology more efficiently.
Due to the mistrust and disrupted influence of One Racing, the Minister was asked if the people involved in the One Racing report were to continue on their respective boards and would they be involved in the new discussions on the way forward.
The Minister answered that he had confidence in those in charge of the industry and hoped that they were big enough to move on from One Racing.
Section 16 and whether it would be changed was questioned. The Minister stated that he has no intention of re-looking at Section 16, he is more focused on growing the whole pool of money so everyone is better off, rather than discussing who gets what.
To close the Minister stated that there will be no closure of smaller clubs, no change to racing and code governance and Section 16 of the Racing Act will not be reviewed. He found the discussion helpful and he assured everyone in attendance that he is listening to the grass roots.
SSBA change in President
After over seven years at the helm, Ailsa Smaill has decided to step down as President of the Southland Standardbred Breeders’ Association (SSBA). The new President David Kennedy, was previously on the SSBA committee and also former Chairman of the NZSBA.
Ailsa has been involved with the SSBA for over thirteen years, and in that time has seen many changes in the Southland breeding industry. On reflection of the last thirteen years, Ailsa commented that:
“It has been an interesting time for standardbred breeders over the past decade, the improvements to semen quality and transport has seen the world open up to Southland breeders. We now have access to the best sires, with conception rates and semen quality increasing – our standardbred families are continually improving.”
“I am thrilled that David Kennedy agreed to once again Chair the SSBA, the strong committee we have in Southland has been one of the highlights of my term. David knows this industry better than anyone, being Chair of SSBA before my term and also of the NZSBA – David will be once again an active advocator of Southland breeding.”
Ailsa will continue to provide assistance and support to the SSBA as a committee member and of course will be busy with her role on the HRNZ Executive.
Incoming President David Kennedy had this to say about Ailsa’s time as SSBA’s President:
“ Ailsa has unselfishly given the harness racing industry a great amount of time and effort. Her dedication and knowledge has certainly helped shape the SSBA and NZSBA into the effective working bodies they are today. Ailsa’s tireless work ethic and understanding of the breeding and racing industry have benefited us all and I am pleased she has decided to stay on the committee of the SSBA as her contributions are always positive and well researched.”
“As incoming president I will continue to carry on with the projects that Ailsa has set in place. I am also looking forward to working with SSBA committee on breeder’s issues so our members can benefit. “
To contact the SSBA, please call either David on or Jason Broad (Secretary) on .
NZSBA members crown the Jewels
It was a fantastic day at the office for NZSBA members on Saturday 5th June 2010, the much awaited running of the 2010 Harness Jewels at Cambridge. Of the nine card race, six were won by NZSBA member-bred horses.
First race of the day was won by southern belle, Beaudiene Bad Babe (Badlands Hanover - Beaudiene Babe), bred by recently appointed Southland Standardbred Breeders’ President David Kennedy. The four-year-old mare was sold to Peter Ryan, who sadly passed away not long after her first win in 2007. Peter’s family still race the mare in their father’s honour. The day also belonged to trainer Southland trainer Murray Brown, who secured his first Group race win.
Next NZSBA member-bred winner was Bettor Cover Lover in Race 3, the two-year-old Diamond. The Bettor’s Delight filly out of Front Cover Lover, was bred by Canterbury Standardbred Breeders’ Committee member Dennis Bennett and Linda Joyce of Rangiora and sold at the 2009 yearling sales to Australian buyers – Karnup Racing Pty Ltd.
De Lovely who is by Falcon Seelster out of Copper Beach, posted win number six for owner/breeders Les Girls No 2 Syndicate. The Syndicate managed by Angela Margison now own a NZ record holder in the three-year-old pacer, De Lovely. She recorded a winning time of 1.54.0. (0.4 seconds faster than previous holder Joyfuljoy).
Win number five for NZSBA members came to Ken and Karen Breckon with their four-year-old trotter I Can Doosit. Ken and Karen bred and own the gelding who is by Muscles Yankee out of Sheezadoosie. Trained by Mark Purdon and Grant Payne, I Can Doosit was the second of three winners on the day for the premier leading trainers.
Canterbury Standardbred Committee member, Neil Rich and wife Joan were the proud breeders of Major Mark. The two-year-old colt by Art Major out of Gucci Franco, has had nothing short of a fantastic season for owners Glenys and Phil Kennard, Neil Pilcher, Gavin Douglas and Philip Creighton. He has won seven races from ten starts and just over $380,000 in stakes.
