owner’s bulletinMAY 2012

2 NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED rACeHorse owners FEDERATION BULLETIN

Our GoalTo improve The economics, inTegriTy and pleasure of The sporT of Thoroughbred racing on behalf of all owners.

The excellence of this season’s crops of two and three year old horses, continues to be reinforced by their performances. The annual sojourn to warmer climates in the Queensland sunshine is beginning to gather momentum. I would expect our recent successes, in past seasons to continue. The likes of Nashville, and Vittoria, given exposed form during our recent racing could be competitive should they take the warmer weather option.

The introduction of Monday, and Tuesday racing appears to have the field sizes and wagering turnover to support this program change. Certainly, it is performing to the expected levels, as budgeted for. Whilst still very early days, any increase in wagering profits is a welcome addition to stakes distribution. Likewise, the handicapping review, which introduced the two kg allowance to the fillies and mares, shows that males have competed as a population in 51.4 % of starts, and have been successful in 51.5 % of events. Encouraging really for all industry participants.

Two important closing dates are happening this month, firstly, nominations for a vacancy on the Thoroughbred Racing Board close on the 15th of May. This has occurred with the recent resignation of Mr Con Anastasiou. Whilst Con, has been an inaugural Board Member since the revamp of the constitution, and Board structure, his contribution has been significant, and very welcome. The second, deadline is the handicapping review, which all sector groups have been invited to participate in. This closes on the 31st of May. Members who wish to forward comments to the Federation before then, would be most welcome to do so.

Further to the above, biannual meetings are to take place between your executive and NZTR. Notices will soon be sent to Associations from the Federation, requesting their input to form an agenda, that is to be the discussion document for the first meeting.

Yours in Racing, Neil.

President/Members councillor’s Messageneil oldfield

welcome members and readers To The laTesT ediTion of The owners bulleTin.

On this occasion, 13 March, it was an early season run for our top jumper from Te Awamutu.

Mark and Bill, train him and are part-owners along with a ‘bunch’ of other Weal’s. He looks like a two-man mission – Bill the chief, and does the night feeding jobs, and Mark does the push-around jobs.

He was a handful, even in a tie-up stall, when being saddled and bridled. All eleven years young of him. Climbing High wasn’t there to waste time, or be messed around with! He looks in great condition for the jump season and Mark Weal is quietly proud, and anticipating the chances of his charge.

The race book details must be unique – Mrs.DA, EB, GR, Mrs JR, LE, MW, SC, Mrs.YM – all real – all Weal. He is raced on lease from Noel Wiley, and all parties were happy to be in the same situation when the lease was renewed last year.

Debbie and Mark’s 15 year old daughter, Melanie is making a name for herself in the show ring. With three horses at the Horse of the Year Show, she had some outstanding performances – she won the Speed pony of the year (runs in the family) for the second time, and placed 3rd in the Rider of the Year, under 18 yrs old. Last year she was chosen in the NZ talent squad, and has already represented NZ.

Mark and Lloyd Weal with their pride and joy

“JuMping out of His skin”

NOtes frOM the reGiONs

Auckland neil miller

The last Group 1 of the current season was the time honoured Easter handicap 1600m. It was sponsored this year, by Brian Black’s, Manco Engineering. Brian and his family won the 1981 and 1992 Easters with Shivaree and Carsons Cash respectively.

This years event was taken out by the remarkable Veyron, who we featured on our last issues front cover. He was very well ridden by returning jockey Rogan Norvall and carried a substantial 59kg. Also riding him were owners and Waikato Owners members Isabel and Alistaire Barker who tell me they can’t believe their luck to have such a great horse. Congratulations to you both up there on cloud nine.

The day brought the departure of Auckland Racing Clubs CEO Chris Weaver. In the 7 years of his tenure great changes have been made at the club. From upgrading of fixed assets to reprogramming time honoured features and everything in between. The naysayers have had a ball all this time, but supported by his able directors Chris kept resolutely on and the club has built back to good strength.

The Auckland Owners Association have always found Chris to be both approachable and helpful. We thank him for that and wish him well in his new work or rather expanded role with www.drlibby.com. That is Chris’s wife Dr Libby Weaver site and brand. Dr Libby has built a massive profile worldwide as a nutritionist and women wellness adviser, and now she needs Chris’s help full time.

The penultimate race of the day was the Chris Weaver Farewell Mile and was won by the Richard Collett trained and part owned Bellino by Bertolini out of the Rhythm mare Bella Bambino. The Colletts have a bit of time for this horse because of his high cruising speed and ability to finish off races.

The problems with Avondale’s return to racing has been well reported on. The dates for racing that had been allocated have been given to other northern clubs, as they fall due. John Craig from the AJC reports that further remedial work has been done on the track and the grass growth has been steady. He says that the club is very keen to return to racing but that they realize it is now up to nature and that can take time.

Auckland owners are also very keen for the resumption, but are reminded of the time Counties took to get back after their track issues some years ago. Prudence must take priority.

MAY 2012 3

OUr COVer – the joy of children and horsesThis is the good horse Duckworth Lewis absolutely loving his exercise therapy. Holding him is the delightful Emelia Molloy. Behind her in the black “Saloon Saloon” shirt is her dad Leo (The Sheriff ) Molloy. No sign of the badge or six gun on this day.

editorial Notesneil miller

Here we are back again with another issue of our “grassroots” bulletin. The Regional Notes are the backbone of that and our Waikato correspondent Jenny Cowan features in this issue.

