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Credit: Peter Craig

LOCAL HISTORY

The 2018 New Zealand census is held

Credit: Peter Craig

LOCAL HISTORY PEOPLE

The harness racing breeding industry has lost one of its giants with the shock passing of Bob McArdle.

The 76-year-old who imported so many top stallions to New Zealand through his days at Nevele R Stud died in his sleep on Wednesday night.

He is survived by his wife Denise and children Lisa and Baeden.

Few people have every contributed as much to, or for that matter accrued as much information about the Australasian breeding industry, as McArdle.

Not only was he a breeder, owner and agent but with the late Wayne Francis set up Nevele R, the stud whose footprint on the industry worldwide is enormous.

Not only did they breed hundreds of winners of thousands of races but Francis and McArdle brought the likes of Falcon Seelster, Holmes Hanover and earlier Timely Knight and El Patron to New Zealand to mention just a few. Later, through his breeding and selling business Bromac Lodge, McArdle had a huge presence at the yearling sales, with 12 from that property to be sold at the Christchurch sales in a few week and three at Karaka.

“Bob’s impact on the industry here is impossible to overstate,” says PGG Wrightson’s Peter Lagan. “What he and Wayne did at Nevele R will be felt across the industry for decades to come.

“And his knowledge of breeding in this part of the world might be the most detailed of anybody I have ever met.

“When you think of all the horses he bred, sold and was agent for he has put a lot of money in a lot of people’s hands over a very long period of time.

“He was a very smart businessman and knew what he wanted but no matter how frank a discussion or even disagreement you had with Bob, he would get over it and get down to business

“The New Zealand industry owes him a lot.”

Bob’s best horse he actually owned was probably Howard Bromac, who won an Auckland Cup and was placed in a New Zealand and Hunter Cup when trained by Kirk Larsen.

“He was maybe the best we had but Bob owned a hell of a lot of good horses,” says Larsen. “We probably trained for him for over 30 years. He would breed horses and then we would train them, sell plenty but keep some.

“Bob had great knowledge and was a businessman first when it came to the horses but he loved the good families and was very loyal to them.”

Credit: Michael Guerin writing on NZ Harness News/Harnesslink Media - January 2018

LOCAL HISTORY PEOPLE

Longtime Ashburton horseman Alex Hastie died in his hometown on Monday, aged 71.

Hastie was perhaps best known for naming his horses with the surnames of famous New Zealand sports people.

The supremely-talented Loader was one of the best of them, winning four of his seven career starts in 1999 before going amiss after injuring himself at Forbury Park in 2000.

He reared up at the start and injured an ankle, never to race again.

Timu (6 wins), Moller (4) and Anton Oliver (4) were all good winners while Davu, McCaw, Devoy, Amon, Van Dyk, Chisnall, Tuuta, Mains and Corlett were other examples of his penchant for Kiwi sporting surnames.

Loader’s older half-brother, Anton Oliver, was a horse Hastie regarded as the best he trained, but a number of leg injuries saw him only race for two seasons here – as a six-year-old and eight-year-old.

He won four races from 20 starts before Hastie, wife Pam and longtime friend and client Bill Eade sent the horse to Perth to race in 2015.

Eade was one a number of close associations Hastie forged with breeders, owners and fellow horsemen in a training career that started in 1980.

One of those was with Waikouaiti trainer Denis O’Connell, with whom he exchanged many horses over a long period.

“Alex was a very good man,” noted O’Connell.

“He passed me on some nice horses, including Terranium and Francis Dalrae.

“He had got Francis Dalrae from Don Cuttance as a pacer (in 1985) and then sent him to me, recommending I race him as a trotter.”

Hastie then drove horse to four of his nine career wins from O’Connell’s stable, offering advice along the way.

“Francis Dalrae’s win with Alex driving on Cup Day in 1988 was magnificent.

“Alex was a wonderful blacksmith and had a terrific knowledge about balancing up a horse.

“He used various weights to get them balanced.

“There’s a real art to it – it’s too technical for me – but he mastered it and was able to get the best possible results out of horses because of it.”

After initially spending six years as a jockey in the mid-1960s (five winners in the 1963/64 season his best), Hastie entered the harness game as a trainer in mid-1980.

His first was Taieri Lord at Ascot Park in December of that year and 57 more were to follow, the last of them being Tuuta at Oamaru in March 2015.

