Southland Harness Racing

Musgrove From Southern Roots (Wednesday 31st March 2010)

Paul Nairn's lastest trotting star Musgrove has plenty of Southern connections.

The story started when in March 1991 Southlanders Murray Darnill, Bruce Darnill, Rob Stewart, Murray Fowle and Ron Hampton purchased Little Miss Watch from Shane Matheson.

The Stakhanovite mare, bred by Clarrie Woodward at Ota Creek, had won a race before the five southern men bought her. She was initially transfered to Graham Bond's stable before joining Dick Prendergast's barn from which she won her second race at Forbury Park.

It took more than a year lfor her to win her next race - this time from the Ray Jenkins stable.

She was retired from racing soon after when it was discovered she had heart problems.

Murray Darnill inherited her and began to bred from her, initially sending her to pacing sires Holmes Hanover and Caprock.

Darnill's theory of breeding his trotting mare to pacing stallions becomes obvious when you delve into her pedigree.

Little Miss Watc'sh great grandmother Justunna (My Chief - Rosehaven) is a half sister to broodmare gem Black Watch, the dam of pacing stars Tay Bridge, Remarkable and Aberfeldy (Broodmare Excellence Winner).

Her first foal Abrolhos, by Holmes Hanover qualified as a trotter and ran two placings from just nine starts. Her second foal Sandrana by Caprock won two races as a trotter. She started her career with Bert Wohlers before heading to Mike Stormont's stables.

"I bred to pacing sires but as soon as the first two foals trotted I went to Sundon," Darnill said. Unfortunately, her next foal died after getting caught in a fence.

She returned to Sundon, and produced Sun Watch, who really kick her breeding future.

Darnill raced Sun Watch and from thirty seven starts he won seven races; three for Ray Jenkins, two for Alex Jenkins and two for Bert Wohlers.

Sun Watch, when trained by Wohlers broke a Southland and New Zealand record for three year old trotters for the 2400 metre mobile, winning in a time of 3-02.3. The time was recorded at Winton in December 2003 and is still a Southland and national record.

As a three year old he also ran second to Zuri in the 2004 Hambletonian Classic at Ashburton.

Sent back to Sundon, Little Miss Watch's next foal Hardwick, also proved to have ability.

He ended up in Australia, racing as Flying Hardwick where he has won eighteen races from eighty three starts for $146,128.

The two next foals from Little Miss Watch were both by Armbro Invasion. Yule Ana never raced while Aleana has won one race and is currently at Holly Crackett's Riverton stable.

The mare's next foal is Musgrove.

He was sold by Darnill as a two year old to Bert Wohlers and members of his family.

Wohlers, who trained on the Riverton beach, qualified the gelding and he had his first start at Gore as a two year old. He sat parked for the entire journey and broke when running second behind winner Iraqui Invasion.

Wohlers had a high opinion of the gelding and subsequently sent him north to David and Catherine Butt's stable with the hope of qualifying for the Harness Jewels. But ongoing problems with mud rash saw those plans scrapped.

While at the Butt's the horse was sold to stable clients. From there he fashioned a solid record racing in Canterbury and the Central North Island.

He was then sent to Nairns stable, has since grown another leg and is starting to win better quality trots.

Darnill is not surprised to see Musgrove hitting his straps as a five year old.

"They don't go early. They grow into it and get better with age."

Meanwhile Darnill, who works for Canterbury trainer Ray Jenkins has plenty of racing stock to go on with.

Continentalman four year old gelding Carnley is Little Miss Watch's eighth foal and he has had four starts for Jason Lethaby for one third.

"He's the best gaited trotter from the breed."

Darnill is breeding from Yule Ana and has a Contintentalman yearling filly and a Brylin Boyz filly from the mare.

"Her breeding programme is on hold at the moment until we see how her foals go."

As for Little Miss Watch, Southlanders Neville Cleaver and Kevin Strong purchased her off Darnill in 2006. They have bred Miss Continental (Continentalman filly) and Sunrise Delight (Sundon filly).