There are stories about South Waikato horses and people. And with the onset of winter there’s a timely piece on that grand jumper Climbing High, who is coming back again. As well as the words the photos came from Jenny.

Also featured, is the Auckland and Waikato Stud and Stable Tour where 60+ members and supporters went out and saw what was happening at the coal face.

Our front cover shot was taken on that day. We were met by confident children at Molloys and Footes stables proud to show us their horses. That’s great because if kids stop loving horses there is no hope for this game.

I tried to write a condensed report on what we saw and heard at Te Akau Stud but it grew and grew. So I bailed out and used Jenny’s piece in the “tour” report, and to do the subject justice wrote a stand alone page. I am sure you will follow the former.

We had previously featured Catwalk Trusts “ Only Fools and Horses” Sydney extravaganza and Meg Spiers of CWT does a post match report on that.

Simon Prendergast of Sims Metal Recyclers advises that the response to the “Hoofin It” bins (see page 6) has been encouraging. It’s not likely to be a big earner for them but could be very advantageous to Catwalk, with the equine industries support. Sims are rated as the 11th most environmentally friendly company in the world and this initiative with Catwalk supports that. As well they are keen to support the objects of the Catwalk Trust.

Sam is back with exciting news from Little Avondale and Windsor Park reveal their formidable next seasons stallion roster, on the back page.

This issue also includes an insert from the Equine Research Foundation. It is from their work that research information about equine health is found and disseminated. Your executive is proud to assist them get the message out to the industry participants. We are sure that you will find the papers enlightening.

finally, i am really looking for a story to go in our next issue and i am sure stories abound out there. can you give us a lead? conatct me, neil miller – jeanneil@xtra.co.nz

here’s A tipPunters among you may have noted the regularity that horses featured or written about keep running in the money. For example Veyron winning the Easter was our cover last issue. $5.00 and $2.10. Nice! Also featured was O”Fille who was a certainty beaten in the Breeders.

There’s Windwhistle down south who keeps saluting the judge, and going back a bit that grand mare Fleur de Lune is still running in the money. Keepher Close pops up at Ellerslie at good odds etc,etc.

The reason for this is probably that the contributors of these pages in most cases are true horse people and the others have a love for the game, as well as an eye for a good horse.

There’s value in these pages?

Waikato Jenny cowan

paul adlingTon – a Keepa by Keeper – Kaapacharm.

Paul has this good 3 times winner (from 13 starts) which he owns and trains outright. But there’s been a variety of setbacks in the process. Usually this is the way with horses, but when the trainer gets the setbacks, it’s worse. Paul broke his leg, which necessitated turning the promising horse out in the paddock for 8 months.

Paul is based at Tokoroa, at the South Waikato Racing Club, which he says is a beautiful track. It has two gentle rises, and as it is a plough on pumice, it is useable 12 months of the year.

Only a handful of people use this facility, Nathan Hanley and partner – when Nathan hasn’t got a broken leg. There is John Mason, a committeeman who takes care of any maintenance, along with training his horses. Owner Graham Falconer was instrumental in introducing Paul to South Waikato. Graham has Noah Jon being prepared with success by John Mason here.

A Keepa commenced racing with two trials for a 2nd and a win and then had two races. Michael Walker pulled him up with a problem in the second one and he was given a 5 month spell. He won first up at Pukekohe, then damaged a leg in the next start and had 8 weeks rest. After his return to racing for no result, or reason for that, he was found to have a virus. Then followed another month in the paddock. Coming back from a short preparation brought about jarring up and more rest.

But… this time it was Paul with the problem – he broke his leg. And this caused the long 8 month spell for horse and rider. Finally, after all this, he did win again, at Awapuni. And now – a lucky break – A Keepa won at Counties on 21st March, ridden by Leith Innes.

souTh waiKaTo racing club – race meeTing – march 14Th 2012.

A good days racing was had by owners that had invested plenty of money in a racehorse, or were one of the 100 or more admired creatures lining up to race there. It’s all part of the big plan and many “owners” were observed enjoying this day held at Matamata. We must not forget the many sponsors from the Tokoroa area who made the day possible. Much behind the scenes work was done to create a day in the sun in a safe and beautiful situation.

The Committee provided a memorial race for John Symes and Frank Lally, who had been President and Secretary of South Waikato before their untimely passing. They were responsible in a big way for their local people to be able to have a day at the races. Their South Waikato district races.

The Memorial race was won by Runaway Bride, Ustinov – Just Casual, owned and trained by Sally House. The 5yo was ridden by Reece Jones.

Presenting the Memorial Cup was Mrs Kath Symes, shown in our photo (right) with Sally, and Kath’s sister, Mrs Maureen Davies. Kath, Sally and Maureen have been prominent with owning horses all their lives. As well as racing, on the hunt field and in the show ring. Maureen hunted the top racehorse Spring Fair (trained by Bill Ford) after racing. She and husband Eric, had some memorable days racing Ruud Van Slaats in recent years. She’s hoping her shared involvement in syndicates will give her further thrills.