Alexander David Hastie was married to Pam for 51 years and together they had two sons, Rikke and Kelven, as well as eight grandchildren.

He was farewelled at the Ashburton Racecourse on Friday, May 4.

Credit: NZ Harness News, 4 May 2018

LOCAL HISTORY PEOPLE

Former trainer Tom Harrison, father of prolific American-based horseman Kelvin, died in Ashburton on Monday, April 30, aged 96.

Harrison retired from training in 1998 after approximately 30 years with a license.

His first winner, Local View, came at Westport on Boxing Day 1972 and the last of his 48 career successes came with Faye’s Image on June 1, 1996.

Before taking out a trainer’s license, Harrison met with some success as an owner in the stables of Derek Jones MNZM, Jack Grant and Pat O’Reilly Snr.

As a trainer, his best horse was the Out To Win gelding In To View, who won eight races in 10 months in 1978 and 1979.

Thomas Drayton Harrison was married for 66 years to his late wife Kath and together they had four children; Graeme, Kelvin, Katrina and Lorayne as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren throughout New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

His funeral was held on Friday, May 4, in Methven.










Credit: NZ Harness News, 4 May 2018

LOCAL HISTORY PEOPLE

Colin Steele sadly passed away on Saturday 19 May.

Steele was a dedicated member of the Addington Racing Department team for 23 years.

His work family, who affectionately referred to him as “Colli”, said “He was such a caring person who gave so much of his time to support others.”

“Over the 23 years he worked with us, he found a place in all of our hearts. Colli's smile, facial expressions and sense of humour were infectious. We are going to miss you Colli (and your chocolate fish bucket). You were such a dear treasured friend who will live on in our memories forever.”

Steele’s funeral will be held at the Christian Cullen Lounge, Addington Raceway on Tuesday 22 May at 2pm.

The Harness Racing New Zealand team that worked with Steele during his time in the industry would also like to pass on our sincere condolences.

Credit: NZ Harness News, 19 May 2018

LOCAL HISTORY PEOPLE

The harness racing industry was saddened to hear about the passing of the likeable and well respected Dennis Smolenski this week.

The 63-year-old died on Sunday night and knowing what was coming, as a tribute, his brother Bob raced Rosinupthebow at Methven earlier that day in Dennis’ training colours with his good friend Tony Herlihy driving.

“Dennis was diagnosed with a tumour last year and had an operation, but the cancer returned and claimed him rather quickly in the end,” said Bob.

“He was at his happiest doing gardening work and in recent years he’d really been enjoying life as the caretaker at the West Melton Domain while fixing up his own place at Weedons.”

Dennis was a son of Brian Smolenski, a cousin of Jack, and together the family had great success from the late 70s with the top filly Gina Marie.

She won 10 races under trainer-driver Jack, including the 1978 Great Northern Oaks.

Gina Marie’s first two foals were the top colt and Great Northern Derby winner Nardinski and the brilliant filly Gina Rosa, who won 17 races and $415,000, although she was sold as an older mare to Wellington’s Garth Williams.

Dennis started out as a stock agent for PGG and had stints in the stables of Sam Ballantyne and Jack Smolenski along with the Andertons in Mosgiel.

He made his own way in life doing a wide variety of jobs, but he was best known for his stud work and preparing yearlings with his wife and partner in life, Jill.

Dennis was 43 when he married Jill (nee Fraser) and after a period where the latter worked at Wai Eyre and Studholme Park and Dennis did a bit of training and driving and breaking in, they moved to Auckland to become the studmasters at Woodlands.

During this time they bred and raced the outstanding Dream Away filly One Dream, who won 18 of 23 races and $900,000 under trainers Dave and Clare McGowan.

In 2005, Dennis and Jill took on the job of building up the Stonewall Stud farm and operation and they prepared those yearlings before returning to Canterbury in 2009, when Jill began working at Nevele R Stud before taking over as studmaster in 2013.

“Dennis was helping out Jim Dalgety in the mornings while doing a few of his own horses in the afternoon after they returned home to Weedons,” said Bob.

“He also had jobs delivering sawdust and chickens, but he really enjoyed tidying up and maintaining gardens and he did a lot of that sort of work for various people.

“Jill finished up at Nevele R a year ago and has been running her own dog grooming business since.”

Credit: NZ Harness News, 18 October 2018, Frank Marrion, the Informant

RACING HISTORY PEOPLE

We are yet again reminded of our own mortality, as another of the light harness craft, have left us, bound for "that big race track in the sky"!