Cleaver sold his half share in Miss Continental to Adrian Wohlers who works for John Dickie at Cambridge. She has been tried but it was decided she won't make a two year old. She is currently in Southland spelling and maturing.

Sunrise Delight is currently in work with Nathan Williamson.

"Nathan quite likes her and said she could qualify as a two year old but we'll wait another year. We hope to breed from her," said Cleaver.

Williamson Underway (Wednesday 31st March 2010)

In his first season of training young Southland trainer Nathan Williamson is starting to develop a small team of mainly young trotters from his Makarewa base.

His distinct race colours of blue with a black and white chequered sash are starting to show up on southern race tracks.

Although he is yet to train a winner he looks to have good fire power for the future.

He had two runners in the recently held PPG Wrightson NZ Yearling Sales Series Open Mobile Trot for two year old trotters at Ashburton.

His best result was with Latheronwheel which finished fourth in the event driven by Ryan Hayter.
“I was happy with the way he went. He had a tricky draw on the second row and did a wee bit of work because of that. He is better racing up on the pace. He stuck on well for fourth so I was rapt with the way he went,” he said.

Williamson may have to travel with the Continentalman youngster if he is to be ready for some of the higher stake races later in the season.
“We’re just taking it race by race. The bigger races are later in the season like the New Zealand Two Year Old Trotting Stakes and the New Zealand Sires Stakes and maybe the Jewels if he makes it.”

Williamson’s other starter in the race was the well bred Lewis H which finished sixth.
He’s a full brother to smart trotters Lleyton H (15 wins), Tony H (8 wins) and Martina H (18 wins).
“He may have one more start and win lose or draw he’ll be heading to the paddock. I think he’ll be far better as a three year old. I don’t want to push him chasing the better two year olds that are more developed and have better ringcraft. I think he’ll be a nice horse for the future.”

Also amongst horses in work is a full sister to Sun Watch and Paul Nairn's new trotting star Musgrove.
“I’m just doing the initial preparation with her and hopefully I can qualify her and race her as a three year old next season.”

Nathan Williamson

Wyndham and Invercargill Cup winners head for Easter (Tuesday 30th March 2010)

Southland will be represented by Wyndham Cup winner Lord Forbes and Invercargill Cup winner Vi Et Animo in Saturday's $80,000 Stallion Station Easter Cup at Addington.

Trainer Gil Shirley, son Brent and owners Alison and Wayne McCulloch have decided to venture north with Vi Et Animo and give the four year old his biggest "class" challenge.

The Pacific Rocket gelding leaves for Christchurch on Thursday while Shirley flys north that afternoon. The horse will be stabled at Nigel McGraths where he will finish his preparation with a quiet jog on Friday.

"He's come through his Invercargill run right on tune and he's very well. It'll give us a good guideline. If he goes well, we'll go north (to Alexandra Park) and if he doesn't we'll head home for the Country Cups final. He should travel okay as he's a good eater and drinker," said Shirley.

Brent Shirley and Vi Et Animo returning to scale after winning the Invercargill Cup - Envious Photography

After his record breaking run in the Wyndham Cup Lord Forbes also travels north on Friday for a shot at the Group One feature. He will stay at trainer Gavin Forbe's sister's place at Leeston.

"He was a bit jaded after that run but he's bucking and kicking like a lunatic now," said Forbes.

The five year old's Southland record of 3-58.6 for the 3200 metres Wyndham Cup rates him as one of the fastest in this years Easter.

Last year's winner Monkey King ran the distance in 3-58.2 - a race record.

Forbes is not fazed by the challenge and proudly points to the fact that Lord Forbes has performed against the best horses all of his career and in races that have ended in New Zealand records.