NOtes frOM the reGiONs CONtiNUed

Pictured are A Keepa, and track work rider Felicity, daughter of John Mason and showing the appealing, small, track

of South Waikato at Tokoroa.

Paul Adlington – A Keepa

4 NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED rACeHorse owners FEDERATION BULLETIN 4 NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED rACeHorse owners FEDERATION BULLETIN

Wanganui roundupCharlie Waaka and his syndicate are having a great time with O’Fille. She had a rocky run when 3rd in the NZ Bloodstock Insurance Manawatu Breeders Stakes, in the race won by Mini Pearl for the Aurets. Then at Te Rapa in the Travis she got interference in a very unlucky run and got promoted to 2nd. She is a very good horse for her proud connections.

Ginner Hart again won nicely in the Open 1200 at Hastings before a good fourth after not getting much luck in the running at Te Rapa.

Paul Belsham has a nice team at the moment and Bright Glo won very well at Wanganui. He is a very talented horse who will go far. Ascolini went another honest race at Woodville and Bluezero is going good races. Paul has a lovely Lucky Unicorn filly who may race at Wanganui if her name comes through, She is a big girl and has lots of ability.

The Rayner Team have Taurus going his usual honest races and Beau Dane is getting ready for the winter and Rememba Howe is going well.

Fraser Auret has a nice team around him with Mini Pearl winning for his Mum and Dad and has several of their young ones getting ready. Metternick won well at Wanganui for Hamish Goodwin. He is a nice horse who tries hard. Black Savvath is looking great and going well. Dal Dantrix was a good third at Wanganui after a trial win he shows lots of promise..

Jockey Keil Collins, is now working for Raymond Connors and looking forward to kicking home some winners. He is milking cows and going hunting when he can, so he is fit and ready. Doing Time went close for him last time and getting to ride the likes of Blood Brother is pretty neat.

Tradtri

MAY 2012 5

race images (PN) Ltd

hAWKes BAYTony lyndon

Hawkes Bay Racing General Manager Jason Fleming, who has had a fantastic season part owns The Phoenix, who won his second race at Hawera. He was a $575.000 purchase at the 2009 Karaka Premier Sale. Jason has shares in The Phoenix, Volgus, Nippin, The Prince and Kiwi Hussler. They are all winners this season.

Paul and Carol Nelson saddled up San Pedro to win his 3rd race from 10 starts at the Marton meeting.

Allanah made it 3 from 6 starts when winning at Auckland. Bred by Barbara Perry now domiciled at Matamata, who races Allanah with Napier accountants Paddy Murphy and Brian Wilson together with the Kasbah Syndicate.

Fleur de Lune raced by John and Colleen Duncan in partnership with former N.Z. Racehorse Owners president Ada Parnwell returned to the winners circle at Waikato. This honest mare has been placed at Group 1 three times.

Punters should watch for Borrack when he steps out over hurdles. Part owned (with trainer Adrian Bull) by H.B. Racing Inc. committeeman Alistair Cuming, Borrack strung together 4 wins in a row last winter over hurdles. He returned from a 4 month lay off to win first up at Wairarapa, then followed this up by winning again at New Plymouth (his 10th win), and then was narrowly beaten at Awapuni on Anzac Day.

Central Hawkes Bay owner breeder Sue Harty added another success to her resume’ when Time and Tide won at Wairarapa. Sue has raced and bred horses at her Pourere Station for many years.

Not many owner breeders win two races on the same day especially when its at Randwick. However Dannevirkes Peter and Margaret Hales won with the full sisters Eliza Blues and Baranski. They race Baranski but leased out 30% of Eliza Blues to a syndicate of Chris Wallers patrons. Eliza Blues will winter in Brisbane with the Queensland Oaks on the agenda.

Manawatuallan fenwick

Awapuni trainer Trina Marshall has had a successful run with Aldebaran Star, with recent wins at Waipukurau and at Hastings on Lynn Electrical Hawkes Bay Gold Cup Day. Trina trains and shares in the ownership with Canterbury harness trainer Andrew Stuart. Making the Hastings success even sweeter Alderan Star was ridden by life partner Jonathan Riddell, who recorded a treble on the day.

Respected Wanganui based rider Johnathon Parkes had a dream day at the Waipukurau meeting in March. Five rides on the 8 race programme produced 5 winners, a truly remarkable achievement and richly deserved for this hard working young rider.

Manawatu Racing Club President Graeme Martin went close to causing a real boil over when his mare Rumour Has It Now, went under by a short head in the listed N Z Bloodstock Insurance Manawatu Breeders Stakes, the feature race at the MRC April meeting. Paying $15 for a place on that occasion the 3 win mare backed it up with a solid run for third in the listed Manawatu ITM ANZAC 1600m.

The Oaks Stud Manawatu Sires Produce was a hard fought battle with Choice Bro holding off the challenge of Magic Shaft. Although the locals cannot claim ownership rights there was a lot of satisfaction that John Sargent, the trainer of the quinella is a Manawatu product and that local rider, Jonathan Riddell, was recording his first success in the Group One feature.

Palmerston North Accountant John Naylor is having some fun with consistent performances from the well related Emma Lucy which he races in partnership with trainer Catherine Wilson of Bulginbaah fame.