Last of the NZSBA member-bred winners was Tintin In America, bred by “Breeding Matters” contributor Bee Pears. The four-year-old by McArdle out of Zenterfold, now has sixteen wins from thirty-five starts, including five Group ones, one Group two and one Group three races. Tintin In America was purchased from the yearling sales and is raced by the equally successful ATC Trot 2008 Syndicate.
Other winners on the day to be congratulated are: Silverdale West Melton Ltd – bred Kylie Ree (Monarchy – Nerokilo), winner of the two-year-old trot. Kylie Ree is raced by Brian McCully and trained by Mark Purdon and Grant Payne. Vulcan (Earl – Epona) took the honours for breeder/owners Jenny Butt and Donald McKenzie, the three-year-old trotter won convincingly by one length in a time of 1.58.0. Last but not least the final race of the day went to the talented three-year-old colt Sir Lincoln (Mach Three – Clare De Lune), bred by Lincoln Farms and owned by John and Sheryl Street along with Graeme and Erin Blackburn.
The NZSBA would like to congratulate all winners on their Jewel’s success.
Harnesslink.com have a page devoted to the news stories from the 2010 Harness Jewels, click here to be redirected to their page.
Harness Jewels breeders
Click here to view the breeders of the 2010 Harness Jewels Contenders.
Sundon mares delivers a Jewels double
Sundon mare Howz Lucky will be a proud mum come this Saturday's Harness Jewels when both her progeny of racing age step onto Cambridge Raceway to take part in one of harness racing's biggest days. Click here to read the article courtesy of harnesslink.com.
Foster homes needed
Foster homes are needed for 6 rescued standardbred horses, if you can help please contact Sandra Shearer from Horse Welfare on or 0.
MAY 2010
Millwood Meg shatters world record
Dave and Katie Carville, members of the NZSBA, will have plenty to celebrate after their outstanding success with Millwood Meg, who smashed the world record for three-year-old filly over a distance greater than one mile. The filly by Mach Three out of Millwood Pride, is now racing in Australia for the Carvilles. It was at Pinjarra that she ran a time of 1.59.18 over 1670 metres - a mile rate of 1.54.8.
The previous world record was set in NZ by Tupelo Rose when she won a 1700 metre race at Alexandra Park in a time of 2.01.7 (mile rate 1.55.1).
Millwood Pride is the dam of Ohoka Utah (by Christian Cullen) who has amassed over $100,000 in earnings and has won 14 races both in NZ and Australia including the Group 3 Launceton Easter Cup and 4YO Bonanza at Mooney Valley.
Major Mark wins Sires Stakes Final
NZSBA members and CSBA committee man Neil Rich and his wife Joan enjoyed another Group 1 breeding success, when Major Mark took out the Sires Stakes Final at Addington on Friday night. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
De Lovely wins Oaks
De Lovely delighted breeder/owners and NZSBA members, Les Girls No 2 Syndicateon Friday when confidently winning the Group 1 NZ Oaks. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Averages up at autumn mixed sales
Despite the still shaky economic conditions, this year’s PGG Wrightson Autumn mixed sale averages were up from last season. Christchurch saw a slight increase with the weanlings creating a bit of interest over the broodmares. Top lot at Christchurch was a weanling by trotting sire Great Success out of Insist, sold for $18,500 to Craig Edmonds of Motukarara.
Auckland fared better for the broodmare sales, top lot was Galleons Dream a thirteen-year-old mare by Chiola Hanover out of Catherine The Great. She was sold to E J Edwards, Manukau for $39,000. The mare has produced Interdominion Trotting Final winner Galleons Sunset plus, trotting filly of the year Kathy Galleon and 2YO trotter of the year The Ultimate Galleon.
Sales statistics
2010
2009
Aggregate
Average
Clearance
Aggregate
Average
Clearance
Christchurch
$111,000
$2581
70%
$102,400
$2560
70%
Auckland
$416,400
$7305
70%
$281,500
$6398
85%
Secret Potion and Purdon/Payne one-two-three
It was Purdon/Payne one two three at the end of the $146,047 Nevele R Fillies final today (Saturday) at Addington Raceway. The harness racing giants delivered the perfect result for the connections of Secret Potion (1st) Meredith Maguire (2nd) and Lancome(3rd). Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Thumpem lands the big one
The highs and lows of harness racing were never more obvious today(Saturday) for Ken Barron when good fortune rolled his way in the PGG Wrightson Yearling Sales Two Year Old Final ($300,000 Group One).Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Low Key start to Autumn All-Age sale
It was a low key start to the Autumn All Age harness racing sale yesterday (Wednesday May 12) with the southern leg being held at Christchuirch's Canterbury Agricultural Park.Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Records smashed by NZSBA members
Alexandra Park was host to a great night’s racing last Friday (7th May 2010) with no less than four Group one races on the card, the night was always going to be a spectacular show of talented horses.