He ran second to Highview Tommy at Cup Week when the Purdon/Payne runner went 3-08.5 for the 2600 metre mobile - a current New Zealand record. He was also part of history when running third behind Rider On The Storm, who broke a three year old and New Zealand record at Winton running the 2400 metre mobile in 2-54.5.

Forbes trains at Oreti Beach with his stable behind the sandhills and says the regime suit the Live Or Die entire.

"It keeps them fresh and it's not so hard on their legs. He's a lot stronger this year and I've learnt a bit more about him. He's been getting more two mile work on the beach and for the last four months I've been riding him in the surf," said Forbes.

Forbes also paid credit to follow trainer Ray Faithful who has been the horses trainer and caretaker a number of times in the last two years.

"Ray has looked after him for four starts for four wins. He worked him on Tuesday and was real happy."

The last Southland winner of the Easter Cup was Microscopic in 1989 with other recent winners being Trevira in 1980 and Sapling in 1978.

Eight out of the ten last winners in the Cup have started off the front line, as do Lord Forbes and Vi Et Animo on Saturday.

Matty Williamson and Lord Forbes at Wyndham - Envious Photography

Meanwhile another Shirley trained runner Turbine is expected to make his reappearance at the Northern Southland meeting on April 10th.

The gelding which had set the track watchers alight with stunning workout and trials form was off his game when he ran seventh in his debut run at the Riverton meeting in October.

His blood was found to be out and he's spent 12 weeks recouperating at Macca Lodge.

"Brent McIntyre has jogged him for 4 weeks and this time he's had a slow preparation with three workouts."

Russlands Hot (Monday 29th March 2010)

Russlands win on Sunday at Winton was a welcome change of luck for both horse, and trainer Hamish Hunter.

The six year old's last win was May 2009 when he won the Southern Country Cups final at Ascot Park.

His form this season had been a bit mixed but two starts back he impressed his trainer running a good fifth at Wyndham. But then he disappointed at his next start in Invercargill.

"He raced very good at Wyndham after pulling extremely hard in the middle stages but at Invercargill he went poorly over a sprint distance," said Hunter.

In Sunday's feature for the C3 to C5 horses, driver Brent Barclay watched Norham Fella and Rakarebel set a hot pace early while enjoying the one one. Russlands then sat parked for the last 1200 metres when The Peace Rose went to the front.

It was a brave effort from the Live Or Die gelding and the time of 2-56.3 was the hottest of the summer on the super quick Winton circuit.

The time was a new track record for aged pacers with the previous record being held by Double Under which ran 2-56.7 in November of 1995.

"He's a horse that runs in straight lines and he likes it on the pace. His best results have been racing in the first half dozen with the speed on. The more pressure the better. 2400 metres on a big track suited him well," said Hunter.

Russlands is owned by Frank Cournane and Jean Fallow. Cournane wasn't on the race course on Sunday, he was on the golf course.

Hamish Hunter

Hunter's season as a trainer has been average by his standards, with Russlands being only his third winner from one hundred and eighty starters.

In the last nine seasons he has averaged between fifteen to twenty winners per season.

"It just seems to be one of those seasons for us. I think it's got a lot to do with the changing of the guard. Probably a lot of my nice horses in the team have met their class. The young ones coming through haven't filled the gaps yet. Hopefully next season it will turn around for us."

And when asked about when he would return to driving, Hunter said the injury he received at Forbury Park is a work in progress and a return to the sulky on raceday is on hold at the moment.

"I'll probably come right in the middle of winter when we're racing at Forbury Park," he said with a rye smile.

Bonanza Day For Beaudiene (Sunday 28th March 2010)

Otautau breeders Dave and Dawn Kennedy had smiles a mile wide when Beaudiene Bad Babe and her half brother Guns n Roses won impressively at Winton today.

They own Beaudiene Babe - the dam of both.

In the $20,000 Southern Belle Speed Series Final a small but select field lined up and favourite Beaudiene Bad Babe from barrier seven was three wide into the first bend.