Wellfield Stud’s Bill Gleeson would have been delighted when his filly Abeautifulred was able to claim a second career win at Ellerslie in the Gucci Mile on Telecom N Z Derby day. Having gone under by a mere half head in the Group 1, N Z Bloodstock One Thousand Guineas to Planet Rock, the filly has competed in many of the other races for fillies but without success. Planet Rock, the latest NZ Bloodstock Filly of the Year was also bred by Bill, making the Riccarton result a real milestone for him.

Wayne Davies is seldom without a horse, and his latest addition Hackensack returned him to the winner’s circle at Wanganui at 49-1. Wayne raced the speedy Royal Duke a few years back and won 6 races and had 10 seconds with him.

Ted Laxon returned to the winner’s circle with Tradtri at Awapuni and nearly made it two in a row on H.B Cup day. Ted has a reputation for producing big dividend winners. The breeding of this horse is interesting being by Traditionally out of the Housebuster mare Bustri. The mare comes from the great “Belle” family through Tri Belle.

The Hawkes Bay Racehorse Owners bi-monthly trophy for December and January, was won by Lindsay McIntosh, part owner of Fairway Wish. Lindsay also shares in Spartanicus and has raced horses for over 40 years.

NOtes frOM the reGiONs CONt.

6 NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED rACeHorse owners FEDERATION BULLETIN

Central south island round-uppam Trusttrum

With winter fast approaching I can reflect back on a summer that never was; very few hot sunny days and enough rain to ensure that the pasture has never dried off. Plenty of baleage and hay has been made to fill up the local barns. It has been brilliant for the stock, but we have never had the break we usually get from mowing lawns. You can’t have everything I suppose.

Autumn is proving to be lovely so far, cold nights but sunny fine days; the horses are thriving but they are certainly getting their winter woollies, coat wise. It will be interesting to see what is in store for us this winter.

With the end of Free Racing we are all starting to tighten our belts and it is hoped it will not be to the detriment of the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. Horses will have to earn their keep quickly or they will be out. That will be a shame for those animals that need time to mature and develop.

On a positive note, it was wonderful to see the Willow Glen stallion, Saperavi, produce his first two year old winner Emily Trimbole, at Otago in March. The filly trained by Noel Graham, won an 1100m race on debut in impressive style.

I will endeavour to provide you with a brief summary of the success’s achieved by horses raced by members of our association over the last couple of months, so I will apologise in advance in case I have missed any one out.

The tall, elegant, grey, Technique, won two races on end for his owner/breeders the McSheffrey’s. The 5yo gelding is by King’s Chapel, and is proving to be a model of consistency for Washdyke trainer Michael Daly.

The 150th Anniversary running of the Cromwell Cup was taken out in fine style by the Mel and Warwick Coles trained 4yo Windwhistle. Owned and raced by Jill Dennison, Gerald Bell, and Warwick Coles, this was the Traditionally gelding’s ninth win. To top things off Windwhistle fought out a tough finish in the Group 3 Canterbury Gold Cup at Riccarton during the Autumn Carnival, to run second.

Another winner at the Cromwell meeting owned and trained in our area was One For The Money. Raced by his trainer Terrill Charles and her partner Peter Corbett, this was win number two for the Pentire seven year old.

The Debt Collector won a R65 1600m at Otago on 10th March for his owner/trainer Iain Marks to make it three wins for the Ruby’s Jester five year old.

Ashburton trainer Jan Hay lined up two winners at her home track in March. The first, Bowling Boy, was having his first start out of the stable, and he won a Maiden 1200m for the Mickey Mouse Syndicate. He is a 3yo gelding by Pins out of My Kinda Girl who was a very smart sprinter that won nine races out of Jan Hay’s stable for her owner Kevin Hickman.

The second winner for the stable was the speedy and very handsome Dr Dee Bee. This was the Captain Rio five year olds fourth win and he is raced by the Red Syndicate. His dam is the Geiger Counter mare Count The Stars (Aus)

Royal Rave, a 3yo Royal Gem filly, trained at Ashburton by Kezia Murphy and Danny Champion won the Maiden 1200m at Otago in March for owners the Doolan family.

the Owner’s federation welcomes new membersWe wish to extend a very warm welcome to the new members who have joined the Owner’s Federation in March and April. We really appreciate your membership support and look forward to a long and enjoyable association with you.

AUCKLANDGrant & Lynne Turner PapakuraIan & Gail Morrison WarkworthBruce & Annette Mattison HowickAlan & Mrs Christine Abel St HelliersDoug Ansford MatakanaPeter Hart SilverdaleWAIKATOAlistaire & Isabel Barker Te AwamutuMatthew & Elizabeth Oram Mount MaunganuiAlvin & Lyn Goodall HamiltonKevin & Joanna Hickman ChristchurchSally House CambridgeBarry & Shirley O’Neill Te AwamutuJ & S Thorburn HuntlyBAY OF PLENTYPeter & Lee Karton TaurangaHAWKES BAYFrank Brown HastingsMr W B & Mrs L C de Lautour WaipukurauMANAWATURobert Rogers MastertonCENTRAL SOUTH ISLANDPeter Lyon AlexandraKelly Keenan OmakauCraig Hunter MosgielH M & W J Bishop PrebbletonGerard Bell GeraldinePeter Millar Wigram

Dr Dee Bee

8 NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED rACeHorse owners FEDERATION BULLETIN 8 NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED rACeHorse owners FEDERATION BULLETIN

We’re not all fools & horsesIf you thought that only fools and horses work – you’d be wrong. That is, according to the outcome of Sunday’s Fools & Horses charity dinner at Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel.