First up was the Group 1 Magness Benrow Sire Stakes two-year-old Fillies Championship. A field of thirteen horses from all over New Zealand started in this 1700m race. The clear winner was South Island-bred Better Cover Lover who romped home to win by three-lengths in a NZ record time of 2.01.5 (mile rate 1.55.0) smashing the previous NZ record created by Zenstar in 2009.
Better Cover Lover, who as her name suggests is by Bettor’s Delight out of Front Cover Lover, was bred by NZSBA and CSBA committee member Dennis Bennett along with his partner Linda Joyce. The couple sold the filly at last year’s PGG Wrightson sales, she is trained by Brent Mangos for Australian owners Karnup Racing Pty Ltd.
Next Group race for the night was the long-running Group 1 Dawson Harford NZ Messenger Championships. This race that has been running for over 40 years , has many ‘superstars’ such as Auckland Reactor, Monkey King, Mainland Banner and Elsu amongst its roll of honour .
This year, the stunning four-year-old entire Tintin In America, blew away his opposition when winning in a record breaking time of 3.15.8 (mile rate of 1.56.6) for owners the ATC Trot 2008 Syndicate. Tintin In America is by McArdle out of Zenterfold and was bred by NZSBA member and “Breeding Matters” contributor Bee Pears.
The next two Group one races, both for the trotters had their fair share of excitement. The Group one Breckon Bloodstock NZ Trotting Derby was won by talented South Island trotter Kahdon. A three-year-old Sundon Filly out of Kahola was driven to a half-a-neck win by David Butt in the sulky for trainer Paul Nairn. Kahdon was bred by Brendon and Lois Smith of Christchurch and is owned by the couple plus P C Nairn Ltd.
Another highlight on the trotting calendar was the Group 1 Rowe Cup – a historic race that has been running for nearly 92 years. Aussie super trotter Sundon’s Gift took out this year’s honours winning by one-and-three-quarter lengths over Stylish Monarch and Leighton Hest.
Sundon’s Gift an eight-year-old gelding by Sundon out of Landora’s Gift was bred in New Zealand by Trevor and Vera Allingham but is now owned by Australian Nevan Botica and trained by Chris Lang, based in Victoria.
The record-breaking results didn’t stop at Alexandra Park. Bettor’s Strike took out the Group 3 Wai Eyre Farm Rangiora Classic in a sizzling NZ record time of 3.11.5 (mile rate 1.58.5). The five-year-old gelding by Bettor’s
Delight out of Winters Rose was bred by NZSBA member Noreen Stiven and is raced by NZSBA members’ Jim and Susan Wakefield.
The NZSBA would like to congratulate all winners over the weekend, especially those bred by NZSBA members!
Changes to Premier Sale 2011
Vendor meetings in Southland and Canterbury with the auctioneers have backed the introduction of a 'Select Premier Day' to open next February's Yearling Sales in Christchurch.
Peter Lagan for PGG Wrightson said it possibly took the tougher market conditions this year to identify the need to make a greater 'show case' for the southern horses."Our sale at Karaka in Auckland and the Premium Gold Sale in Melbourne are in outstanding, purpose built venues. Christchurch may not have the same super venue but has proven it is just as good at attaining the top prices, when it has the product to offer. It does put the pressure on us to inspect and select the horses but it also puts the pressure on the vendors rearing them."
As one vendor put it to the Christchurch meeting, "we have become a bit casual about our performance and we need to lift our game."
PGGWrightson told the meetings the northern sale had grown in quality because of a strong nucleus of some very professional sale breeding operations. Southland as well was developing on the back of similar sales orientated vendors.
While introducing the Premier Day was agreed to across the board, other aspects of the sales produced a far more diverse range of opinions.
The main call from vendors was for reduced numbers, to shorten the length of the days and to maintain a lay-day between north and south. Some even felt that on top of reducing the number on the first two days it should be combined with relocating the third day of the sale to another time of year. "In effect that would mean turning away around 230 yearlings in total from the entries we receive for Christchurch", said Peter Lagan. "Breeders already have those foals on the ground so would be an unfair move to make" .
What is proposed is a Premier Select Day of 175, a second day cataloguing another 175 plus retaining the Third Day of 125 entries with a tiered entry fee structure to match. Effectively this would be reducing the catalogue by 60 lots from the last two years.