Driver Dexter Dunn took her to the front at the 1000 metres but from there until the 300 metre mark she was pressured by Badlands Jewel.

At the top of the straight Dunn pressed the turbo button and she ran away to beat Telemecanique by three lengths with a brave Badlands Jewel a further half a length back in third place.

"She did a bit of work early but had a bit of a breather then sprinted a quick quarter. She did it pretty easy. She's a lovely mare and Murray has done a great job with her. She was right on her game today. When I gave her the reins she really sprinted up good," said Dunn.

The Badlands Hanover mare has now won seventeen races and $220,352. for the estate of Peter Ryan.

"Dexter said she just jogged it. It's the best she 's felt," said trainer Murray Brown after the run.

Brown will sit down in the next few days to map out Beaudiene Bad Babe's programme leading in the Harness Jewels in Cambridge which could include two lead up races at Alexandra Park.

He is keen to head north early and stay on to supervise the mare's northern campaign rather than travel backwards and forwards.

Although the winning time of 1-57.2 was well outside the track record the final quarter of 26 seconds is rarely run by winning horses in Southland.

One race later Beaudiene Bad Babe's younger brother Guns N Roses further enhanced the value of broodmare Beaudiene Babe when he lead from start to finish to win the Bremick Fasteners Mobile Pace.

The DM Dillinger gelding was right on his game running his rivals ragged and further underlining his potential.

The winning time of 2-55.4 was fast but not good enough to surpass the freckish 2-54.5 recorded by Rider On The Storm in 2007.

"He's always been a funny horse. We've had a lot of gear on him but we've got a lot of it off now. He's a lot better now," said co-trainer Tom Kilkelly.

Driver Andrew Armour was also impressed with the gelding's run and surprised at the time.

"I knew they were rolling along a bit. I would have said 2-59 or 3 minutes pace (for the 2400 metres) but he's quite deceptive," he said.

Both Kilkelly and Armour agreed that the three year old has taken some organising and Armour paid credit to Allan Beck who has driven the gelding in most of it's starts.

"He is a bit more tractable. He went off the gate good today. Before that he hasn't really scored up when he's drawn the second line. That early education that Becky has given him has made him into a horse," said Armour.

According to Kilkelly, Guns N Roses could be a surprise nomination for the Christian Cullen New Zealand Derby on Friday 9th April. He's raced by Kilkelly, his wife Julie and John and Juliet Earl.

Clark and Alec Jumpforjoy (Sunday 28th March 2010)

"Not really she's got a bit of class," was driver Clark Barron's response when asked if he was surprised at Jumpforjoy's winning time of 1-56.5 in winning the Johnsons Oysters 2 yr old Fillies Mobile Pace at Winton today.

The Bettor's Delight filly, which is owned by Barron and Alec McDonald of Makerewa jumped straight to the lead and travelled easily throughout the 1609 metre journey to beat Flashonbye by half a length.

The time was a new track and Southland record for two year old fillies and highlights the class of both horses.

"Today she turned off and on and she switched off from the 600 and didn't know what to do," said Barron.

Although there has been plenty of interest from buyers to purchase Jumpforjoy she is not for sale.

"We decided early on that she wasn't for sale so there's been no pressure at all. With owning her now I don't really have to answer to anyone. Alec and I get on really well," said Barron.

Barron says the listed $25,000. Caduceus Club Final at the Northern Southland Club's meeting on the 10th April is the filly's main aim and will probably be her last start this season.

"She's shown ability all the way through. Being such a big filly we've waited on her and we'll continue to do so."

Barron says Jumpforjoy rates highly amongst the best juvenile filly's he's handled.

"I had a pretty smart horse about twenty years ago called Rakamo but this one would be the next best."

Rakomo, a filly by Admiral Halsey out of Sentimental Belle also won her first start as a two year at Wyndham in March 1990.

She was then sold to Australia and won five races from just nine starts.