The evening, in aid of spinal cord injury research, centred on a comedy debate arguing the topic “do only fools & horses work?

Two teams of well-known Aussie and Kiwi debaters pitted wits against one another and provided guests with plenty of laughs. Racing personalities – the Right Honourable Henry Plumptre, James Bester and superstar Trainer Peter Moody, had the crowd in stitches arguing their respective points. While NZ beauties and respected business women, Trelise Cooper and Kylie Bax, proved they are forces to be reckoned when they step up to the lectern. The teams were rounded out by ex-Wallaby, Ben Darwin whose well thought out and sincere address reminded listeners of the real reason behind the evening.

When all was said and done, Adjudicator Anthony Thompson deliberated and proclaimed the Negative team of James Bester, Ben Darwin and Kylie Bax the victors. Their argument – that we’re not all Fools & Horses – apparently too convincing.

Festivities then hit their climax when three exceptional Stallion Services went under the hammer as part of the evening’s Live Auction. After competitive bidding, the service fee to Coolmore Stud’s High Chaparral sold to Sir Patrick Hogan for $95,000.

Champion sire Stratum’s service sold to loyal Widden Stud client – Kevin O’Brien of Lauriston Thoroughbred farm. With Darley’s Exceed and Excel going to Little Avondale Stud.

Other highlights from the evening included MC Peter FitzSimons leading the evening like a true professional with plenty of his trademark quick wit and mischief keeping guests on their toes. The sale of a luxury raffle which included a prize of return Business Class flights on-board long-time supporters Cathay Pacific, followed by the full VIP treatment at December’s Hong Kong races, and an emotional speech from CatWalk Trust Founder Catriona Williams, ending with a standing ovation from the crowd.

many thanks must go to the generous support from guests and donators. Thanks to their contributions, close to $300,000 was raised on the night for spinal cord injury research in australasia.

Notice to all Members with unpaid subscriptionsThis will be the last bulletin you receive if your subscription remains unpaid.

MAY 2012 9

“A small, select group of 16 from Waikato joined the Auckland Owners’ for their stud/stable tour – a lovely mix of young and old, lost and found, water and wine, and night and day, says it all.

David Ellis had made a great effort to welcome us, coming home from his previous days Manawatu racing, to show and tell the Te Akau story and that of Darci Brahma, a success story so close to his heart.

We were shown parts of the farm and many patted the $1.7.m colt by Fastnet Rock from Nureyevs Girl, on the nose – very settled and blossoming in his undulating, perfectly fenced paddock, as were every horse or paddock we could see.

It’s a lovely life for a yearling, whether its valued at $1.7mil, or a damaged filly waiting to breed. A huge enterprise with most of the workloads large and the outlay costly.

Sam Boyd who has been with Te Akau for some 26 years, was our quiet mannered guide and gate opener, and font of knowledge.

I might have mis-heard, but David explained the make-up of the syndicates; with participants from across the world and that from the 35 purchases, only a 1/10th share in one was now available to purchase.

With the Waignaro hot springs close by – we could have included some therapy for mind and body in our tour.

A visit to Byerley Park was much appreciated as we were later than planned, but this large investment by the Nakhle family has a huge place in the industry. Neil Millers’ story is well reported in our March ‘11 Bulletin and it all fell into place as we drove from one area to another.

Our Waikato group were astounded at what we saw through out the day and for those who didn’t join in, you may not get this opportunity again.” – Jenny Cowan

Early afternoon saw us at the Collett racing stables at Pukekohe where we were greeted by Richard and Judy. Richard gave us a talk about the place and its history as well as their training operation.

There are 40 boxes that are full all the time and 4 truck trips are made to Pukepark on trackwork days. Richard spoke with pride about the apprentices they have had as well the Collett ones, Alesha, Jason and Tasha. He said he had always impressed upon the learners professionalism, dedication and communication. He said that when the horses come in from a race that he wants the rider to give the trainer and owners a review of the race and reasons for their actions on the run. We were most impressed with this as more than a few of us had had some very noncommittal comments from riders over time; before they dived for the jockey’s room.

Richard said his best apprentice in the past was Lee Rutherford. She had the qualities he desired and she became the top NZ apprentice. Lee is now a personal fitness trainer and as the Collett riders go to her, she is able to impart her singular attitudes. She has helped Jason on his long rehab. He said Jason had been doing workouts on the properties exercise track and Jason was due to gallop again that afternoon. A restart is just this week. He will be fit.

Paraded for us were two very nice young horses a Pins – Dr Claire by Flying Spur filly and an Align – Divinity by Woodman colt. Ownership of shares tailored to suit, are available for both of these fine individuals. Contact Richard on 0274 795 064 or email stablesc@iconz.co.nz for further details.