The hobbyist, a boy refugee from war torn Europe to New Zealand where he became a farm hand in the dairy industry, later taking on the breaking and education of harness horses and progressing to training and driving. He was in his early 80's at the time of passing.

Albert Willem "Slim" Dykmann was a well known identity in NZ prior to coming to Queensland, through the deeds of his star trotter, Scotch Tar. A gelded son of pacing sire, Tarport Coulter, Scotch Tar raced for 8 seasons , starting on 87 occasions for 29 wins and 10 placings, maintaining a high profile among the square gaiters, and banking $140,920 AUD in the process.Slim settled at Ebenezer south of Ipswich and commenced to weave his magic there, first rising to notice through the deeds of Natty Jack, a winner of 20 races on the "old" Southport track.

It was, however his skill with mares that bought him fortune here. Top of the tree was the 'iron legged" Happy Haldon starting on 196 occasions for 62 wins 52 placings, sitting death seat and grinding her opposition into the ground, while earning $290,000. Diamond Hunter, with 11 wins under two minute rate from her total of 17, and $71,000, an Australian high point at the time. Then came Hike Along. A massive 32 runs as a 2yo in a total of 60 starts which netted $68,000 from 15 wins and 19 placings. At stud, 11 foals, 7 winners, 4 of which earned in excess of $100,000. Slim Dykman.

No dynasty, just the sharp and lasting memory of a man who knew what he was doing, and did it incredibly well!!

Credit: NZ Harness News, Denis Smith (Queensland), 18 October 2018,

RACING HISTORY PEOPLE

Neil, who has been in indifferent health for some time, suffered severe back pain late in the week and was removed to hospital on Thursday. The family, including his wife, Rose were summoned on Friday evening and he passed some hours later. His last harness racing runner, Mach Up, had been a winner for Mark at Addington a few hours before. He was 80.



Neil has been closely associated with Mark's training career from the start of it.

"We had been family friends for years. Neil was in Kumeu earlier and transported the horses down south for Roy and Barry and was then in Christchurch so the association continued when I moved south" Mark said.

Neil played a key role in that stage of Mark's career as a backer, advisor and "volunteer" stable hand. In more recent times he was the man finessing the track before fast work at Rolleston and master of the kitchen for staff breaks. But he did a lot more than that. Much more.

He raced any number of successful horses, most notably the $2.5m winner Smolda and his contemporary Fly Like an Eagle as well as outstanding horses like Waikiki Beach (19 wins), Major Mark (12 NZ wins) Follow the Stars (16 wins), Classic Cullen (16 wins) Border Control (18 wins) Ohoka Dallas and Russley Rascal ) to name a few.

But he remembered with affection lesser winners of earlier days in the north of which he told many stories. And his winning tally could have been much higher but for the fact that Neil just loved "the deal" and was always prepared to sell horses for export before they reached their potential. He preferred to race with one or more partners than solo ownership though he did both,

"You always leave something in the horse for the next owner. I have always followed that and if you do it they will come back for more" he used to say and a lifetime of experience in doing deals meant he was a man to listen to.

"He was just a really good bloke and of great support to me in so many ways" Mark said

"Roy and Barry had a horse for him, I think Speedy Demo who started his racing association with our stable. He was a good friend of Peter Wolfenden in those days and Peter Young trained for him as well. He was a regular at the Kumeu track which is where we got to know him well"

"Like everyone else you always expected him to bounce back from a bout of bad health. He had done it so many times"

"It is a sad day for those of us who knew him but you are reassured by the knowledge that Pilch had done so many things in his life that he would have gone having no regrets"

Although Neil realised he was nearing the end of his life it never affected his spirit. He went to the Yearling Sales and spent $120,000 on one lot {"He was one of our owners we couldn't put a limit on !" Mark says) and more recently has invested in several new ventures including the trotter Musculus just two weeks ago in anticipation of another Harness Jewels runner. He had hoped to be at Addington Friday where he had three runners engaged and then head north for Cambridge.

It is a great sadness for Neil Pilcher's family and many friends as well as a host of associates that this time he will not be there.

Credit: NZ Harness News, 19 May 2018, courtesy of The All Stars site

RACING HISTORY PEOPLE

Former Christchurch trainer and studmaster Alan Harvey died on Monday, April 30, aged 76.