Jumpforjoy doing her preliminary prior to winning at Winton - James Jubb

Hello Another Win (Sunday 28th March 2010)

Jaccka Hello's win in the NRG Auto Service Centre/Roofcraft Industries Trot suggests he has the makings of a nice handicap trotter.

The six year old lead all the way in a split field and trotted to the line easily to win by five lengths from Lucky Pat and favourite Sunnivue Ted.

Despite poor form going into today's race the gelding carried plenty of support based on his solid workout win at Winton ten days ago.

"He won well at Cromwell. Then we probably asked too much of him when we went to town (Invercargill) and he galloped in all three starts. Since then we've given him a bit of a break," said driver and part owner Jonny Cox.

The Continentalman gelding was orginially trained by Wayne Adams having eleven starts from that stable and recording one win. He was owned by Charlie and Ailsa Smaill.

After one start for Allan Paisley he was transfered to Gray's stable where from seven starts he's recorded two wins and two seconds.

"Murray's done a great job. He just potters around with him at home. He doesn't try and blow them up too much. Just calming him down was the main thing. Those three misses were all at Invercargill so I don't think we'll be going back there in a hurry."

Easy as. Jaccka Hello winning at Winton - James Jubb

Jaccka Hello is now owned by Gray, Jonny Cox, chiropactor and trainer John Cox and farrier Brendon Frank, and all play a part in the horses preparation.

"As long as he does everthing right he's going to be a player. There's probably another three or four wins in him. Maybe not this year but over the next two seasons."

Silver Ranger Has The Class (Sunday 27th March 2010)

Despite having his first start since the middle of January, Silver Ranger had too much class when winning the E.I.S Electrical Mobile Pace at Winton.

From barrier four trainer/driver Kirk Larsen took him to the lead and was able to dictate terms running his last 800 metres from the front in 56.2 - giving the runners from the back no chance.

"The only reason I put him in (the race) today was it was a harness plus race. He always comes up well fresh. What made it for us was we got away with a few easy sectionals mid race." he said.

The Julius Caesar entire has been well managed by Larsen. From twenty six starts he had won seven races and just under $50,000 but is still assessed as a class three pacer.

"He's one of those horses that'll go quite a few good races then he doesn't go quite so good as he can."

Larsen plans to continue to race Silver Ranger through the Southland grades with his next start likely to be at the Northern Southland meeting.

"He's a premier grade horse and could be a nice Country Cups horse but we may have left our run a bit late this season."

Silver Ranger prior to his win at Winton - James Jubb

Extra Heat Of Supremacy (Thurday 25th March 2010)

After the cancellation of the Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes heat at Invercargill the organisers of the series have decided to put on an extra heat.

The additional race will be raced over 2200 metres at the Gore Harness Racing Club on Sunday 25th April for a stake of $9,000.

Horses already qualified for the $50,000 final on May 1st are Franco Jamar and Kotare Mach. The other heat winner, Best Chance has since been sold overseas.

Place getters in the series Flying Diamonds, Motu Crusader, Elmer Fudd and Atom Of Courage also appear to have enough points to make the final.

Hooray For Hazel (Sunday 21st March 2010)

Canterbury owner Hazel van Opzeeland has struck a winning formula with the Southland based Highview Standardbreds - specifically the progeny of Christian Cullen mare Baptism Of Fire.

Van Opzeeland first ventured into owning a 'Highview' when she purchased a share in the mare's first foal, Highview Tommy after he was sold by Michael House for $200,000 to Mark Purdon at the 2007 Ready to Run sales.

Highview Tommy has since won twelve races and $505,661 for van Opzeeland and the Kennards.

Since Highview Tommy's success she has purchased full or part ownership in the mares next three foals; Highview Chartom which won it's third race at Ascot Park yesterday; Highview Chasue which recently qualified for Cran Dalgety and looks promising; and Highview Teejay purchased by Mark Purdon at this years Christchurch sales for $90,000.

All four horses were bred by Allan Clark and initially sold through the Christchurch sales ring.

