OWNER’S
BULLETIN
JULY 2014
To improve the economics,
Mrs Ada Parnwell QSM –
eulogy
integrity and pleasure of
June 07 2014
the sport of thoroughbred
I am Lee Somervell and
my association with Ada
goes back to 1986 when,
as a fledgling trainer, I
purchased a horse from one
of her Sales and she gave me
3 months credit.
Our Goal
racing on behalf of all
owners.
president/members
councillor’s
message
Neil Oldfield
Welcome members and readers to this edition of
the Owners Bulletin. All but done and dusted, the
season now. It’s time to appreciate the performance
of many equines as we stoke the fires, and look
forward to the coming spring. Far too many to
mention, but we as a nation continue to “box above
our weight” with the exports of our equine athletes
performance internationally continuing to support
the breeding industry and owners alike.
Your Federation is currently involved in finalising a
template of an Owners/Trainers Contract Agreement.
This template, when finished will offer a standard
of expectations between owners and trainers, their
respective obligations and a point of reference to
settle any disputes. Like all contracts it is only binding
on signing, and is open to extra clauses, and removal
of clauses subject to the mutual consent of both
parties.
Owners raceday experience. Following our latest
Executive meeting, fifteen key points were identified
as issues for further discussion with NZTR, we as the
Executive believe will improve the general wellbeing
of Owners. It sounds a lot, but the focus of six of
them revolve around the raceday experience of
Owners. Whether it is access to your horse, the Club
provided owners experience, or communication,
or food and beverage available on raceday, all have
been identified as real targets to improve the race
day experience of Owners. In a recent NZTR survey,
trainers also expressed concern as to the deal owners
were afforded. To this end, and after initial discussion
with NZTR, a strategy meeting will be convened to
identify, and action not only our points, but those also
acknowledged in the NZTR Business Plan 2014-2016.
We expect that the adoption of the Racing Club
Partnership Programme to be a key driver, and as such,
input, from not only the Federation but other sector
groups as well can only improve the development of
our code.
Keep the home fires burning, and all the best for the
last few weeks of the season.
Regards, Neil.
2
I was employed by Ada in
September 2006, primarily
to carry on with the running
of the popular Horse Magic
Show.
Then in September 2008, Ada
asked me if I would take over
the training of her small team
of racehorses.
Ada Parnwell with Lee Somervell at Cambridge
Ada was a hard Task Master and she certainly kept me on my toes. But, together, we
developed a successful Racing and Breeding Team – highlighted by, ‘Fleur de Lune’s’
Group 1 win.
At a dinner to celebrate one of our first wins, I said to Ada: “If you were a racehorse, you
would have been a Group One Winner.” She liked that!
I think comparing Ada Parnwell to a thoroughbred is a tribute to her contributions to
NZ Racing. There is no denying Ada’s tremendous investment in that, both with her
racehorses and her sponsorship. Ada loved her horses. Racing and Breeding were her
passions in life.
If we were to compare Ada Parnwell with her great mare, ‘Fleur de Lune,’ we would find
that they shared many of the same qualities: Both were small in stature, but had great
fighting spirits. Both had a calm and sweet exterior that hid an iron will and a steely
resolve to win. Both had problems throughout their life – passing a Vet’s or a Doctor’s
examination. Both had strong bloodlines and Ada has left two fine fillies.
Fleur De Lune will get her chance next season.
The influence of Mrs Ada Parnwell in N.Z. Racing will continue for many years to come.
improved racing experience
customers ex nztr strategic
Racing’s key challenge is a very simple one: we need more customers.
This requires a step change to our industry’s almost exclusively internal focus.
Thirty years ago New Zealand culture revolved around rugby, racing and beer. However,
over the last decade, our sport has lost considerable relevance in New Zealand society,
while competition for both scarce leisure time and the wagering and entertainment
dollar has intensified.
Many New Zealanders view our sport of thoroughbred racing as traditional and
unfashionable and our internal focus has led to a reluctance to implement changes
required to meet these perceptions and changing customer demands.
Recent research undertaken by NZTR on behalf of race clubs is extremely insightful and
identifies the serious challenges that our sport and our race clubs face. Whilst significant
difference exists between race clubs, feedback generally indicates:
 Stakeholders are generally very happy with the communication with and from
race clubs across most categories including professionalism, staff knowledge,
communication skills, staff attitude and promptness of response;
 Race clubs were seen to be proactively promoting their events and offering a safe
and family friendly environment. However, stakeholders do not view race clubs
as a modern, progressive, or innovative organisations or as great providers of
entertainment;
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
EDITORIAL NOTES
Neil Miller
The theme this issue is toward the new jumping season. We have two profiles.
One is on the legend that is Ann Brown who has done more for the jumping
game here than any person living at this time. Remarkably Ann the Owner of
the Year in 2006 who started out in 1959 is still going strong and the Browne
horses keep winning.
There is a juxtaposition in that we also have a profile of the young up and coming
Jumps jockey Daniel Miller starting out. But there is symmetry too as both of
these subjects have lost close family members to the jumping game. Then this
season young Daniel after a brilliant ride won the Ken and Roger Browne Memorial
Steeplechase at Te Rapa when he drove Snowdropstwinkletoes to the line.
We wish to congratulate our members whose service to their community have
been recognized in the recent Queens Birthday Honours. They are Dame Lowell
Goddard and recently featured in our pages, Catriona Williams and Christopher
Grace.
Earlier this year we recognized Sir Peter Vela, Karen Fenton Ellis and Don McLaren’s
awards. All the above mentioned are closely associated in friendship and the
community of racing.
Our sponsor/advertiser studs Little Avondale and Haunui Farm have taken up extra
space to talk of their stallion rosters. We did say we would only have two studs
advertise in our Bulletin and then Daniel Nahkle asked us if we could talk about
free services to Ego he is offering our readers. We couldn’t say no to that.
Toward the back of this issue is a page from the ROA which is the British Owners
organization. Currently we seek dialogue with them in an effort to improve our
owners lot. Key to that is the ‘owners raceday experience’
You may gather from reading the piece that in
comparison to theirs, ours is embarrassingly
inadequate. It provides little incentive to race a horse
here and surely is a causal factor for owners exiting
the game.
Contact me – [email protected]
our cover >
Browne’s Hill – its bigger
and steeper than you might think
required to attract new
plan
 Owners were not always satisfied with the race day experience that they receive,
mainly because of a lack of satisfaction around food and beverage, owner’s
facilities and the owner’s privileges they receive;
 Trainers are generally happy with the race day facilities provided for their horses
but not with the facilities provided to their owners;
 Race day sponsors were generally happy with their experience, however about
one third of sponsors were reconsidering their continued involvement given
the quality of racecourse facilities, the number of race goers present and the
atmosphere on race days;
 Many race club members do not believe they are treated differently to normal
race goers and view their membership fee as a donation to the club and not
value for money; and
 Race club employees are motivated and passionate about their jobs.
At the heart of the growth and sustainability of our sport is the need to improve
the racing experience offered by race clubs to owners, trainers, members, but most
importantly, to new customers. Whilst passionate race goers may be “forgiving” of a
poor racing experience, new customers are not.
That is why the delivery of an improved race day experience for our various customer
segments underpins the six key strategies of NZTR’s Five-Year Strategic Plan 2014-2018.
Ada Parnwell qsm
Tribute for Service
Former President of the New Zealand Racehorse Owners
Federation, Ada Parnwell QSM, passed away peacefully at
her home on Tuesday, 3 June 2014 after a short illness.
She will be forever remembered as the breeder and owner of
Corndale, a horse who won 14 races, $527,000 in stakes and
still holds the New Zealand record for 1600m.