We carried on to Pukepark for a cuppa and received a very interesting talk from David Cole, Managing Director of IRT. David joined the company back in 1979. He was a public trainer of horses with many wins to the highest order. Later before IRT started to expand rapidly he kept his hand in, owner-training them. Currently he owns 16 horses.

The name IRT derived from International Racehorse Transport but all kinds of horses are air freighted globally now, as well as other animals and pets. The operation is seamless in this country as IRT also runs the quarantine station at Karaka. There are IRT offices around the world strategically situated to facilitate the transport of animals.

We learned much about the scale of the operation and many interesting details, such as in a plane horses are carried two to a pallet/pen, the width of which is 3 horses wide. Did you know that a 747 can take 102 horses at a time? But Sheik Mohammed who has his own transport jet may only fly with two.

There is a lot of interesting information on Davids company on www.irt.com

Onward to Byerley Park and Molloy Racing stables. We were greeted by the Molloy children. Leo “the Sheriff” himself, and the happiest horses you ever saw. Leo told us about his operation, then he showed us a section of the stables which contained all the “rehabs’ sent to him by vets and from other stables. The rest of the residents have indoor/outdoor living and don’t they enjoy it. They had never seen 65 visitors at once and they charged in and out of their boxes trying to take it all in.

Leo said he is training using science and technology. A large part of the work is done with hydrotherapy. There is a 45m long pool below the stable as well as a mechanised water walker. The philosophy of getting the horses fit without wearing out their legs follows that of John Size he says. Leo advises, “Sorry there is no room here at this time. We are full”!

Just down the road is Peter and Dawn Williams stables. Ken Cramer Roberts our tour director welcomed them to the tropical north. Peter said how happy they were to be training at Byerley Park. He said already they had learned of differences, like working horses on the black sand track; that they didn’t jar up like he had found with other sand tracks where he had come from. He said they loved the freedom to walk the horses over the large property. “There’s even a big pond over there you can walk a horse in naturally. They splash around a bit and get used to the water and its great” Peter asked the group if there were any questions. Quick as a flash came “Where is Planet Rock” The answer was that she had gone to Christchurch for a holiday at her owners place.

stud and stable tour 2012 We rolled out of the CT club five minutes late as we had waited for a couple of “no shows” The Mercedes cruised down to Rangiriri pulling in to the Heritage tearooms for a cup of tea and scones. Four different kinds of those, all fresh and tasty. Onwards to Te Akau we took a wrong turn (my fault) and lost 20 minutes and fetched up at the stud well after the Waikato tours arrival. So we will let Jenny Cowan give us the Waikato view of that.

The Auckland group say thank you to David Ellis

continued over page >>

At Colletts racing stable

10 NEW ZEALAND THOROUGHBRED rACeHorse owners FEDERATION BULLETIN

te Akau stud and david ellis I have put Te Akau Stud first because it is by scale and with the input of others far bigger than the man. What is indisputable though is that without the ambition, drive and vision of David Ellis, there would be nothing to see but 8 separate medium sized sheep and beef farms, in that district of western Waikato. Then the entire New Zealand racing industry would be a lot poorer without this shining example of excellence.

David greeted us cordially and apologised for the absence of his wife Karyn who is a very important part of the whole operation, she was over in Sydney tending to Rock and Pop’s owners at his Rosehill Guineas start. Then he told us about his background, his philosophies, the staff, the horses, and the operation that is Te Akau Stud.

David recounted to us: “I did not come from a farming family and no one in it was interested in racing. But I liked the idea of a rural lifestyle and my parents encouraged me into going to an agricultural college. That is how I came to be at Flock House and under the tutelage of the great JJ Stewart. He was renowned as a mentor and later as coach of the All Blacks. I did well at Flock House and found I had an eye for animal judging, both for type and weight and was invariably top in these assignments”. Leaving the college David worked on various sheep and beef farms in the North Island and found his way onto the Te Karaka Station next to Limestone Downs, up the coast from Te Akau in northern Waikato. It was here that he grew to like this warm land, where big limestone rock outcrops peer out of the steeper faces.

By 1979 he had saved a modest amount through sheer hard work and dedication and was able to buy 550 acres in Te Akau with the help of two big mortgages. Fortunately he had a great first season and caught a wool price that is still above the present one. From that he purchased another adjoining block, which brought economies of scale. The unerring stock eye came into play as did the land; where he found he could raise lambs earlier and better and cattle thrived. Further acquisitions followed.

Today the property is 4000 acres, 700 of which is fenced for horses. There are 8 houses on the holding. From our vantage point looking across an undulating valley to far hills David pointed out the scale of the place. “We go from that horizon to that horizon. We go two miles past that horizon and we go up to that forestry block. Then on that side of the road we have 1600 acres. The horse paddocks are 25 acres and we only ever put 3 to 5 horses in each paddock. We feed the horses with a “four wheeler” and it does take a while”

Not far from the house is a couple of open fronted stable blocks and behind one of these is an unroofed lunging ring. The horses bought at sale all come to the farm to be broken in. David’s son Davey does the horse breaking. They are educated and pre trained on the property and there is an airstrip in the valley which the horses can gallop on. The paddocks are all well fertilised and they are undulating. Dry, warm, mineral rich and quiet it is a great place for horses to build bone and muscle and like the rest of the livestock on the property, they thrive.