Harvey had modest success has a trainer after being first licensed in 1982, training six winners.

The first of those, Adadas, was at Greymouth in March 1984 and the last, Kamwood Raider, at Addington in June 2010.

Harvey stood the imported Albatross sire Sir Ten Ten at his Avon Lodge Stud in the late 80s and early 90s, the horse leaving 14 winners.

Alan Moore Harvey was married to Kathy and was father to Karen, Julie and Tony, grandfather to nine and great-grandfather to four.

He was interred at the Avonhead Park Cemetery on Thursday, May 3.

Credit: NZ Harness News, 4 May 2018

RACING HISTORY HORSES

The Dominion is all about the Ford factory.

However, it’s horsepower of a different variety – equine!

For the second straight year, West Melton trainer Ken Ford has walked away with the biggest trotting cheque in the southern hemisphere after his brilliant performer Marcoola delivered a stunning performance to win the Gr.1 $300,000 Used To Me @ Haras de Trotteurs Dominion at Addington today (Friday).

Twelve months ago, the Ford family was left shell-shocked after Amaretto Sun and young Sheree Tomlinson (Ford's grand-daughter) pulled off a longshot shocker to win the south island feature and again today, they were left a little gob smacked by the sheer arrogance and blinding acceleration of their star trotter as he raced away with the 3200m standing start feature.

Handled by Ford's son Clint, it was utter domination from Marcoola.



Unlike last year, the performance today didn’t completely shock anyone because most are acutely aware of the rich talent the Sundon six-year-old entire possesses.

In lead-up to the event, his form has been true and consistent but the barrier allowed punters to gain a juicy price about the speedy performer.

Race favourite Speeding Spur was backing-up following his Gr.1 FFA victory on Tuesday and was attempting to claim the Rowe Cup/Dominion double in the same year while join the other 17 trotters to claim the Cup week double.

With Alderbeck, Temporale and Hey Yo all beginning quickly and vying for the early supremacy, Speeding Spur stepped safely and landed in a handy spot just behind the leaders.

Classy mare Harriet Of Mot galloped away badly and lost considerable ground.

Within the first lap, changes swept over the field with the highly fancied Great Things Happen finding the lead while Lemond was left parked without cover and Speeding Spur sitting right on his back.

The tempo was dawdling with Great Things Happen and driver Gavin Smith walking the big field through the opening lap.

The lead time was covered in 2:08.1.

Speeding Spur made a move around the 1200m point and parked outside Great Things Happen while Ronald J soon followed and raced outside the leader.

The first half was covered in 29.2 and 31.7 seconds.

Entering the back straight, Great Things Happen led Ronald J while Speeding Spur sat poised ready to strike.

Passing the 1000m point, driver Clint Ford made his move with Marcoola and allowed him to stride forward three wide and his run was unimpeded.

And he came with a rush as he built massive momentum.

The third quarter was covered in 29.7 seconds.

With his blinding acceleration, Marcoola surged to the lead and soon opened up the field and raced away to lead by a clear margin entering the home straight.

Ford kept his charge focused as Australian trotter Kyvalley Blur started to charge down the outside but the margin was too great.

Marcoola scored convincingly and registered a margin of 4 lengths from Kyvalley Blur with a further 2.75 lengths back to Lemond in third while Speeding Spur finished fourth.

The winning time was 4:08 – a mile rate of 2:04.6 with a final split of 28.7 seconds.

Yet again, it was time for celebration for the Ford family.

“He felt really good and there was some cat and mouse tactics from Anthony (Butt – Kyvalley Blur) and Tony (Herlihy – Temporale) and I just went for it. He trotted great and showed great speed but I kept thinking they were coming and I kept checking but he did it well.” Driver Clint Ford said.

Marcoola is raced in partnership by Clint and his father Ken.

The last time a trainer prepared back to back winners in the Dominion was Tim Butt back in 2003/04 after Take A Moment and Lyell Creek proved triumphant.

Interestingly, Marcoola is closely related to Lyell Creek and takes his record to 14 wins from 31 starts while his earnings now exceed $410,000.

The next leg of the 2018/19 Australian Pacing Gold Trotting Masters is the $150,000 Inter Dominion in Melbourne on December 15.