During her lifetime Ada served on thirty different voluntary
organizations ranging from the Tauranga City Council to Royal
New Zealand Plunket Society and the Tauranga District Health
Board.
Prior to becoming substantially involved in the racing industry,
Ada and her late husband Bert built their company Parnwell
Bakeries into the largest bread baking business in Tauranga.
They eventually sold the business to Goodman Fielder and
then established Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge.
Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge was the home for most of
the seventy horses that Ada and Bert owned and raced. It was
also an auction house which conducted regular sales mostly at
their selling complex at the Lodge in Karapiro,
In the early 1990’s Ada was asked to become involved in the
Bay of Plenty Racehorse Owners Association and served as
their representative on the Waikato District Committee. Soon
she was elected President of the New Zealand Racehorse
Owners Federation and eventually became the Owner’s
representative on the New Zealand Racing Conference.
The present Racing Act was passed when Ada was President
and she was involved in making submissions on the bill to
a Parliamentary Select Committee. Objectives for the NZRB
such as to, “maintain the stability of the racing industry,” and
to, “foster the economic well being of those organizations and
people who make their living from racing,” were presented to
the Select Committee by Federation solicitor Grahame Lee.
Ada a high profile person, would often be phoned by reporters
seeking quotes. Her astute and well worded comments such
as, “low stakes are a symptom of the industry’s problems not
the cause of it,” were covered by media at that time.
Ada Parnwells contribution to New Zealand Racing was
massive for a very long period of time.
Ada Parnwell was President of the New Zealand Thoroughbred
Owners Federation from 1994 to 2002. She is warmly regarded
by her contemporaries for her commitment and the clear
guidance she provided for Owners.
Editors note. The above tribute was provided by Vince
Middledorp who served NZ Owners under Ada Parnell’s
stewardship.
JULY 2014
3
NOTES FROM THE REGIONS
auckland notes Neil Miller
Its soggy up here and the only really good track to be found is at Ruakaka. There are races to be
won here, that is if you can get past the Donna and Dean Logan ones. Recently they won 6 races
in a day. As the horse trucks rumbled up the Brynderwyn Hill heading home there would have
been rumbl ings too of the home game advantage in the North.
The Logans have a promising youngster in Copy Watch. He is cleverly named being by the son of
Redoubtes Choice, Time Thief. If you go to Hong Kong and walk down Nathan Road touts call out to
you, Copy watch, Copy watch! They sell fake Rolex’s but Ali Sutherland, Michael Stiassny, Donna Logan
and BJ Gibson have one ticking well here.
Avondale suffered some damage when a big storm blew through but they are operational again.
Brian (Baggy) Hillis passed away. He was a legend at Ellerslie. His sons Paul and Wayne backed up that
ability. These Hillis men had been many times over the Ellerslie Hill with great distinction. Wayne and
Paul asked permission to take Baggy over the ‘Hill” for one last time. Ellerslie’s Andrew Castle kindly
granted the request and supplied the tractor and trailer. Two men and a coffin made a sight going over
the ‘hill’.
Auckland Committeemen John Graham had success at Avondale with his bred/owned/trained Banbury
Lad. Then Peter Lister followed that up with a win with Le Silk. Wal Hildsens Spellbinder is back at
Bridgmans. Expect to see her at the Hawkes Bay Spring Carnival. Frances Crimmins Little Wonder is
spelling at the Harveys Ascot Farm.
Our High Chaparral filly So High got her first win at Avondale on 2 July in the George Walker Better Than
New Office Furniture Maiden. I had asked Trevor McKee to get us into a stayer and he and the fillies
vendors Maureen and Bruce Harvey are partners with us. These staying fillies take a while to get up but
we are away now.
Karen Blanchard Manager of Sponsors and Promotions at Pukepark advises Counties Spinal Trust Day is
upcoming. Below is advice from Trevor (aka Gripper) Harrison. (edited)
Hello, I am a Volunteer Fundraising Manager for the NZ Spinal Trust. Also I’m the Official Race Day Starter
(gallops) in the top half of the
North Island.
This is our 4th year that we
have run The NZ Spinal Trust
Race Day at Counties and in
that time we have raised a
large amount of money each
year to help people with spinal
cord injuries get back to work.
Below are details of the day.
Perhaps you or your business
may want to help by buying a
table and having a great day
out and of course support one
of NZ’s top charities. Perhaps
you would like to donate an
item for our silent auctions.
These will be on display during
the day.
Please feel free to contact
me so I can assist you with
inquiries.
Regards,
Trevor Harrison
[email protected]
4
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
waikato
notes/
bay of plenty
words
Jenny Cowan
The Cambridge Lodge Bonus
scheme was the first scheme of its’
kind in New Zealand and was the
brainchild of the late Ada Parnwell.
It was new to selling agents and
prospective Owners in NZ but
initially the concept was treated with
doubts and criticism.
Owners had the opportunity to earn
extra bonus monies as well as the
stake money from the Racing Club
on the day.
To qualify each yearling had to pass
through the Cambridge Lodge sale
ring and pay an entry fee of $1750.00
Leo and I offered our own-bred colt
for sale through the ring, hoping
to buy him back and qualify for the
scheme.
We wanted to be in this scheme so
we didn’t dress him up. No-one else
wanted him. When he was passed in,
we paid the commission and raced
him ourselves.
Named Light Opera he won two
bonuses of $35,000 each and other
stakemoney.
We admired the perception and
persistence that Ada provided to
show the way. It was simple, sure
and aimed at the people where the
horses were bred and lived.
Light Opera had 7 wins, 3 seconds,
1 third and an unplaced from his only
12 starts.
He died of a twisted bowel starting
his second preparation as a 3yr old.
There were various comments that
the scheme had problems, but we
never had a doubt – as soon as the
horse’s win was cleared, the cheque
was in the mail.
Few women have had the tenacity
to achieve in the field as Ada had.
She kept the interests of the racing
industry in her sights, right to the
end.
hawkes bay happenings
Tony Lyndon
The heavy tracks saw a return of form for
Commett at Otaki in a Rating 85. It was
his 5th win for owners John Bary and Alan
Chapman.
years they have been racing and breeding horses, when two horses raced and bred by them won
on the same day. Petty Lane winning the $30,000 White Robe Lodge Francolin Stakes and Addictive
Habit the $17,500 rating 75 at Ellerslie. Petty Lane the winner of 10 races has now been retired and
is going to Raise the Flag standing at Brian Andertons White Robe Lodge Stud next season.
Sea King raced by his breeder Sue Harty with
Otaki trainer Rachel Frost and Auckland owner
Chris O’Reilly won his 10th race and 7th over
hurdles when winning the $50,000 K.S. Browne
hurdle at Ellerslie. His stake money earnings
now stand at $176,000 and more should be
added as the winter progresses although
carrying weights in excess of 70kgs may
hinder him. It is possible he may be seen in a
steeplechasing role this season.
Waipukurau owner/trainer Simon Wilson should be rewarded through the winter with his
good winter galloper Fielddaze. Fielddaze won his second race when taking out the rating
75 over 2100 metres at Trentham on a heavy rated 11 track.
The retirement of It’s a Dundeel has seen a trip
of a lifetime finished for the syndicate who
raced him. They are now entering into the
second chapter of this champion: as a breeding
stallion. Whether he can emulate the success at
stud that he produced on the racetrack remains
to be seen. Bred by Murray and Jo Andersen out
of their Zabeel mare Stareel who was out of the
Fiesta Star mare Staring the 1992 Wrightson filly
of the Year. Stareel never raced but her mating
to High Chaparral produced It’s a Dundeel.