Horses from the racing stable always come back for spelling. If you are a Te Akau horse then Te Akau is your home.

There is a staff of 8 people who look after the equine stock. Some have been there for a very long time so they are obviously highly valued by management and content in their work.

David said, “I had this young bloke come to me for a job, his name was Mark Walker”. I said to him, “I’m very sorry I don’t have a position for you”. The lad said to me, “I’ll leave you my c/v, I think you’ll want to employ me”. So David said, “I sat down that night and had a beer and I read the c/v. Then I rang Mark up and said I will find you a job” You know the rest of the story!

So all the while David Ellis has shown a good eye for stock he has had the same for people. The people selected to train, ride and work for the operation are expected to embrace excellence. Pressure is taken off trainers as tedious clerical matters are given to others to deal with, freeing up the trainers time to do what he is good at. Training horses!

The training operations have spread from Matamata to Rangiora under Jason Bridgman’s guidance and to Singapore where Mark Walker has re-located. This gives the Te Akau team options as to where owners returns can be best achieved. The RTO’s in Singapore are around 100% as David says a maiden race over there is 65k and owners are paid $900 a start.The trainer gets $400 as well.

There is a wealth of data on the website www.teakaustud.co.nz that you can read, so I am not going to go and list the stellar achievements of this great organisation. Suffice to say excellence is never difficult to spot and it should never be difficult to comment on, or applaud. We salute a good man and a long time member of ours to boot.

fooTnoTe: There is an opportunity to buy a share in a Te akau horse. for details check the website (address above) or phone 07-825 4701

“From that horizon to 2 miles past that horizon and up to that forestry block– the two fillies in the foreground are Sir Patrick’s and will be trained by us”

In gathering twilight we called in at Ben Footes place. Daniel Nakhle of Byerley Park who had met us around the corner at Williams’ stable did the introduction. Ben’s place was the first one built on the property. Like all younger trainers Ben is striving to get better horses to his stable but he does very well with what he has. He even got a horse to win that had been sacked by 5 other trainers. Ben paraded some horses and they were in beautiful condition. A part of Ben business is buying then developing horses and selling them. This practice with horses has gone on forever, but it still requires good judgment and skills to be successful at it – eg: the master TJ McKee ONZM.

Daniel took us for a short walk over to the observation box so we could see the scale of the place and the extent of the tracks. Then it was time to say our goodbyes and head for home.

Those on the buses were filled with awe for what they had seen during the day from Te Akau to Byerley Park and all that in between. And of all the people we met who have the vision, courage and commitment to follow the dream of seeing New Zealand racing great again. They deserve our support and an administration of racing that is worthy of their effort.

<< Stud and Stable Tour continued from previous page

MAY 2012 11

D E Ansford Matakana 948 DARCI'S GOLDD L Archer Auckland 1050 EIGHT SCHILLINGSS R Autridge Matamata 3471 CLAREENA O Avis Pukekohe 2677 SO WOTIF & RIOTOUSDr ML & Mrs CEJ Baigent Hamilton 3206 KING LEONIDASA J & Mrs I M Barker Te Awamutu 3873 VEYRON J G G Bary Hastings 4172 SLOSHED & THE HOMBREG Bell Geraldine 7992 WINDWHISTLE 3,H M & W J Bishop Prebbleton 7604 CRUMBW L & Mrs C Bolton New Plymouth 4341 ABOVE STRATUMW I Bowyer Te Puke 3189 PIN ETOILEM A & Mrs P J Brenton-Rule Dannevirke 4942 ZAMPERINIB N & T M Brown Morrinsville 3340 RE DEELF J Brown Hastings 4174 OUTBACK GIRLN V Burnside Papatoetoe 2025 CLAREENJ W Campin Cambridge 3495 TREATD B Capes Tauranga 3110 SAY NO MOREJ G & Mrs E A Carran Otautau 9641 EL CHICOJ T Cassin Bombay 2343 BONINSKYT P Coffey Hastings 4156 BLACK N BLUER W Crampton Hamilton 3281 OPAL CREEKA B Cuming Napier 4142 BORRACKP W Darvill Tauranga 3171 MATIMBAA E Denham Palmerston 9483 RIC O'SHEAC W & Mrs J J Devine Waiheke Island 1081 SEAGOLDG J & Mrs M Donaldson Papakura 2584 SPIN DOCTORMrs G M Drought Opunake 4682 MACIANOF T & Mrs F I Drummond Pukeatua 3880 WAIMANU ROAD & PALRAFJ C & Mrs C G Duncan Hastings 4175 FLEUR DE LUNEMrs M E A Evans Howick 2571 OUTRAGEOUS FORTUNEM C Fenwick Marton 4741 VIRGIN ISLANDSB W Foote Pukekohe 2345 LIL MISS TAITS E Forbes Hamilton 3286 ESKABARD R Frampton Paraparaumu 5032 SWEET SUITORJ A & Mrs A Gibbs Matamata 3440 DURHAM TOWN & PAPILIOP G Gillespie Palmerston North 4442 MACIANO & MINNALEOP V Goodwin Waikanae 5036 METTERNICHC J Grace Hamilton 3210 ZANKURO, EXABELLE,C R & Mrs S Grace Hunterville 4745 MACIANO & PRECIOUS TIMEI D Grieve Hastings 4172 THE HOMBREG E Harding Tirau 3484 WISECRACKMiss J J Harkness Manukau 2016 LA PINNICLEM T & Mrs J M Harriman Pukekohe 2679 INDY RULERP R Hart Silverdale 994 ON YER FEETMrs S M Harty Waipawa 4271 TIME AND TIDEK O Hawkins Hamilton 3289 LA PINNICLEM A Head Auckland 1023 BETWEEN THE BEATSMrs J A Henderson Matamata 3400 CLAREENJ F & Mrs P L Hepburn Warkworth 982 DENALI DANCERK Herbert Tauranga SIX O'CLOCK NEWSS P Herbert Te Awamutu 3875 MISS HERBG & Mrs L M Hodel Matamata 3473 CZECHOUT GIRLSir Patrick & Lady Hogan Cambridge STAR OF TRALEE, WITZ END, IRISH