Credit: Chris Barsby, Harnessink Media, 17 November 2018

RACING HISTORY HORSES

Harness racing driver Natalie Rasmussen capped off an amazing week by reining Cruz Bromac to an easy front running victory in yesterdays $184,000 Woodlands New Zealand Pacing Free For All at Addington Raceway.

After an unlucky run in Tuesday's New Zealand Trotting Cup, Cruz Bromac relished the shorter 1980m distance of yesterday's race and the son of Falcon Seelster blasted to the lead shortly after the mobile barrier arms folded.

From there the race turned into a procession. With main rival and TAB favourite Tiger Tara caught three wide early and then parked, Cruz Bromac never really eased the pace and won easing down in a super quick 2-18.5 for the 1980m mobile. That equated to a mile rate of 1-52.5 with the last 800m cut out in 55.6 and the closing 400m run in 27.0 seconds.

Stable mate of the winner Turn It Up ran on from three deep on the fence to grab second off the trailing Jack's Legend who battled on well for third. Tiger Tara wilted to last after finding his early efforts out wide too big a hurdle to overcome.

Natalie Rasmussen really burned early on Cruz Bromac and thought he might be found wanting at the finish,

"I really maxed him out to get across and sometimes they are found wanting when you do that, but he really tried hard down the straight.He was getting tired but he really gave it his all.

"Since he joined us he has really impressed us, each run he has been really solid and good.

"Mark and I will sit down next week and work out where we go, but I would say more than likely Inter Dominions first and then go from there," she said.

The win by Cruz Bromac gave Natalie her third Group one success for the week after also winning the NZ Cup with Thefixer and the Sires Stakes Final with Ultimate Sniper on Tuesday.

Credit: Harnesslink Media, 17 Nov 2018

RACING HISTORY HORSES

The New Zealand Trotting Cup doesn’t cut in half.

And Thefixer and Tiger Tara won’t receive the same prize money for the bravery at Addington yesterday.

But while only the former will have his name etched on the most famous trophy in New Zealand racing, the latter shared the glory in a $800,000 thriller.

Thefixer at just his 16th start held off the Australian iron horse in a pulsating finish, one that confirmed no matter how many stars are missing the New Zealand Trotting Cup is that rare equine contest that always produces a fairytale.

But this fairytale has two heroes.

Thefixer overcame soreness just six weeks ago which threatened to derail his Cup campaign and then recorded the second fastest time in the history of the great race, only his former stablemate Lazarus having gone faster two years ago.

Lazarus was all muscle and flash, the bully who taunted his Cup rivals with an arrogant 10-length win.

But this time trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen had to earn their Cup, cajoling Thefixer back to his best because only his best would do.

After a dreaded false start he got the second attempt right then led and trailed Dream About Me. From there it was his race to lose but lose it he almost did.

Because while Thefixer was enjoying the perfect run for driver Rasmussen, Tiger Tara came three wide to sit parked and break the seemingly unbreakable Dream About Me in front.

At the 200m mark he looked set to produce one of the gutsiest Cup wins in history only for Thefixer to rally, an equine Rocky Balboa defying the bigger, strong Apollo Creed.

Every centremetre Rasmussen saved on the marker pegs made the difference but the runner up was so magnificent it almost felt like their were two Cup winners.

The magnificence of Tiger Tara in defeat doesn’t detract from what the winner achieved though.

This was, after all, just his 16th start and Thefixer hadn’t come through the glamour of age group races and has earned his stripes in the big time the old fashioned way.

Being so untapped and new his options are numerous, with Purdon and Rasmussen to sit down today and decide whether he heads to the Inter Dominion in Victoria starting December 1, a decision which will impact on whether he starts in the NZ Free-For-All this Friday.

“He is a very brave horse because he was out on his feet at the top of the straight but he just kept coming,” said Rasmussen, who joins Kerryn Manning as only the second female driver to win the Cup.

One horse certain to be in both the Free-For-All and at the Inter Dominion is Tiger Tara, who greatness isn’t in his raw ability but in the organ beating under his rib cage.

He quite simply covered lengths more than the other placegetters and produced a run that would have won more than 100 of the NZ Cups run since the first in 1904.

“He was great. There really isn’t a lot more he could have done,” said driver Todd McCarthy.

“I thought I had them once I got past Dream About Me but the other little horse just wouldn’t go away.” On a day where the Purdon-Rasmussen team won a scarcely believable eight out of the nine races they contested they may have unearthed their next champion in Ultimate Sniper in the $170,000 Sires’ Stakes.