Apart from them having double the number of sale days this is based on the Auckland thoroughbred sales model. New Zealand Bloodstock have experimented with selling yearlings at other times of year, like their Auckland Cup Carnival Sale. But they keep coming back to selling all their yearlings in that one week. What the thoroughbred people have realised also is that the best opportunity to market horses you don't intend taking to the yearling sales is offering them through the Weanling Sales in May. It makes by far the most economic sense. Nevele R Stud have sold weanlings privately for many years and more recently Alabar and Woodlands Stud are marketing their weanlings through the Autumn Sales.
The issue of alternating the North and South Island Sales remains for some a contentious one. Others see it as either irrelevant or somewhat beneficial to follow the momentum. This last sentiment has only been strengthened by the introduction of the Select Premier Day. A large number of South Island vendors thinking you would not want to be selling your best lots in the opening session of a sales week. The issue of sale dates is also affected by the unavailability of the Karaka complex immediately after the thoroughbred sales.
Given all the factors we have elected to Parade in Auckland on the afternoon of Friday, February 18 and sell Saturday 19th. Sunday 20th will be an Open Inspection afternoon in Christchurch and the three selling days outlined above being Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 21st to 23rd.
Bruce Barlass for PGG Wrightson said, "the dates issue has the ability to reach an absolute impasse. It seems to be an old horse-chestnut that placement is the reason for every lot that doesn't sell well - be it too early, too late or in the middle".
Consensus of the meetings was that we are in difficult financial times and that should not be reason to make sweeping changes. But overall the word to heed is from the Purchaser's - that they will go where they perceive the product is they want.
Footnote. Christchurch Day Three produced its first Group One winner when the Mike Stratford bred Charlotte Brew took out the Victorian Oaks.
Grant Inglis
PGG Wrightson
APRIL 2010
CSBA prize a hit for winning couple
The Canterbury Standardbred Breeders’ Association (CSBA) held their inaugural Autumn social night at Addington Raceway last Friday night. CSBA committee were joined by just under 100 members and their guests for an enjoyable evening at the races.
The CSBA sponsored Race 9 on the card, the Canterbury Standardbred Breeders’ Mobile pace. The race was for 2-5 win pacing fillies and mares and winner Indrah took out the race comfortably by one length.
Indrah is owned by Barry Harvey from Darfield, she is a four-year-old mare by Courage Under Fire out of Ce’nedra, bred by Michelle Pascoe. This was Indrah’s fifth win from twelve starts. Barry owns a number of racehorses in syndicates but Indrah is his only fully owned racehorse; being trained by Barry’s “good mate” Steven McCrae also made the win that much sweeter.
Members of the CSBA were invited to the birdcage to have their photo with Indrah and Barry; many taking up the offer to enjoy the benefits of sponsoring a race (photo attached). Members and their guests also enjoyed a sumptuous meal in the Stewards dining area; hosted by Dean Lester the night was enjoyed by all.
A special ‘mystery’ draw on the night saw Doug and Susan Breed winning seven nights at the Peninsular Beachfront Resort, Mooloolaba Beach, Queensland. The CSBA would like to thank the Peninsular Beachfront Resort and Laurie Goodson for organising the outstanding prize in this luxury resort – for more information on the Peninsular Beachfront Resort visit www.peninsular.com.au.
Doug and Susan Breed of Ashburton now get to enjoy a luxurious honeymoon in Mooloolaba. Doug is heavily involved with the highly successful Kidz Kartz and has recently set up a ‘branch’ in Ashburton which is becoming increasingly popular. The CSBA congratulate Doug and Susan and hope they have a wonderful time in Australia.
Pictured CSBA members with Indrah and owner Barry Harvey
HRNZ report to Minister of Racing on One Racing
The 28 standardbred horses seized by welfare authorities late last month from a property near Christchurch are thriving in foster care.
The horses included mares, weanlings, youngstock, and one stallion. A total of 16 horses were uplifted from Halswell, south of Christchurch, on March 29, and the 12 who had been taken to another location the day before were found in Kirwee and seized on March 31. Six horses had to be euthanised at the time of the original operation.
Click here to read the horsetalk.co.nz article.
Members success in Group Races
Friday night saw a plethora of Group races run in the both the North and South Island, all winners being bred by NZSBA members.
Addington Raceway was host to a bevy of Group Races on Friday 9th April for both pacers and trotters, meanwhile Auckland was host to the Group 1 Nevele R Stud/Caduceus Club Classic won by Paradise City who was bred by Barry and Anne Ward from Christchurch. The two-year-old filly is by Bettor’s Delight out of Child In Time, this was her first win from five starts.