JEWEL & KIWI CHIEFMiss Sally House Cambridge 3493 RUNAWAY BRIDE & MAHARISHIL J Howard Timaru 7910 FLYING ALIBIC K Hunter Mosgiel 9092 WAGONWHEELD J & Mrs B J Hurrell Te Awamutu 2400 LOK'N'KAY & ARCENCIELD P & Mrs N E Hurst Te Puke 3187 SOVEREIGN ROSEDr AT & Mrs CM Jackson Auckland 1071 FASHION ROCKSMrs B A Jones Lumsden O'FABERGEP G & Mrs E L Karton Tauranga MORPHEUS

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.

P J & Mrs S L Kay Manakau AUNT DAISYK A Keenan Omakau LA GIRLD A J Kelt Hastings SCARLET O'HARAP J Kennedy Christchurch OODLESE B & Mrs S A Laxon Napier TRADTRIP W Lock Hamilton RED DRAGON & ATOMIC ROADM & Mrs C R Lupton Matamata RUBY LIPSP G Lyon Alexandra DIAMOND JULES, ALPINE HEIGHTS

& WOODYEVAC R MacRury Tauranga CISSY BOWENMiss T L Marshall Palmerston North ALDEBARAN STARI E & Mrs C D McCarrison Wellington MERRYMAKERJ V & Mrs F McSheffrey Te Aroha TECHNIQUEI W & Mrs F L McSweeney Palmerston North LAKOTAP J & Mrs S R Mitchell Papakura SATURN ROCKMrs L M Moore Matamata PUTYOURFAITHINMEI S & Mrs M G Morrison Warkworth HEMINGWAYMrs G D Munro Winton SCHOCKEMOHLEP M Murphy Napier ALLANAHMiss M Murray Papakura PERFECT WARRIORD E Nakhle Manukau THE JUNGLE BOYJ D Naylor Palmerston North EMMA LUCYP S & Mrs C Nelson Hastings NO CREDIT & SAN PEDROP A Newman Otorohanga OPTIONSC G Oldfield Masterton THE MINERB J & Mrs S R O’Neill Te Awamutu BREAKING DAWNMiss C B Perry Matamata ALLANAHW J & Mrs W R Pettigrew Turangi STAR OF REIMSS R Plant Auckland ABEAUTIFULREDG V Price Auckland KING LEONIDASH H Rhodes Lower Hutt METTERNICHG A Rogerson MNZM Hamilton SWEET SUITOR, ENDOR,

ABEAUTIFULRED & SWEET SUITORC P Russell Hastings SHESALLJAZZA J & P Sellars Lower Hutt MASTER NAGOLR W Sharrock Waitara SHEZ SINSATIONALD S M L Shuker Pokeno GAME CHANGER & THE MENACEC J Skerman Hastings THE HOMBREC J Solomon North Shore City RIOMORALB C Spencer Queenstown MELVA JOYMrs K M Stanley Opunake BALLYBITJ B Struthers Takapuna SPINMYWORLDJ Thorburn Huntly CASSIE MAYW G & Mrs C Tims Hamilton ESKABARG D Turner Papakura SHARP DECISIONP M Vela Hamilton VIVA ROMA, VANDENNE,

DELICIANO, BARBADINE, PURE ELEGANCE, PAPILIO & BRELA BELLE

P J Vela ONZM Hamilton VIVA ROMA, VANDENNE, DELICIANO, BARBADINE, PURE ELEGANCE, PAPILIO & BRELA BELLE

M J Verran Levin KOHI ROADI D Vincent Te Awamutu STINGRAYC G Waaka Wanganui O'FILLEMrs J E Walker Te Awamutu STINGRAYP J Walker Clevedon THE MINERM J & N Wallace Cambridge GOOD VIBRATIONSL J & Mrs M W Ward Opunake OUR KO KOWindsor Park Stud Ltd Cambridge SOLA GRATIA, TALE TO TELL,

SCHOONER BAY & FAXEDB W P Wright Auckland ORUTAN

federAtion ContACts

telephone: 0800 696 377 fax: 07 855 0330 e-mail: nztrof@xtra.co.nz p.o. box: 14-027, Hamilton 3252

president: Neil Oldfield 06 327 8426 secretary: Jim Keyte 027 276 0464

become a member – download a “Join us” form from our website website: www.racehorseowner.co.nz