Although the majority of the shareholding is
now owned by Arrowfield Stud the Andersens
still retained 10% of him when he won the
NZ$4.3 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes. He will
stand at Arrowfield Stud next season for a fee
of A$27500. Two other couples of the syndicate
will retain breeding shares of 5% each. They
are Havelock North residents Mike and Sharon
Craig and Dave and Jenny Morison, with Murray
and Jo Andersen. They have formed a company
called Waimarama Thoroughbreds which gives
the breeding company 20% of It’s a Dundeel,
entitling them to 8 nominations, and 20% of any
profits he makes at stud.
Napier Accountant Paddy Murphy returned to the winner’s circle when Don’t Blame Buster returning
from a 10month spell won first up at Woodville. Paddy the co breeder of Don’t Blame Buster who is
out of the Exploding Prospect mare Gee Baby who won 5 races. Paddy who recently had a triple by
pass heart operation, shared in the ownership of the 2011 Hawkes Bay Cup winner Don Domingo.
Hastings trainer John Bary has retired The
Hombre. Raced in a syndicate with Ivan Grieve,
John O’Sullivan and Chris Skerman he won 7
races and $367,000. Among his wins was The
Group 3 Rough Habit Plate in Brisbane and the
Newmarket Handicap at Ellerslie.
Graham and Isobell Roddick breeders of the
champion Rough Habit had a first in the many
The Guy Lowry/Grant Cullen mares Irish Fling and Pimms Time have been retired. Irish Fling
was the winner of 5 races including the $250,000 Group 1 Telegraph Handicap. Pimms Time
also won 5 races including the $100,000 Group 2 Travis Stakes.
Napier couple Bruce and Annette Keighley who rarely go to the races these days won their 3rd race
with the promising Skagen gelding Beau Agen at Awapuni. They also raced Roanah who won 7
races for them. They were awarded the Bi-Monthly Trophy for April/May.
Kapsboy gave Fernhill farmers John and Colleen Duncan a boost when winning his 5th race at Te
Aroha. They raced him and the now retired Fleur de Lune with the late Ada Parnwell.
Good winter galloper Our Destiny has been retired after another leg injury. Raced by Peter Grieve
and the late Ron Smith he won 6 races and was being prepared for a jumping career when he
sustained an injury.
HB RACEHORSE OWNER’S ASSOCIATION
In conjunction with HB BREEDERS
Request your assistance to sell or buy tickets in this great raffle prize.
Tickets cost $20.00 per ticket or $100 for book of 6 tickets.
Closes 20th August 2014. Tickets can be obtained by contacting Tony Lyndon
on (06) 876 8250 or Graham and Isabel Roddick on (06) 879 8662.
He was New Zealand Horse Of The Year and Champion Australasian three year old, no stallion
currently standing in New Zealand has won more Group Ones than Jimmy Choux.
23 of his 26 career starts were black type races with a staggering 15 Group One races.
He won a total of 12 races from 800m to 2400m, including five Group Ones and placing
a further five times in Group Ones earning over $3.6 million.
He had the natural speed to win over 800m at two,
before beating Australasia’s best at three and winning
another two Group Ones at four, not to mention a 2nd in
the Cox Plate.
PLEASE
SUPPORT
YOUR LOCAL
OWNERS
ASSN
“He’s by a champion sire and his dam is by a champion
broodmare sire. He has four lines of Star Kingdom in his
first six generations, which is now a rarity in Australasian
breeding,”
“He was an outstanding racehorse with a great physique
so he’s got absolutely everything in his favour to make a
successful stallion.” Studmaster John Thompson said.
His foals have been stamped with his athleticism, scope,
quality and temperament.
wanganui/taranaki roundup
Rosie Hackett
Firstly we send our Best Wishes to Thomas
Russell, his partner Pip and family and
friends. He had a fall at the Bulls Track
and is in Christchurch Hospital. Thinking
of you and hoping you Get Well Soon
Thomas.
Palemo beat a good field in the Hawkes Bay
Steeplechase for Stable rider Matt Gillies. Matt
is going well and has the best smile.
Pencuri is at Kevin Myers as Norm Wood has
been in hospital. The horse has been working
well and will be aimed at the Winter Cup.
Billy Elliot has one hurdle race for a win and
one Steeplechase for a win also ridden by Matt
Gillies.
Kevin Myers is the local leading trainer for the
season so far. Sea King went well in Australia,
winning a $100,000. Steeplechase with Steve
Pateman aboard and he lines up in the Grand
National at Flemington in a couple of weeks
and the way he fought the other day he will be
a huge chance.
Presigiosa had it’s first hurdle race at
Manawatu and won by 8 lengths.
Jamie Lupton races in the famous Anne and
Snowy Lupton colours carried to victory by the
wonderful Kiwi in the Melbourne Cup. She got
her first win as a trainer at Tauherinikau (should
be Tauherenikau) with Miss Enders.
Kick Back is going well and will be one to follow.
Sonny Ben has had two Hurdle starts for a third
and an impressive win at Hawkes Bay. He is
likely to head to the Northern Meeting.
Nikki Marshall trained her first winner at
Stratford in Mischievious Miss, She was
formerly a jockey, and worked for Steve
Crutchley for years so she knows the drill well
and has a nice team around her.
JULY 2014
5
NOTES FROM THE REGIONS
CONTINUED
central
south island
sayings
The winning style of Leeds
RACE IMAGES LTD
Fiona Hurst
manawatu matters
Allan Fenwick
Friendly rivalry in the Gillespie family was evident on the Saturday of Queen’s Birthday weekend.
Britt Ekland part owned by Tim impressed in winning the first at Ellerslie and has since gone on
to record a treble when winning at Ruakaka. With 4 wins from 10 starts the Elvstroem filly is well
above average. Father Peter could only manage a second with Salamanca early on the Wanganui
programme but then chimed in with a winning run by Ringo, the success making it 5 wins from 10
starts. Ringo has subsequently had one start in Melbourne for a second placing.
But the bragging rights went to Peter when the promising Leeds took out the Listed Castletown Stakes.
Raced in a partnership which includes trainer Michael Breslin and Wellfield Lodge manager Peter Didham,
Leeds has gone to the spelling paddock as the winner of 2 from 3 starts. A very well respected soccer
player himself Michael has apparently been waiting for the right horse to come along to be named after his
favourite football team. Leeds has the size, scope and ability to carry on with his form as a 3 year old.
Salamanca has since gone on to win at Tauranga and it is pleasing to see this highly talented horse now
living up to his 2 year old form. Gary and Janet Harris and Peter Gillespie could well be in for an exciting new
season with this Alamosa gelding.
The Lisa Latta trained mare Unbelievabelle was quickly in to form in her current winter campaign when
she won her 5th race at Wanganui at the end of May and has followed up that effort with a second also at
Wanganui and a win at Riccarton. Partner Miles Oldershaw was notably absent on the day but the rest of his
Wairarapa team were thrilled with the success.
Association Committee member Kevin Tod has recently returned from 4 weeks overseas. During his absence
horses he has shares in chalked up 3 individual wins and 3 minor placings. Rumour has it that the Partners
are taking up a collection to send him away again!! Wotabuzz, raced in a partnership including John Naylor
and Gary Knight, got his steeplechasing career off to a great start with an impressive winning debut at
Trentham and must now rate as a strong prospect for the Grants Plumbing Wellington Steeplechase in July.
It would have been pleasing for all concerned to see the 2012 Grand National Steeplechase winner back in
winning form after an ordinary 2013 winter campaign.