He came from the second line to sit parked and record a searing time to remain unbeaten after four starts, suggesting if he can hold together he could even be the best horse in the all-conquering stable in 12 or 18 months.

On any normal day his supersonic effort would have earned him skiting rights for the meeting.

But not yesterday. Yesterday he has to share that with Cup winner. And the Cup runner-up.


Credit: Harnesslink Media, 14 Nov 2018, Michael Guerin

RACING HISTORY HORSES

All Stars racing stables grabbed another harness racing Group One tonight when Jesse Duke got over the top of his stablemate and favourite Another Masterpiece to land the spoils in the $170,000 Garrards 2yo Sires Stakes Final.



Driven beautifully by co-trainer Mark Purdon, Jesse Duke had to work a bit early to get to the parked position but then had cover from the 700m to the turn as John Dunn attacked the leader Another Masterpiece with his drive Heisenberg.

In the straight Jesse Duke had too much speed for his rivals and got up to beat Another Masterpiece by a head with yet another All Stars runner A Bettor Act running home well for third.

Mark Purdon was delighted with the win and said after the race, "He is a good 2yo this one and he got the run to suit.

"I had to work a bit more than I wanted early but he has improved and it worked out well. I was probably lucky that John took the sting out of our other one and we managed to capatilise," he said.

Jesse Duke paced the 1950m mobile in 2-20.0 and won by a head. The smart colt paced his last 800m in 54.6 with a final 400m in 27.6 seconds.

Credit: Harnesslink Media, 18 May 2018

RACING HISTORY HORSES

Harness racing has a new superstar and his name is Ultimate Sniper.

On a perfect Canterbury day the showy looking Bettor's Delight colt won a grinding finish in the the 3yo $170,000 Sires Stakes Final at Addington Raceway.

Trained by the all conquering All Stars Stable of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen, Ultimate Sniper had to sit parked on a hot pace but found extra reserves in the home straight to wear down his stablemate Jesse Duke who trailed and battled well to be only three-quarters of a length away at the line.

Heisenberg ran third after setting a hot pace in front and Mighty Flying Art ran home well for fourth.

Ultimate Sniper ran the 1980m mobile in a lightning time of 2-19.0 for the 1980m mobile, a mile rate of 1-52.9 with the last 800m cut out in a super quick 54.6 and 400m in 28 seconds.

Driver Natalie Rasmussen gave a lot of credit to the horses toughness in the run.

“This guy is very similar to his big brother Ultimate Machete,” she said.

“He just does not know when to give up and just fights right to the line.

“Jesse Duke had the run to beat him today but my fella has a hell of a motor and was just too tough.

Credit: Harnesslink Media, 13 Nov 2018

RACING HISTORY HORSES

Harness racing 3yo Sheriff has smashed the NZ mobile 2600m all comers record when winning the $200,000 (Gr1) New Zealand Derby at Addington Raceway tonight.

The Nigel McGrath trained pacer ran the mobile 2600m in a blistering 3-05.4 which obliterated the old record held by the Purdon/Rasmussen trained Vincent by more than half a second.

McGrath had three nice chances in the race as he also trained race rivals Aloka and Star Commander, but he rated Sheriff the best of the horses he had in the race.

"He has come up nice this year and every start this season he has found the line really well.

"He ran a good third in the Northern Derby and I think he is ready tonight," he said before the race.

Sheriff (Bettor's Delight - Jen Marie) had to work hard to loop the field on a hot pace and he finally found the lead with 700m to go.

The classy pacer then had to withstand all the challenges in the straight, but lasted to beat a fast finishing Pat's Delight by a nose at the line.

Driver Blair Orange was ecstatic after the race and said,

"It was a great win and Nigel had him peaking at the right time.

"I had a good battle with Dexter up the straight but luckily the coin flipped my way."

Sheriff rated 1-54.7 over the 2600m mobile and zipped over his last 800m in 56.4 with a closing 400m in 27.5 seconds.

Credit: Harnesslink Media, April 2018

RACING HISTORY HORSES

Luby Lou after winning the trotters derby

Luby Lou showed she was the best 3yo trotter in the country when she waltzed away to win the $100,000 (Gr1) New Zealand Trotting Derby at Addington raceway tonight.

Two weeks ago Luby Lou beat the fillies convincingly in the Trotting Oaks and trainer Mark Purdon was in two minds whether he would start her against the boys in the Derby.