Highview Chartom was astutely bought by Allan's father Dave, (founder of Highview Stud) at the 2008 Premier Yearling Sales for $45,000 four days after her half brother Highview Tommy qualified. He shares the ownership with van Opzeeland.

Highview Chasue was sold at the 2009 National Sales for $72,000 - bought by Dalgety. She qualified this season and in her only appearance at the races finished seventh in the Nevele R Stakes for two year olds, starting as race favourite. Van Opzeeland shares in the ownership of her with Chrissie Dalgety.

Baptism Of Fire's latest foal is an Art Major colt which is likely to be sold at next years sale.

From a branding perspective the Highview name is also starting to appear more regularly beside quality races.

The work that has gone into upgrading breeding stock by Dave and Allan Clark is being rewarded with Highview Chartom's win in heat five of the Nevele R Fillies series yesterday, a good example of this.

The Elsu filly left the mobile quickly to lead before Ask McArdle took over. Highview Chartom trailed for the rest of the trip before using the passing lane to beat Royal Cee Cee by a length with Ask McArdle finishing third.

It was the filly's third win from just nine starts and she has now qualified for the Nevele R Fillies Final at Addington in May. It also places her eighth in the Harness Diamond for three year old pacing fillies.

Blair Orange, Highview Chartom, Debbie Smith representing Nevele R Stud with Hazel van Opzeeland and Allan and Kerri Clark.

Allan Clark and his wife Kerri recently reinvested in the Highview brand purchasing a half share in Highview Bethem from Gaylene and John Tait.

The Taits had previously purchased the Elsu filly out of Pleasureandpain (a half sister to Regina Coeli) on the third day of the Christchurch sales for $12,000 from Dave Clark. They were familar with the Highview name having tasted success with Highview Ebony which won the Group Three Nevele R Stakes at the Cheviot meeting earlier this month.

Highview Bethem is currently being broken in by Prop Anderson.

Hands Down For Another Christian (updated Sunday 21st March 2010)

In his first raceday start Mark Purdon and Grant Payne looked to have uncoverered another potential stable star in Hands Christian - but we may not see too much of him this season.

Although the Christian Cullen gelding won the Cruickshank Pryde Pace having fought to beat Night Of The Stars by a neck, he lacked ringcraft and according to co-trainer Mark Purdon isn't a natural two year old.

"I was pleased to get off that marker line early and then get round to the front. It was a game effort to rally the way he did."

Approaching the final 500 metres, second favourite Night Of The Stars went a half a length in front and it looked as though the Purdon/Payne runner would run second.

"He was running in and out and on and off the bit, and I thought I might have to let Ken go. When he (Night Of The Stars) got three quarters of a length on us he picked up the bit again. He's probably not a mature two year old but he's got natural ability."

Hands Christian was bought at the Australasian Classic Yearling Sale of 2009 for $50,000 and is raced by Denny and Mark Dunford.

The Dunfords also shared in the ownership of quality two year old Steve McQueen which won the $195,000 Yearling Sales Two Year Old Open at Addington in 2007.

He is out of Spendid Dreams, a Dream Away mare that recorded two win and two placings from just six starts. She was out of the speedy mare Scuse Me which recorded a mile time of 1-53.5 and won eight races including the Great Northern Oaks and the Noel Taylor Mile.

Purdon has two more of the mare's progeny at home including a full brother called Christian Me.

"I'd like to give him a nice break this season because I think he'll be quite a nice three year old. I think he'll be up there with the top three year olds next year so the plan is to look after him this year."

Since his win Hands Christian has been turned out for three months at Dianne Cournane's Grove Bush farm.

Purdon and Payne won this race last year with Kotare Mach.

Hands Christian prior to his run at Ascot Park.

Vi Et Hometown Hero (Saturday 20th March 2010)

There were a few doubters before Vi Et Animo lined up in today's Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup but driver Brent Shirley was not one of them.

