"END OF 2010 ROLL ON 2011."

 

 

Getting a Kick Out of Harness Racing

 

During a meeting at Manawatu Harness while on "down time between races" Nicky had occasion to talk to a special spectator aged about 6 or 7 years old. The young harness racing supporter had been brought to the races by his Dad and was walking past Nicky when his Dad asked her if his son could have a picture with her. Nicky was thrilled and a photograph was duly taken. Nicky also signed his racebook. Since that time, both Dad and son have hung over the fence at the birdcage at Manawatu and waved and chatted to their favourite trainer/driver.

This is what racing is all about - maybe a future punter, owner, driver, trainer - who knows!

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It is the time of year when the sun starts to shine, and the beach and holiday time is beckoning. The children are looking forward to having a visit from Santa, the Mum's and Dad's are making preparations for the Christmas/New Year holiday break. People are winding down for the year from their respective jobs. Where did the year go?

 

This time of year, trainers of horses are winding up!!!!

 

 

 

Holiday time in the northern area means the start of the local grass track circuit where the crowds come out with their picnics and sun umbrellas and hope to make a dollar or two off the horses and enjoy the more casual aspect of harness racing on the grass.

 

This is what can be expected over the next 4-6 weeks.

 

The circuit starts at Wanganui on Sunday 19 December and continues on to Te Awamutu (Waipa) for the

Cambridge/Te Awamutu HRC meeting on Wednesday 29 December. The holiday destination of Thames hosts a meeting on Sunday 9 January 2011 and the following Sunday (16 January 2011) sees the Morrinsville TC host its grass track meeting under the mountain at the picturesque Te Aroha racecourse.

 

 

All the Central Districts trainers, owners and spectators get to enjoy a two-day meeting at Otaki Racecourse on 21 and 23 January 2011. Then finally for January, the Bay of Plenty HRC hosts the holiday-makers at the Gate Pa Racecourse in Tauranga.

 

Along with these meetings, will be races for the higher grade horses at Alexandra Park in Auckland and Cambridge Raceway.

 

 

White Star Stables traditionally has a large team of horses competing at the race meetings held on the grass, so Nicky and her team are very busy at this time of year.

 

Christmas celebrations are therefore restricted because the equine team still has to be worked, fed and watered - even at holiday time.

 

A brief run-down of horses that will be in workouts, trials or racing over the holiday period:

 

Landora's Jewel:

Nicky has been patient with this filly and she has certainly started to come to hand nicely. A 3-year old filly by Earl from Landora's Image part owned and bed by racing journalist Barry Lichter, she appears to have received some of her mum's ability. Time will tell for sure. She is currently running at the workouts and is ready to step up to a qualifying trial.

 

Precious Mach:

After a very successful start to her racing career where she notched up a win and a 2nd placing she is coming to hand very well for the start of her 3-year old career. Nicky expects her to commence her season at Alexandra Park on 17 December. Keep a watch on the Home Page of the web site for the fields which will show when she will be lining up.

 

Leroy Brogden:

Leroy made a great start to his 3-year old career with a very close second at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday 9 December. He will only improve with this and the syndicate of owners which race this Elsu gelding, are in for a bit of fun!

 

President Tomado:

Nicky does not hide the fact that she thinks a lot of this mare and her preparation to date has not changed this thinking. She is a stronger horse this year, both physically and mentally and is heading for the grass track cups with her first start scheduled to be at Wanganui on Sunday 19 December.

 

Others of the racing team heading to Wanganui are Captain Gibbs, J D's Chrimar and Bettor's Image.

 

 

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Staff Update

 

Jordan continues to drive at the workouts and should be applying for a Junior Driving Licence in the near future. He has secured himself a Sponsor and thanks Graeme and Judy Bowen of Brogden Lodge for their support in his chosen career in the harness racing industry.

 

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the success of White Star Stables during 2010. Best wishes to all owners, and supporters of the stable and all the best for 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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