The first Group Race of the night at Addington saw the Tony and Anne Parker-bred Emma Hamilton win the Group 3 NZ Trotters Trust NZ Trotting Oaks convincingly by one-and-a-half lengths. The Parkers race the filly with Mark and Vicki Purdon.
Next up was Major Mark bred by Neil and Joan Rich, he won the Group 1 NZ Welcome Stakes in a time of 2.23.1, mile rate 1.58.0. The two-year-old Art Major/Gucci Franco colt has won five times from seven starts.
The feature race of the night, Group 1 NZ Derby was taken out by Captain Peacock a three-year-old gelding by Live Or Die out of Enchanting. Captain Peacock was bred by Keith and Bevan Grice and has continued on his winning form taking his season tally to five wins from eight starts, in this his first season of racing.
Stylish Monarch trotted up a storm in the Group 1 NZ Trotting Championship, the six -year-old gelding by Monarchy out of Stylish Summit was bred by Anne Patterson who retains ownership of the stylish gelding. He is having a bumper season, winning seven races from fourteen starts and taking his lifetime wins to eleven races with over $150,000 in stakes.
The NZSBA would like to congratulate our members on a successful night at the races!
Christian Cullen stud fee reduced by 40%
OWNER IAN Dobson has slashed the service fee for champion stallion Christian Cullen by 40% in a bold move which he hopes will encourage everyone else in the breeding and racing industry to review their charges.
Click here to view the Sunday Star Times article by Barry Lichter.
Standardbred breeders' buck trend
The NZ Standardbred Breeders’ Association (NZSBA) is encouraged by last season’s breeding figures released to it by Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ). The figures show an encouraging 2% increase in mares served this season (2009/10)
Although only a slight increase, it shows that our industry has a solid core of support and generally is in good shape with breeders are continuing to put their mares in foal. Not surprisingly there has been strong support for the better priced stallions with several of the newcomers in the $3000 and below range well patronised. This bodes well for a brighter future ahead.
The number of stallions used was up one to 90 from the previous season. Seventeen new sires were available this season.
Flashing Red’s “free” service was well taken up by breeders with the stallion serving 116 mares.
Some of the new boys did well with Gotta Go Cullect (150), Gotta Go Cullen (39), Pay Me Christian (39), Ohoka Arizona (95) and Santana Blue Chip (84).
Reductions in mares served was seen with Bettor’s Delight (158 served this season), Christian Cullen (115) and Live or Die (139).
Click here for breeding statistics or contact Kiely for a copy on .
NZMTC leading breeding recognition
The NZ Standardbred Breeders’ Association would like to thank the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club who have successfully implemented breeders’ names being added to the race book for all races, at no extra cost to the club.
A letter sent to Canterbury and Northern South Island clubs by the Canterbury Standardbred Breeders’ Association was met positively by the NZMTC.
NZMTC CEO Shane Gloury made the addition to the race book in late February. Akaroa and Banks Peninsula Trotting Clubs are also willing to add breeder names; they use a different system to NZMTC and are currently working with the TAB to action the changes.
CSBA President John Mooney joined in thanking The Met. He said:
“Recognition of participation in our industry is very important to owners and breeders. This small gesture, supported by HRNZ’s inclusion of the breeder’s name in the InfoHorse results, is appreciated.”
The NZSBA also acknowledges the Auckland Trotting Club who add breeders’ names to their Group races. A little bit of recognition goes a long way.
MARCH 2010
Minister of Racing on Auckland Cup carnival
Auckland Cup week showed something I have been keen to see; the three racing codes - harness, thoroughbred and dogs - lining up to offer the best possible entertainment to punters. The Stella Artois Auckland Cup at Ellerslie, the Auckland Cup for greyhounds at Manukau and the Trillian Trust Auckland Cup at Alexandra Park on three consecutive days provided a feast of racing, fashion and hospitality to suit all tastes. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
Northern Oaks goes to Secret Potion
If anyone deserved to win a Group One race then its Brian West of Studholme Bloodstock. The prolific harness racing breeder has produced bucket loads of Group One champions over the years but tonight (Friday) at Alexandra Park West got to experience his very own Group One glory when Secret Potion won the $150,000 Northern Oaks for 3yo pacing fillies. Click here to read the harnesslink.com article.
FEBRUARY 2010
One Racing - HRNZ response
Click here to read the HRNZ response to the One Racing proposal.
Worm control series
Click here to read the extensive series on worm burdens in New Zealand and ways of controlling them. Courtesy of Neil Clarkson, www.horsetalk.co.nz