Only running ninth in a record run Wyndham Cup two weeks ago, Shirley blamed himself for the below par effort.

"I probably didn't drive him that well and I also think I had him overdone for the run," he said.

The Pacific Rocket gelding, which was one of the star pacers in the province last season, had only won twice this season prior to today's feature but the four year old had indicated that he was well enough to win today.

"I knew he was coming right in the last fortnight. He was being cheeky, kicking and biting me and prancing around on the lead rope."

Vi Et Animo was perfectly handled today though, and other horsemen congratulated Shirley on his drive.

"Last year I was taking him to the front because that's what you do with the best horse but he's always been better saved up for one bang at them."

Wayne McCulloch and his pride and joy Vi Et Animo

Shirley is unsure about where the gelding will start next, and doesn't seem overly keen on venturing to Cambridge for the Harness Jewels. But he is thinking about another trip to Christchurch.

As a three year old Vi Et Animo finished a creditable third in the New Zealand Derby.

Ascot Park Hotel Manager Peter Ridsdale with Allison and Wayne McCulloch and the Invercargill Cup.

Supremacy Final for Elmer (Saturday 20th March 2010)

Elmer Fudd enhanced his chances for the Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes final on May 1st when he narrowly won the Kina Craig Mobile Pace at Ascot Park today.

The Life Sign colt has crafted an impressive record this season, recording five wins from eleven starts for owners Bruce Stirling and Jimmy Gin.

Although the result was close at the finish Elmer Fudd's trainer Kirk Larsen says he only does what he has to.

"He's a pretty lazy horse. At one part of it he dropped off by a couple of lengths so that's why he's had the pull down blinds on him for the last few weeks. Even today he tried to knock off at the top of the straight and he knocked off a bit on the line as well. He probably needs to learn to go to the line a bit better."

Despite drawing the front line and beginning well Larsen soon found himself getting back in the running line.

"I only just got settled and they all came around and I got shuffled back to last. I was a bit worried with a round to go but I got dragged into the race nicely in the three wide drag."

Elmer Fudd won his first race in September at Oamaru and Larsen is keen to have him ready for Southland's biggest three year old feature in May.

"He's been up for a while now and I might give him a wee freshener but he won't need a lot. He doesn't take anything out of himself because he's so lazy. We won't give him too long out and will give him one run before the Supremacy final."

Elmer Fudd is named after the fictional character in Looney Tunes who likes to hunt Roger Rabbit.

Elmer Fudd with sponsors and connections - Envious Photography

Day Of Winners (Sunday 21st March 2010)

Not only did local horse Vi Et Animo win the feature race, the $50,000 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup Pace, but several of the crowd were also big winners at the Invercargill Harness Racing Club's Cup Day at Ascot Park Raceway on Saturday.

Dave Wilson of Invercargill selected Vi Et Animo to win the cup and consequently his name was drawn from those who thought likewise to win the major prize in the 100% Selectrix / Invercargill Harness Racing Club Pick The Cup winner competition. Wilson took home a 50" LCD television and a Bluray Player while Carol Christmas took home a 32" television for selecting second placegetter Sleepy Tripp and Jamie Turnhout won a Bluray Player when he was drawn from all those who favoured third placegetter Lord Forbes.

Nicole Booth of Invercargill won the Ladies Section of the More FM Fashion In The Field from Amy Booth and Sally O'Brien of Gore while Allan Dunn of Invercargill won the Men's Section from Paul Hailes and Brett Fahy.

Seersha Cashell was selected as the winner of the Envious Photography Cutest Baby Competition from Rylee Cronin and Oliver Shirley.

Two other patrons won the opportunity to have their photos taken with 2005 Auckland Cup winner Howard Bromac while Nichola Hikawai of Invercargill had her name drawn from all the entries who correctly matched the prominent harness drivers baby photos to their current photos

More FM Fashion in the Field winners

Jumpforjoy A Keeper (Thursday 18th March 2010)

She is definitely not for sale. Thats the clear message from part owner and trainer Clark Barron when the discussion turns to Jumpforjoy.