Kevin shares in the ownership of Itsagem with a number of other Association members including Tony
Climo, John Roach and Mark and Fay Fearon. Trained by breeder Lisa Latta the 4 year old mare has been
wonderfully consistent with only one unplaced effort in 14 starts. Clearly Kevin’s absence was the ingredient
needed to get that elusive winning run.
Another who needed to be absent overseas for a winning run to eventuate was Wayne Kitching. Joe
Bonanno, now trained by Kerry and Ian Taplin at Isla Bank, was a clear cut winner at Riverton in May.
At the other end of the country Southern Icon, raced by Mike Collinson and Gaylene Tait and trained by
Alan Tait, was making a winning debut at Ruakaka. Ridden by Robert Hannam, making his first visit to the
Northland racecourse, Southern Icon has since backed up with a solid second to the promising Copy Watch.
Mike and Alan Tait enjoyed a successful run in the past with Point Guard, the winner of 9 races.
Marotiri Miss recorded her 4th win for Beven & Christine Parlato at New Plymouth in May and then turned in
a determined effort when second to Our Gazza in the North Island Challenge Stakes at Trentham.
Douglas Duncan now has this year’s Waikato and Hawkes Bay Steeplechases on the Honours Board thanks
to Palemo, which he races in partnership with Jeff McVean. A winner of 2 flat races Palemo has really taken
to steeplechasing with 3 wins and 6 minor placings from 10 starts.
Brother Ken Duncan, also a former successful amateur rider, gained a win at Hastings with Wee Biskit which
he races with his Mother Jean. Ken gained his first success as a trainer with Mister Deejay at Awapuni in
June. He is also a partner in Tim so it has been a great winter for him.
From the hills of Hunterville Dean Cunningham has produced Tim to be one of the finds of the early winter
jumping races. A hatrick was completed with a bold win in the L J Hooker Manawatu Steeplechase. Raced
mainly by members of Dean’s extended family Tim has also launched former talented flat rider Troy Harris off
to a great start in jumping races.
6
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
Winter racing is in full swing
and the big hearts of the hard
working winter gallopers comes
to the fore at this time of the
year. The Waimate Cup was a great
example of this with a talented field
including horses such as Fiorano,
Woodyeva, Lamaze and King
Prawn. But, it was the underrated
local galloper by the name of
Additup, a six year old Eltawaasul
gelding, sitting a length back off
the leader until the 600m where
he poked his nose in front and ran
home beautifully for a nine length
winning margin to the delight of
his trainer Brett Inglis who also
owns the gelding along with his
partner Mary Gazzard. The leggy
chestnut gelding took a while to
get the hang of this racing game
but when he did late last season he
produced some wonderful results
for his connections including four
wins over the space of a couple of
months.
The jumping season is reaching
its peak with one more meeting
at Timaru before National week.
Local trainer David Hutton has
been filling nearly half the field in
most jumping races. His big grey
gelding ‘The Sydney Express’ by
“Express Duke’ has recently had
two hard fought second places
since stepping up to the larger
fences of the steeplechase course.
Association member and Trainer
Terrill Charles recently had her first
starter over fences, a nerve racking
moment for Terrill I am sure. Terrill
shares in the ownership of her
horses with partner Peter Corbett.
Our Winter Points Series
competition finishes at the end of
July, it is still anyone’s guess who
will win as there is currently a few
horses at the top of the leaderboard
and still a very good chance for any
late comers to snatch victory.
Without the Annual two year old
sales being held in August it is a
fairly quiet time for Central South
Island Owners Association until our
Annual Award evening which will
be held late September or early
October.
The local area Track Caretakers
should be mentioned too for doing
their best at a difficult time of year
to provide the best surface they can
for horses, trainers and owners.
Ann Browne &
Brownes Hill –
Legend & Icon!
Have you wondered like I have where this fabled place
is, where year on year far back in our memories, great
jumpers come from. Well as Ann told us you can see it
from Cambridge town. Its there standing high some miles
back to the south.
Leaving the town you take the road to Lake Karapiro, Maungatautari
Road. Bracketed by the verdant pastures of studs that include Chequers
and Trelawney is Redoubt Rd. It’s a no exit one running back to the hills
and I guess there was a fort back there in early days.
We went up a metal drive at Number 321. There was an old farmhouse
on the left and a small group of open front boxes just past that, where
an equine dentist was rasping the teeth of assembled horses. Ann’s right
hand man was attending and we talked fishing, (it was a beautiful day)
while Ann finished her lunch.
Then we went inside to chat with Ann in a sunny sitting room that looked
down on the flats out front where jumps are set up. That is where the
Browne horses learn their work skills. The ‘hill’ is to the south and it is
formidable. It protects the large property from the south winds. On top
there are antennae and maybe half way down there is a plateau on which
is an airstrip. That is where horses go to do their gallops. There are various
routes of getting up there and all would provide a real blow out to man
or horse. We declined the offer to do so as we have been out of training
for more than a while.
Ann said she came to this place in 1959 when she married Ken. She said,
“Its 312ha and its been in the Browne family a long time. See those big
old oak trees, well Kens grandfather planted those. This house here is the
only house that Ken ever lived in.” Early days he milked cows on the farm
but horses were the animals he wanted to make a living from.
Here the Browne children were raised, Roger and Allan. Roger was lost
in an accident playing Polo and Ken after being wheelchair bound for
a long time, finally succumbed as result of a fall from a horse. Every
year racing people remember them when the Ken and Roger Browne
Memorial Steeplechase, run early in the season at Te Rapa comes around.
As the season progresses it is Ann who keeps the Browne name to the
fore through the deeds of her horses as they add to a great family history.
Ann soldiers on with her business of Owner/Trainer. Allan her son lives
next door. He manages the livestock side of the farm and has a financial
interest in the farm. Allan and his wife Toni have children, Missy and David
and Estee. Missy was a very good jumps rider and now assists trainer Mark
Brooks and rides trackwork. She is married to Gary Vicars. David married
Emma-Lee McVean and she is sister of top equestrian rider Katy McVean.
Emma-Lee will be known to you as the trainer of the top mare Roll Out The
Carpet. There are great grandchildren as well to carry on the line.
There is a strong polo playing strain that runs through the younger set.
“Love me love my horse” has never been a question in the Browne Family.
Ann who was a very competitive and winning Amateur rider still rides
but leaves the workouts and jumping to others. She knows she could still
do it but thinks its prudent not to now.
They work gentlefolk hours here as workouts start at 10.30. The horses
don’t mind and it suits the riders like Michelle Strawbridge, nee Hopkins,
winner of more than 100 jumping races. Michelle’s got 2 kids now and
rides out at the Te Awamutu track ‘first thing’ for Graeme Sanders then
comes to Brownes. She could ride 20 horses in a day. Ann says the riders
love her place as instead of going round and round its really interesting
riding. Up on the airstrip track the views are fantastic too. The Browne
horses work or school 5 days a week.
We talked about the scene now and Ann said she had to be mindful of
costs but she had been at the game a long time and knew what worked.
She relied on good oats, hay and great grass for feed. She left the covers off till
the end of March this year and the horses prettied up in two weeks when she
put them back on. She doesn’t shoe the hinds when the horses first come into
work. Horses have to know what mud is or they wont be able to run on it she
says. Horses are not boxed unless they need to be confined.
Ann said if a horse injures a tendon they have a vet do a procedure on it and
they put the horse out until next season. They have won countless races from
such horses after recovery from injury.
There are things that irritate Ann like the new loading limit on the horse truck
she still drives. She says it will take and used to take 6 horses but due to the
new axle loading regulations she is only permitted 4 and ½ now. Too much
red tape!