"She is such a natural trotter and I thought if there are a few there that make mistakes, then she will be there to capitalize even if she has to do a bit of work in the running," he said tonight.

During tonights race, Luby Lou (Muscle Hill - Luby Ann) was beyond midfield early before getting a beautiful cart up three wide behind the stablemate Winterfell until the home turn.

In the straight driver Mark Purdon only had to flick the reins at the classy filly and she powered to the front to win easily by more than three lengths at the line.

Winterfell stuck on well for second to make it an All Stars quinella for driver Natalie Rasmussen and Majestic Man battled on well into third.

Luby Lou trotted the 2600m mobile in 3-14.2, not far off the New Zealand record of 3-13.5 set by Habibti in this race five years ago.

Credit: Harnesslink Media, April 2018

RACING HISTORY HORSES

Ricky May knew it, Steven Reid knew it too and some outstanding track work during the week ensured Simon McMullan knew it as well.

Yet not one of three men, who are all more than qualified to predict a big showing from a racehorse, were quite ready for what Utmost Delight managed to produce to the win the PGG Wrightson New Zealand Breeders Stakes at Addington on Friday night.

And some win it was too after almost nothing went right in the running.

Pushed four wide down the back straight, the daughter of Bettor’s Delight and former outstanding racemare Victor Supreme raced away from her rivals inside the final 200 metres to claim Group One glory in the most impressive of fashions.

“I thought she might have been the best horse in the race beforehand,” Ricky May said.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt about it now though, -that was massive.”

Also erased in the immediate aftermath of the race were May’s concerns that the four-year-old mare couldn’t do a whole heap of work in her races.

“She’s definitely a bit more than just a sit sprint horse,” May added.

Owned by legendary owner and breeder Charlie Roberts, Utmost Delight was represented last night by Roberts’ daughter, Mary and her Paul who told the tale of the question marks that were raised when Roberts purchased the multiple Group One winning broodmare.

“We did wonder,” Paul Kenny said.

“But as normal, Charlie has got it right and I just hope he was tuned into watch that because it was all for him.”

It hasn’t all be plain sailing though and there was a time when Reid wondered if she was ever going to live up to her talents.

“She got beaten a lot of times early on, when she shouldn’t have probably been beaten to be fair.

“There were a few issues there, but as is the case with the Bettor’s Delight’s when they’re good, they’re good.”

Reid had no fixed plans for what lies ahead for the mare, but did quip that he might start putting the hat around to get her over to Australia next week for the Ladyship Mile.

The win gave May his fifth win in the race to sit alongside; Mainland Banner, Carabella, It’s Ella and Frangelico - making him the outright most successful driver in the Group One feature.

Sheeza GNP gave Blair Orange an extra reason to smile on a night when drove his 1500th winner with her outstanding effort for second at a big price while American Empress burst through late to finish in third for Jeremy Young and Sailesh Abernethy.

Credit: NZ Harness News, February 2018

RACING HISTORY HORSES

In what was a minor harness racing upset, Rock N Roll Heaven gelding A G’s White Socks has ruined an All Stars clean sweep by beating the favourite More The Bettor in yesterdays $90,000 Group 1 Easter Cup.

The Purdon/Rasmussen team had looked on target for winning all six of the races they had starters in, until the Greg and Nina Hope trained A G’s White Socks charged down the centre of the track to claim a deserved win in the Addington feature race.

Driver Ricky May said after the race that he always thought A G’s White Socks was suited to the extreme distance of 3200m.

"He has gone well over the distance before in the Auckland Cup.

" Today he really sprinted when I asked him to go and he picked More The Better Up easily," he said.

A G’s White Socks paced the 3200m from a stand in 4-02.1 with a closing 800m in a sizzling 55.2 with the 400m in 27.1 seconds.

More The Bettor stuck on well for second after trying to lead all the way and Tiger Thompson also battled on well for third after working hard mid-race.

Credit: Harnesslink Media, April 2018

RACING HISTORY HORSES

Speedy Australian 3yo harness racing filly Shez All Rock has crushed the opposition in the $150,000 (Gr1) NZ Oaks in what was her first New Zealand start at Addington raceway tonight.

Co-trainer and driver Mark Purdon settled Shez All Rock back beyond midfield early in the race before looping the field to lead with 800m to go and then easily holding the rest of the field off up the straight.

