Loki Brogden - What can you say? The stable star and a background is on the Featured Horse page.

Loki had a short break after the Jewels and returned to racing at Alexandra Park. He had another short break but has been back in the stable and is now being given more serious work which will step up over the coming weeks.

The owners and Nicky hope that he can find his form again as a 4 year old and improve even further on what he achieved in his first race preparation as a 3 year old which culminated in the race at Ashburton in June at the Jewels. Obviously that will have given him a wealth of experience - both the trip away and the competition against the top class 3 year old trotters in New Zealand at that time.

Staff Updates:

During the winter months the stable reduces numbers of horses in work and gives the staff a perfect opportunity to take some time off. See the News page for "Trainers and Drivers Down Time".

Emma Hale - Emma has decided to increase her experience with bloodstock by taking up a position at Brighthill Farm - A stud farm operation which stands 4 thoroughbred stallions, at Tauwhare Road, Cambridge. Her wish is to get experience here and then do what most "kiwi" young people do - travel overseas. Nicky wishes her every success and thanks her for the period of time in which she worked at White Star Stables and her large contribution she made to the efficient running of the stable.

Alan Shand - Having come out of his time as a Junior driver, Alan decided that he needed to move on from White Star Stables and out of harness racing in the meantime. Alan was a real asset to the team while he worked there. Always having a smile on his face, he endeared himself to other trainers and of course owners. Nicky says farewell to Alan wishes him success in any endeavour he undertakes in the future and hopes he is not entirely lost to the industry. As with Emma, Nicky appreciated the hard work he undertook at the stables which also contributed to the efficient running of the stable. All the best Alan!

Mac Robinson - Mac continues to help out on a part-time basis at the stables, working Wednesday's and Fridays.. His input and experience will be more relied upon because of the departure of Emma and Alan as mentioned above. There will be more driving experience for him in upcoming weeks and months with the increase in Amateur Driving Events at tote meetings. Mac is, of course, now qualified to participate in having been registered as an Advanced Amateur Driver.

Zoey - Zoey continues to provide ground work assistance to the stable and she has increased her time at the stable to most mornings and afternoons if she is required.

Megan Teaz - Junior Driver Megan has joined the team on a part time basis working Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. She is able to drive fast work so once the racing team gets up and running, she and Mac will be able to assist Nicky get those horses ready for upcoming assignments.

Young Horses:

Mary Anastasia: 2009 2 Br f Courage Under Fire-Drums Of Time. Had first preparation is is currently spelling.

Lyn's Delight: 2009 2 Br f Bettor's Delight-Attsa Nice. Nice first filly out of the good mare Attsa Nice - bred and owned by Alan and Lyn Messenger of Inglewood now long time clients of White Star Stables.

Goals for 2011/2012 Season:

Nicky is looking to maximise opportunities for the type of horses she has in work.

By her own admission, Nicky does not have the classic horses or the big budget owners behind her, and with a relatively small team worked at White Star Stables, the ratio of wins over the last couple of seasons has been consistent.

Nicky's goal for her driving continues to be as consistent as she can. Obviously she drives the majority of her own team in races but those outside drives she gets she gives 100%. She watches recordings of all races she drives in as soon as she can when they are still fresh in her mind - analysing her own drive and that of others. When the fields come out she looks back at the other horses and assesses the racing styles of her competition. Nicky will continue to drive at the central district meetings and grass track circuit during summer (which is not too far away now).

"Whether good money or bad money, being in the harness racing industry is a life-style. It's really hard work but the rewards are often exhilarating." (Nicky Chilcott)

Sponsorship:

Whales Hotline - has continued to assist Nicky during the season and she thanks Craig Thompson for the continued sponsorship. (See Nicky's skull cap on a photo within this website).

Summer Fun Syndicate:

Nicky has acquired the horse "Alta Cleopatra" a 4 year old mare by Bettor's Delight. She has had 8 starts with a couple of minor placings. Having had a spell she is now much stronger than in her previous preparation.

If anyone is interested in participating in the syndicate to race this mare, please contact Nicky directly on 021 813 638 or email Nicky - nicky.chilcott@xtra.co.nz . She would love to have you join the team and enjoy the thrill of racing a horse from the stable over the summer period.

Nicky says:

“Well after the huge success and all the fun we had with Handy Knight it is going to be a hard act to follow but I am hoping I have found a worthy replacement. I have had trouble finding a suitable horse this year but have just secured a lovely little mare by boom sire Bettors Delight called Alta Cleopatra.  Now affectionately known as Cleo, she had 8 starts last year for some handy placings but although she had a nice turn of speed she was too weak to finish off so now after a nice long spell she has strenghtened up and will hopefully be able to win some races. Cleo has been back in work 2 weeks now so will be a while away from doing anything too serious.”