Ann is very unhappy at people on racing chat sites that impugn the integrity
of a jumps trainer when one of his/her charges puts on an inglorious display.
She says that her contemporaries are good people in a hard game and a horse
can have a bad experience that may be unpredictable to the trainer. That
is the cause of the failure. She says Trainers are very public people but the
‘nasty’s’ don’t have the guts to put their names up front.
Ann’s got 10 horses in work and she is looking forward to the season.
There are jumping trials at Ellerslie that will give her a steer as to what her
individual’s prospects this season may be. But with horses you never know for
sure so she wouldn’t offer an opinion.
Out of curiosity I asked Ann how many wins had she enjoyed. She said she
didn’t know exactly but knew it was approaching 800. Think back over some
names (in no particular order) Crown Star, Choc Wallace, Sydney Jones, Toms
Myth, Big Brown, Primo Canera, Ima Heroine and so many more.
I don’t think that Ann dwells much on the past as she doesn’t have time.
There are horses to look after, transport and race with all that entails. There is
family and for fun there is her mate 18yo Blazing winner of 100K and one time
favourite for the Auckland Cup to hack around on.
There behind Ann Browne as we talked was a big dresser unit. The glass
portion above was crammed with silver trophies, on the mantle below a lot of
cards.
Larger and in the middle is a card that is a homily. It‘s bold heading. –
NEVER GIVE UP. That says it all!
Neil Miller
JULY 2014
7
Stud Chat with Sam
July 2014
With nine stakes winners already from four crops of racing age Nadeem (Redoute’s
Choice-Candide) is in rare territory for a stallion, especially one at $10,000 plus GST. It
took a last start Group 1 runner-up to deprive him of his tenth individual stakes winner
when Bale Star (Nadeem-Thanksgiving) ran second last month in the Group 2 Stewards
Cup in Singapore. Jump on www.lastud.co.nz to read about some distinct pedigree
traits amongst Nadeem’s best performers.
If the feedback from the breakers and trainers about the Per Incanto (Street Cry-Papa Reale) yearlings is a sign
then there are going to be even more smiling faces around the farm this summer than usual. You don’t need to look
far to see that it’s the sprinting sons of the dominant sirelines that are making the next wave of successful stallions
and Per Incanto is the fastest turf sprinting son of Street Cry to stand down under. He averaged 15 times his original
service fee across both Sydney Classic and Karaka sales while his sire Street Cry took the Inglis Easter ‘Leading
Sire by Average’ title
With the deeds of Viadana again showcasing his unique ability to leave a truly high-class racehorse in his service fee
range, Towkay (Last Tycoon-Princess Tracy) remains wonderful value at $5,000 plus GST.
On a parting note it’s been satisfying to see some very loyal clients and friends rewarded. Lowell Goddard’s whose
horse won in Singapore the day before, was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. The Horton family
bred and owned Towkay three-year-old Arzak won at Hawera while John Gilbert looks to have another exciting
galloper in the LA and John Gimblett bred Irish Moon. Irish Moon looks a perfect supporting act for John and his
family and friends when they target the Hawkes Bay Spring Carnival with their LA bred dual group 1 winning mare
Xanadu (Elusive City-Forest Dream).
Horse birthday only 4 weeks away and less than 60 sleeps to Hawkes Bay!
8
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
Dame Lowell Goddard DNZM
Justice Dame Lowell Goddard is a judge of the High Court of New Zealand. She commenced practice as a
barrister in 1977 and was appointed one of New Zealand’s first women Queen’s Counsel in 1988, together
with Dame Sian Elias. She was later appointed Deputy Solicitor-General for New Zealand and in that
role undertook responsibility for overseeing the prosecution of serious crime in New Zealand. She was
appointed to the High Court in December 1995 and is believed to be the first judge of Maori descent to
be so appointed.
Later her work as Chair for the Independent Police Conduct Authority led to the Government nominating her
for election to the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT). This panel of 25 eminent international
jurists convenes in Geneva three times a year and carries out field missions to State parties, focusing on
preventive and educative work and inspecting places of detention. Dame Lowell has performed such duties in
Ukraine, Argentine and Cambodia and also in Albania and Georgia.
Dame Lowell said she was delighted and honoured to be made a dame companion and the honour reflected
on the work of the judiciary as a whole, as well as on New Zealand’s commitment to international human rights
work.
Dame Lowell is married to Christopher Hodson QC, who is Judge Advocate General and Chief Judge of the
Military Courts. He is also President of Equestrian Sport New Zealand and he and Dame Lowell share a particular
passion for the discipline of eventing.
For recreation and a diversion from her work there is also her passion for thoroughbred racing. Dame Lowell has been a long time owner and has also
an interest in breeding and in this regard a close connection with Little Avondale Stud in particular. She has horses in the Lower North Island and in the
Waikato.
Recently seen on the tracks is the very promising 3yo filly La Adelita which she bred and shares in partnership with Karyn Fenton Ellis and Sir Peter Vela’s
Pencarrow Stud.
Dame Lowell Goddard is a significant supporter of CatWalk Trust and we are proud to say she is a fellow member with ‘Owners’ .
Of her involvement in CatWalk, Dame Lowell said she is particularly proud to be on the ‘same page’ as Catriona Williams, who she has known since she was a
young rider and for whom she has the greatest love, admiration and respect.
Dame Lowell said Catriona has long provided an outstanding example for us all, in her incredible courage, her determination, and her unfailing
graciousness.
Dame Lowell is also delighted to be sharing honours with Christopher Grace, from whom she bought her first racehorse sixteen years ago in partnership
with Sian Elias and Hugh Fletcher. This year she bought a 20% share in the Savabeel/Trocair filly bred by Christopher and Susannah Grace.”
Catriona Williams MNZM
The honour of Member New Zealand Order of Merit was awarded to Catriona Williams on Queens Birthday
2014.
It follows earlier achievements and awards
Prior to November 2002 – Representation for New Zealand in Showjumping.
2003 -2004 – Founded Catwalk Trust
2010 – Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award
2014 – Induction into the NZ Horse of the Year Show Hall of Fame.
2014 – Finalist in the New Zealander of the Year
Since its inception Catwalk Trust has raised more than $3.5 Million for Spinal Injury Research so that those injured
this way ‘Can one day walk again”
Catriona says of her award “It’s very special to be included amongst a list of people who excel in their work,
generosity and shine by just being great Kiwis, I feel very lucky”.
Christopher Grace QSM
A half-century involvement with the New Zealand thoroughbred racing industry and a lifetime serving the
Hunterville community has earned farmer and businessman Christopher Russell Grace the Queen’s Service
Medal (QSM).
The Queen’s Birthday honours citation, released by the Prime Minister’s Office, described Mr Grace as a patron of the Hunterville community and, combined
with his 50-year involvement in the racing industry, deservedly awarded the QSM.
He was also involved with the Hunterville Water Scheme, which supplies water to the township, and the construction of an all-weather sports field at the
local primary school. Mr Grace helped to lead Nga Tawa School for girls into integration and has supported other local organisations such as dog trials, the
Rangitira Golf Club, and the local rugby club.
Mr Grace describes his day job as a livestock director for Wellington-based meat processing exporter Taylor Preston, but his passion has always been with
racing and his local community.
“I was the last person to expect an honour like this” Mr Grace said modestly
“In fact, Susanna has probably done more in the community than I. We do make a good team, though.”