In the end Shez All Rock won untouched by more than two lengths despite a skip and a gallop just after the line.

Purdon was rapt with the win saying she would improve a lot after tonights run.

"I wasn't sure what to expect tonight but she delivered and delivered stylishly.

"When we were travelling so well in the race and when I let her down a bit turning for home, I knew nothing would come off her back and beat her," he said after the race.

The race favourite Elle Mac was game in defeat running second and Bettor Trix was just as good in third, making it an All Stars trifecta in the race.

Shez All Rock (Rock N Roll Heaven - Irish Loch) paced the 2600m mobile in 3-11.0, with a closing 800m in 56.7 and 400m in 26.9 seconds.

Credit: Harnesslink Media, May 2018

RACING HISTORY HORSES

Top harness racing trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen have produced classy filly Elle Mac to win the Gr1 Nevele R Fillies final tonight at Addington Raceway.

Elle Mac was dominant in the $134,400 Final for 3yo fillies easily beating All Stars stable mates Bettor Trix (2nd) and Delight In Me (3rd) without being fully extended by driver Natalie Rasmussen.

Natalie said on the All Stars website, "All the fillies went terrific in the Nevele R. Elle Mac is just a lovely filly and she seems to be going to another level.

"She won really easily and the extra distance of the Oaks next week will actually suit her better.

"The other two fillies deserve praise. Delight in Me went a huge race and so did Bettor Trix because she had to do some work early.

"It is really satisfying to run like that in G1 races," she said.

Elle Mac paced the 1950m mobile in a slick 1-55.4 mile rate with a closing 800m in 55.9 and her last 400m in 26.8 seconds. She will be back at Addington next week for the New Zealand Oaks over the longer trip of 2600m.

All Stars Stables also scored wins with Ohanzee and Sicario during the night with both pacers now looking to head forward to Jewels day on the first Saturday in June.

Credit: Harnesslink Media, May 2018

RACING HISTORY HORSES

The pride in Joshua Dickie’s voice told the entire story - a story that could have panned out in a thousand different ways.

The young horseman knows better than anyone just how much of an effort it’s been to get back to the track with his old favourite Speeding Spur, let alone to be winning a Group 1 like he did on Friday night when claiming the Fred Shaw Memorial New Zealand Trotting Championship at Addington.

It’s been a patient and herculean effort by Dickie and his father, John who have, along with the experts, nursed their star performer back from near retirement on two occasions, each time not knowing if it would be the last time.

“I don’t think I can do him justice,” Dickie said.

“He’s broken down twice, in theory he shouldn’t be racing but here he is not only competing in, but also winning, Group Ones.

“He really is an incredible horse.”

Dickie said there were times when they wondered if it was all too much, but they let the horse tell them each time whether or not he wanted to be back on the track and such is the will to win that he’s made his way back each time.

And for his loyal band of owners, the Woodlands Partnership Syndicate, Kieran Read, Andy Ellis, Dick Tayler and Dave Hewett, Friday night’s win was just reward for patience and royalty.

And perhaps, just perhaps - there’s more to come.

“You don’t want to get too far ahead of yourself, but he’s back racing and good at the moment, so hopefully he can continue it.

“I think a lot of people just expected him to come back and be the same horse he was before things started going wrong.

“But he’s never going to be that same horse, but he showed tonight that he’s still a very good horse.

“His will to win is incredible, he just kept fighting all the way to the line.”

Auckland beckons next for the Speeding Spur camp and Dickie is looking forward to hopefully being able to drive him a little different in races like the Anzac Cup and then the Rowe Cup.

“I’d love to drive him with a sit - he’s still got the speed - but the way things have panned out it just hasn’t been possible.”

With $53,000 added to his lifetime stakes from 20 wins, Speeding Spur now sits just below $800,000 in stake earnings with $250,000 worth of kitty to chase at Auckland.

The victory on Friday wasn’t without drama.
Enghien galloped out of the gate, but then looped the field and looked set to stroll to the lead inside the final 150 metres before going rough in his gait.

It most likely cost him victory in what would have been an incredible performance, but there was no taking anything away from Speeding Spur.

“I don’t know if he was going to beat me, or I was going to beat him,” Dickie said.

“I just know my guy would have kept fighting.”

Destiny Jones emerged out of the pack to run a huge third continuing her great rise for Blenheim’s Dean Hunter.

Credit: NZ Harness News, April 2018