JULY 2014
9
At aged 16 Daniel took himself to the UK to
see and learn about the jumps scene there. He
financed it from his savings and by selling his
good pony after paying back money he owed on
it to his parents. They and Tommy Hazlett hooked
him up with some contacts. He spent a couple of
months based with trainer Charlie Longsdon at
Chipping Norton.
Daniel and
Goosebumps
show style
Talking about Mr Longsdon Dan said,“ He had
eighty in work, all jumpers, and I was riding out
and schooling horses.”
“I went racing three times to Cheltenham,
Newbury, and to the Welsh National in Wales.
The jumping scene over there is massive, a whole
different world, and they can have four different
jumps meetings on one day.
“I spent a week with Warren Greatrex at the
training centre in Lambourn. He only had jumpers
and I rode a few gallops. It was good to be there.”
Daniel Miller
The greater Miller clan is substantial and its
spread wide. They are all sizes some toward
the large, such as myself. From what I have
seen they are a hard working lot, many from
the land. The clan can even boast to having a
rocket scientist that worked for Nasa in their
number but that’s certainly not me. Dan’s one
of the last born in his family as was his father
and grandfather on the Miller side so he is
young in his family peer group.
Dan comes from Te Puke where his dad John
has a forestry business and his mum, the hard
working Maree runs the family lifestyle block.
The siblings are from oldest, Sara, Adam, Craig
Daniel and Lilly.
His mother Maree’s family were the Craigs from
Te Awamutu and Benny Craig, Maree’s father
was a jumps jockey who lost his life in a jumping
accident at a Te Rapa in 1969. He was just 29
years old leaving his wife Marlene with two
children. Maree was 5 and her brother Michael
3. The whole community felt the loss as well.
Benny though a quiet young man had a great
singing voice and people would get him to sing
at socials in the district, so he was very popular.
Benny’s widow Marlene later married Ernie
Thornton. Ernie was into the harness game as
an owner, trainer and driver, today he has a
connection with thoroughbreds with shares of
horses at Te Akau. Ernie has been a big influence
in Dan’s life. Marlene says that that has been key
in Dan’s success.
Maree married John Miller whose father Jack of
Greenmeadows, Napier had also owner/trained
some horses, notably winning Taupo Cups with
Dollar Princess and Dollar Charlie.
There were always horses on the block when
Daniel and his siblings were growing up. When
Daniel was very young he told everyone he
wanted to ride them. That got him a year of
lessons and his first pony. Then Margaret Lees
set up an equestrian education centre on the
next property that had good jumps and Daniel
10
came under her tutelage. Margaret gave him a
great start with riding and horsemanship skills.
She said he had soft hands, great balance, he
listened and did what he was told. That led him
into pony club along with his sister Lilly and they
were such proficient riders it was easy for them
to be successful.
There was a long held desire by the lad to
become a jockey but it was put aside when he
progressed into NZEF Showjumping. Here he
was very competitive and rode to the premier
level. He dabbled in dressage and really enjoyed
eventing and hunting.
Daniel was attending college at Te Puke and
playing soccer for the local club but he really
wanted to get into race riding. Through his
grandparents the Thornton’s he wangled a
school holiday job at Te Akau’s stables. That later
led him to apply to Mr. Bridgman for a full time
job.
Te Akau were brilliant as they got the lad
accommodation with stable foreman Tommy
Hazlett and his partner Pam Gerard and the two
young children.
I asked Daniel if Tommy was a mentor to him
and he said, “Yes definitely, I learn as much
as I can from him. But Pam too, she is such a
great horsewoman that I am getting those
skills as well”. There is some regard coming the
other way as Tommy said he was quite misty
eyed when Daniel rode his first winner on
Goosebumps in 2013.
Arriving at Te Akau Daniel rode work on the first
morning. He said it took a while getting used to
riding with a watch on his arm but it has taught
him how to pace a horse. I said to him, “You’ve
had an ‘off’ in a race. What happened and did it
affect you?”
He said, “Yes and I think I know what caused it.
Rider error I think and I learned from that. If you
dwell on experiences like that you wouldn’t ride
jumps anymore”
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
Although not meeting him, Daniel was close
to and saw the legendary AP McCoy ride. In
November last year, McCoy rode his 4000th
winner after being named BBC Sports Personality
of the Year in 2010.
“I saw him ride heaps of times and was a couple
of metres away from him at one stage but I didn’t
actually get to meet him,” said Miller.
“He’s a class above everyone else, really. He outthinks everyone, knows what his horse has got
left and knows what those around have got left in
their horse as well. You just have to watch him to
know – him and Ruby Walsh.”
“I loved the whole experience, definitely, it was
huge. While I was there I went up Wales to stay
with Shaun Phelan and his partner and rode a few
of their point-to-point horses.”
Now Daniel is trying to use what he learned and
to bring more thinking into his riding and if you
watch his rides closely that shows.
So it’s all at his feet. Got a good job doing what
he loves. Working for a top outfit Staying with real
good people. Tommy is booking some rides for
him. Got a trusty Hyundai and a smartphone. Got
his own email. Maree proudly says he has done it
by himself.
Dan is a gun for hire and he has got 7 wins under
his belt so far. Recently he got himself all the way
to Riverton for some rides. There was a bit of help
with a travel subsidy from the club but it was
mostly on his own dollar. It’s not easy, but with a
bit of support he will do what it takes. Not bad for
a guy 17 years of age!
Daniel acknowledges the support Te Akau
have given him but it’s easier I daresay to do
that if the subject is a thoroughly decent and
apparently talented youngster. He says he is really
appreciative of the owners and trainers that put
him on. I would say they know what they are doing
and have a good idea what they will get back.
I asked him, had he thought ahead as to where he
would go in life. He said at this point he just wants
to take his race riding as far as he can. He said after
that he would always want to work with horses.
No doubt people in the UK refer to AP McCoy as
the Real McCoy. Let’s look ahead to Dan The Man.
Neil Miller
HAUNUI FARM – FERLAX A NEW ADDITION
TO HAUNUI FARM STALLION RANKS
Currently enjoying a stellar run of success
with exciting young stallions Iffraaj (GB)
(Zafonic) and Showcasing (GB) (Oasis Dream),
Haunui Farm announced that Group One
Australian Guineas-winner Ferlax (NZ)
(Pentire) would be joining the farm’s roster
for the 2014 season.
Haunui Farm’s Mark Chitty says, “We have been
looking for a new stallion for quite some time.
We had had a number of stallions put up to
us that we felt just didn’t suit and when Dean
Hawthorne spoke to me about the possibility
of standing Ferlax, it was something that we
pursued with great interest.
“Any horse that can win his first four starts,
culminating in a Group One win, is a serious
racehorse, especially when the Group One race
is the Australian Guineas – a time-honoured and
stallion-making Classic. When you consider the
list of past winners of the Australian Guineas and
see the names of Champion Sires Zabeel, Flying
Spur and Pins, you realise that Ferlax has excellent
credentials and prospects for stallion success.
“Like Zabeel and Pins, Ferlax is a Classic-winning
three-year-old – the type of stallion that New
Zealand is renowned for. He won from 1200 –
1600m and was at his best on good ground.
He is by a Champion Sire, his damsire was a
Champion Sire and Champion Broodmare Sire
and importantly, he is a very good-looking
horse. As a Group One-winning Classic horse,
Ferlax fits in well with our current stallion lineup at Haunui. At a fee of $7,000 + GST, he is
accessible to breeders at every level, which we
feel very strongly about.
“The decision by Ferlax’s owner, Jonathan
Munz, to stand him in New Zealand is a great
testament to our industry. Jonathan will also be
sending 25 mares across to come to Ferlax over
his first few seasons and stud. A number of the
mares were specifically purchased at the recent
Magic Millions sale and will join some of his wellbred mares from his current broodmare band on
the plane. Ferlax will get every opportunity and
this will undoubtedly give breeders confidence
going forward.”
Haunui’s other two stallions, Iffraaj and
Showcasing, have both been enjoying their
share of success over the past two months.
Iffraaj is currently the leading New Zealandbased sire of two-year-olds off the back of
being crowned Champion Second Season Sire
for the 2012/2013 season. With seven Group
One performers to his credit over the past
two seasons, Iffraaj filly Rizeena bounced back
to her best form at Royal Ascot to land her
second Group One victory when taking out
the Coronation Stakes. It was the perfect end
to a great week for Iffraaj with two-year-old
colt Jungle Cat finishing third in the Group Two
Ferlax
Coventry Stakes whilst exciting young sprinter
Hot Streak finished third in the Group One Kings
Stand Stakes. In New Zealand, his current crop
of two-year-olds look set to provide a number of
racing highlights when the new season hits in a
few months’ time with Turn Me Loose and Riding
Shotgun likely to chase some of the spoils across
the Tasman.
Like Iffraaj did in 2010 to take first season sire
honours, Showcasing has got his stud career
off to a flying start with six winners including
stakes-winner and Group Two Coventry Stakes
runner-up Capella Sansevero, seeing him among
Europe’s leading first season sires.
Mark continues, “it’s been exciting to see
both stallions doing such a great job and that
is already being reflected in the number of
bookings we’ve had for them this season, they
even have mares coming from Australia.”
JULY 2014
11
WOULD YOU
LIKE AN EGO?
The Nakhle’s, Elias and Daniel, father and son,
have a proposition for you. It involves little
cost and it could well be a winner.
As Daniel says, “”What would you say if world
renowned pedigree and bloodstock expert, Alan
Porter, described a stallion to you as:
“A graded stakes winning sprinter, by Mr.
Prospector’s brilliant son, E Dubai. His dam, a
daughter of Redoute’s Choice, is from the Denise’s
Joy family that has produced such champions as
Thorn Park, Joie Denise, Tuesday Joy, Sunday Joy,
More Joyous and Bentley Biscuit… a product of
the Mr. Prospector/Northern Dancer cross, as are
such world-class sires as Kingmambo, Distorted
Humor, Empire Maker and Speightstown.”
And then I was to tell you he was standing at one
of New Zealand’s pre-eminent stud’s, Haunui
Farm and that his service fee was set at zero
dollars – no strings attached.”
Well I would say that it shouldn’t be too hard
to do some research and find a suitable mare
for this sire and breed a horse to race, or for the
lucrative Singapore and Hong Kong markets. So
lets get the homework started, there are unbred
mares aplenty out there to borrow.
Then if you trawl the Ego website you will find a
big steer of which ones to look for in a Breeding
experts recommendations.
Ego is the fastest son of the fastest son of
the great Mr Prospector in E Dubai. He was
the winner of one of the strongest fields ever
assembled for the Group 2 Concorde at Ellerslie
where he beat 9 other Group winners including
3 Group 1 winners.
Ego was one of the quickest horses into stride
and no matter what the barrier, led in most of his
races. He loved good tracks and notably won at
Matamata a 1200m sprint in 1.08.62. Leading all
the way he stopped the clock a fraction outside
the course record.
Ego’s immediate family were very precocious but
he suffered a twisted bowel and nearly lost his
life and his promising 2yo season was halted. It
was a long road back and those connected with
the horse feel his later performance was affected
from the early near disaster.
At the end of Ego’s race career top jockey Leith
Innes commented. “Ego was a machine! The
fastest horse I have ever galloped. He would do
it on his ear”
Trainer Ben Foote said of Ego “Definitely the
fastest horse I have ever ridden”
Ego commenced stud duties in New Zealand
in 2012 His oldest progeny will be yearlings in
2014-15. There are good reports coming from
those who have rising Ego yearlings as to the
conformation and manners of these youngsters.
At the end of Ego’s race career top jockey Leith Innes
commented… “Ego was a machine! The fastest horse
I have ever galloped. He would do it on his ear”
You can go to
www.ego.kiwi.nz
for more information
The above offer of free service is
not open ended. It is for the first
55 bookings only.
Thereafter $3000 + GST.
Until the end of July contact –
Carol Walker on 0274 795 050
[email protected]
for bookings.
From August onwards
Daniel Nahkle 09 215 4444 or
0274 858 585 or
[email protected]
12
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
OWNERS’ RACEDAY EXPERIENCE
The pinnacle of racehorse ownership is going racing with a runner. The raceday
experience should be an enjoyable one, and many of Britain’s 58 racecourses offer
owners with a runner an unforgettable day.
There are 20 current racecourses that are holders of the ROA
Gold Standard.
Weaning the foal
They are: Ascot, Ayr, Chester, Doncaster, Epsom Downs,
Fakenham, Goodwood, Hamilton Park, Haydock Park,
Musselburgh, Newbury, Newmarket July Course, Newmarket
Rowley Mile, Newton Abbot, Perth, Pontefract, Sandown Park,
Stratford-on-Avon, Wincanton, York
Awards are granted for a 12-month period and are subject
to annual review to ensure that the requirements continue
to be met. For racecourses wishing to be considered for the
Award, the process can only begin when a racecourse has
signed a prize-money agreement. The applicant racecourse
then undergoes a Mystery Owner visit, after which detailed
feedback is given, which usually results in a substantial process
of dialogue. Once the Raceday Committee is satisfied that all
aspects are met, a recommendation is made to the ROA Council
and if this is agreed, the award presentation is then made.
MY WAY –
SOME STRAIGHT
TALKING FROM A TBV
BREEDING FORUM POST
OK – as far as what industry elders or newbies for that
matter are telling you, provided what you do / want
to do with your horses is, as far as you’ve been able to
ascertain, not going to do them harm I’d tell the peanut
gallery thank-you for their kind words, nod and smile (a
lot) and do whatever YOU want to do.
The Owners’ Pavilion
at Chester is one of the
premier raceday dining
experiences amongst
Britain’s racecourses
WAKE-UP CALL FOR RACECOURSES –
Stephen Wallis, Group Director of International and Racing Relations for Jockey Club
Racecourses, explains in a question and answer session how ROA members have helped the
largest commercial group in British racing to improve facilities for owners.
At the beginning of 2013, ROA members took part in a JCR survey, which concentrated
on the raceday facilities offered to owners with runners. What were you hoping to find
out?
We had heard comment that whilst JCR was seen as having paved the way on prize-money,
it had fallen behind on the owners’ experience. We have used customer research as the basis
for a number of changes over the years and getting first-hand feedback from owners was an
essential starting point in a review of what we offered owners with runners at our racecourses.
Did any of the results concerning racecourses surprise you?
If you undertake research be prepared to hear the truth and act on it. We got a wake-up
call. There was a gap between how well we thought we were doing and how well our most
important customers actually viewed our performance. We did not anticipate either the scale
of that gap nor that any of our courses would be rated amongst the worst of all racecourses –
two of our smaller ones were.
Have the survey results changed JCR’s thinking about the raceday experience? If so,
what changes have already been implemented?
Yes! There is more focus by more people within JCR on the importance of the owner as our
key customer than at any time that I can remember in the last 20 years. That focus combined
with the research data and an audit of the owner’s ‘journey’ at all our courses drove change.
For example, Warwick made owners share a grandstand enclosure entrance, and didn’t
provide so much as a sandwich once they got in. Thanks to Huw Williams, owners now have
a smart dedicated entrance and a free food offer that any small racecourse would be hard
pressed to beat. Nottingham have relocated the car park and entrance, and transformed
an underused brasserie into an owners’ lounge that sets a standard for others to aspire to.
Warwick and Nottingham were the two JCR courses most criticised in the research.
Sandown launched its extended facility at the Bet365 Gold Cup meeting, Aintree tweaked
its facility layout and also provided a free food offer during the Grand National meeting,
Newmarket has opened additional facilities at the Rowley Mile and the July Course so that
a free food offer can be properly delivered, Kempton’s owners’ facility has had a complete
makeover, Huntingdon and Exeter have both turned a bar previously shared with annual
badge holders into a dedicated owners’ facility.
Other developments are in the pipeline at Carlisle and Market Rasen, and the much publicised
grandstand development at Cheltenham includes a new owners’ suite with views of the
course.
What else have you learned?
It is not just about capital investment. A whole series of small measures taken together have
played their part in generating positive feedback.
The challenge now is to ensure that we maintain the ‘business class’ standards and attitudes
that we have set ourselves, that we minimise the occasional blips, and that we continue
to listen to owners. We will consider repeating the research next year so that we can both
quantify progress and review whether owner’s expectations have changed.
Until they’re paying your rates, buying all the feed and
paying the vet bills how you manage your property and
your horses is none of their business.
You’ll find no shortage of people willing to tell you
how to spend your money – what stallion, what mare,
what they / their good mate / their good mate’s mate
who trained / bred / owned and rode 15 Melbourne
Cup winners did with their horses… a bit over the top
probably, but you get my drift.
I’m happy to tell you what I do re weaning / re-breeding
etc. but I preface this by saying this is what I do and
what works for me – there is no guarantee it’d work as
well for you (or anyone else) as it does for me.
As a general rule my mares (regardless of age) are not
put in foal every year. If they have a foal at foot they
get that year “off”. Once they’ve foaled they are fully vet
checked, flushed etc. and then turned out.
Mares are hard fed and have access to hay year round…
throughout their pregnancy and of course while (and
after) they’re lactating. Foals usually start sharing the
mare’s hard feed from about 2 weeks.
My foals are left with their mothers way longer than
most seem to do and as I aim for a later foal than most
(Oct / Nov) they are usually with them through till the
end of winter. If I intend to geld, I’ll do it while the foal is
still with his mum there are way fewer hassles that way.
Next time someone tells you that you MUST serve older
mares each year or they’ll shut up shop because they’re
meant to breed each year… nod, smile and say “golly,
gee whiz” and go do your homework. Look at what
hormones are floating about when a mare is feeding a
foal and you’ll find her uterus is being kept trim, taut,
terrific and ready for business all the while.
Depending on how many (of my) mares I’m serving I’ll
try to have two foaling down around the same time,
that way each foal has a similar size hooning mate in the
paddock and company when weaning time comes.
I just bring mares and foals into the round yard and lead
the mares right back out (there’s a feed and hay waiting
for each foal in the yard). Mares go back to the paddock
they were in before. There’s no need to send them away.
Its worth noting mares seem to stress WAY less doing it
this way Yes there is some calling out from the mares but
it rarely lasts more than half a day and I normally put the
youngsters back in with the mares after about 6 weeks.
Some people think this last bit is madness but I find
youngsters that have been handled as babies and at
weaning and then get to go back in with a bunch of
horses they already know are the better for it… its not
uncommon for a bit of bark to be removed if there’s
some discipline meted out but there’s nothing quite like
an older mare to teach good manners.
JULY 2014
13
INAUGURAL TIES TITLE
GOES TO CHRISTCHURCH
The first year of the new Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sports (TiES) initiative was wrapped up at the prestigious NRM National Three Day
Event recently with promising Christchurch based rider Claudia Wilson taking the inaugural title on her mount Citadelle.
The TiES programme, which was announced
in January this year, is a partnership between
ESNZ (Equestrian Sports NZ) and NZTR (NZ
Thoroughbred Racing) with the scheme
designed to increase opportunities for the
thoroughbred breed off the racetrack while
raising awareness of their potential for a career
in equestrian sports other than racing.
The goal of the programme is to achieve more
of a balance between the numbers of horses
retiring from the racetrack and the number of
people willing to take on responsibility for them.
To be eligible to enter the series the horse must
have been registered with NZTR, although they
do not have to have raced.
A series of competitions across the ESNZ
registered sports of Jumping, Dressage, and
Eventing were held throughout the summer
that culminated in the final at the NRM National
Three Day Event at Taupo on the 16th-18th of
May.
Individual titles were on offer at each show
with the national title going to the horse with
the most points accumulated at the end of
the season. Although the combination only
finished 4th at Taupo, Wilson and Citadelle had
done enough during the year to clinch the
championship with 140 points ahead of Amanda
Pottinger and her horse Just Kidding who
finished second on 120 points.
The ten-year-old Citadelle (formerly Vintage
Peak) managed two wins and four minor
placings in a twenty start racing career from the
stable of top Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta, before
being retired from the track in 2009.
Re- education in the equestrian sport disciplines
followed before the gelding was purchased by
Wilson last year with an eye to a dressage career.
“We were looking for a replacement for my horse
Shapeshifter who was injured so we ended up
buying Citadelle last August,” explained Wilson.
Claudia Wilson and Citadelle
compete at McLeans Island
earlier in the year
“We decided to have a go at the TiES series and
finished second at the South Island Dressage
Championships in January then second again
at the McLeans Island one-day event in March
before we ended up fourth at Taupo.
“It was really exciting to win the title in its first
year as he is a super horse and I think he has a
good future ahead of him, especially in dressage
where he excels.”
The Canterbury University student will now aim
Citadelle towards further dressage competitions
and is hoping he can help in her bid to establish
an equestrian sport career at the completion of
her studies.
subscriptions
NZTROF Secretary Jim Keyte advises that subscriptions for the new season are unchanged. Any renewing or new member from now till 31 July 2014 shall
be deemed paid for the 2014-2015 season. Any subscription unpaid at the above date will deem that member non financial and they will receive no further
mail including the Bulletin.
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 May to June 2014. We really appreciate your
membership support and look forward to a long and enjoyable association with you.
AUCKLAND
Jane Heim
Geoff & Jenny West
Janet Clark
Diane & Glenn Stampalia
Caroline Crosby
Craig McIlroy
HAWKES BAY
Dale Smith
Gareth Arnold
Mike & Bron Griffin
MANAWATU
Errol Spearman
Regan Belsham
Gregory G R Lambert
14
Greenlane
Takapuna
Auckland
Pukekohe
Waiau Pa
Waiau Pa
Gisborne
Hastings
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Levin
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CENTRAL SOUTH ISLAND
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BAY OF PLENTY
Neville Bidois
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TARANAKI
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WAIKATO
Liz Smith
Lance Jones
NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE OWNERS FEDERATION BULLETIN
Christchurch
Ashburton
Ashburton
Ashburton
Ikamatua
Ikamatua
Te Puna
Ohope
Tauranga
New Plymouth
Hamilton
Taupiri
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.
J F Alexander
G M Arnold
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Cunningham
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Go Racing
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Feilding
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LORD OF THE STARS
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ONE FOR THE MONEY, MIGHTY RULER,
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KEEP A FORTUNE
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RORIPPA, TIE ME DOWN
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KALINDA
UNBELIEVEABELLE
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DON’T BLAME BUSTER
WOTABUZZ
ADDICTIVE HABIT
UNBELIEVEABELLE
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JOIN US TODAY
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but possibly the best.
JULY 2014
15