"There has been interest in her for months but she's not in the market," he said.

The Bettor's Delight two year half sister to Joyfuljoy was very impressive in winning a recent trial at Gore by seven and three quarter lengths.

She qualified at Wyndham in February running a mile in 2-00.3 running her last 800 metres in 57.3.

"The family gets better with time. It's been difficult getting races for her with the two year fillies races not getting off the ground. We'll start in the local Caduceus Club Classic." (10th April at Northern Southland).

The style of Jumpforjoy at Gore - Envious Photography

Em Ef Cee On The Way (Wednesday 17th March 2010)

On the back of two excellent seconds, Em Ef Cee's win at Gore last Sunday was both expected and well deserved. But according to Winton trainer Allan Beck the Courage Under Fire four year old wasn't at his best.

"It's the worst he's felt. He's run some good seconds behind some good horses. This was a lower grade maiden. Maybe he had a headache - just an off day," he said.

Beck trains the Courage Under Fire gelding at Winton for owners Ben and Karen Calder of Ryal Bush.

Em Ef Cee is out of the Holmes Hanover mare Lucy Star which won one race for the Calders at Ashburton when trained by Kevin Townley.

The gelding, which is named after Calder's company the Mountford Fishing Company (MFC), was slow from the mobile and had to avoid two breaking horses with 1200 metres to run. He got a nice tow into the race and made his challenge three wide with 250 metres to run winning by a half a length from Hannah's Last.

"He lost three to four lengths getting around the breaker but it didn't really matter. We'll give him a hit out on Saturday and then look at starting him in a junior drivers race at Winton (Sunday 28th March). He ate up well after Gore, looks bright and seems well," Beck said.

Em Ef Cee - Envious Photography

Cup Day (Wednesday 17th March 2010)

Preparations are well advanced for the Invercargill Harness Racing Club's 2010 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup scheduled for this Saturday 20 March at Ascot Park Raceway in Invercargill.

The day will feature a top line up of harness racing with of course the feature event being the Cup for a stake of $50,000 over a distance of 3200 metres. Also on the programme are heats of the Alabar NZ Southern Supremacy Stakes, the Nevele R Stud Fillies Series, the Southern Belle Speed Series and a $10,000 2-year-old race supported by Cruickshank Pryde.

Cup Day is more than just a race day however, it is an event with entertainment for young and old alike.

Cup Day is the fashion occasion of the year at racing events and the Invercargill Trotting Cup is no exception. The More FM Fashion In The Field will take place on the day while planning is proceeding to host the popular Body Art demonstration alongside the fashion parade again this year.

Also popular last season was the on-course competition held in association with 100% Selectrix. Patrons were invited to fill in a coupon from their race book and drop it in the bucket carrying the number of the horse that they fancied to win the cup. This proved extremely popular and a huge number of entries supported the eventual winner Mr Molly as it crossed the line. Following the presentation to the race winner the buckets carrying all those coupons that selected the first, second and third runner in the cup had a winning coupon drawn from each. The lucky winner from each bucket took home part of the huge prize pool provided by 100% Selectrix and the Invercargill Harness Racing Club. Once again on Saturday 20 March another great array of prizes worth $4500 including first prize of a 50" LCD television and a Blu Ray Player will be up for grabs in the same way.

Two new competitions will also feature this year thanks to Envious Photography who will sponsor two great contests. There is a Cutest Baby Competition which is basically a fashion in the field for children up to 1 year old. Dress your young one in their cutest outfit and enter them in the competition before race 3 and you could win a fantastic portrait package worth $400. The other competition requires patrons to name the baby photos of some well known drivers, the most successful entry winning a $200 portrait voucher from Envious Photography.

Also on course there will be a popular form of entertainment - a saddle pace plus the opportunity to take a once in a lifetime ride in a dual cart.

Add in free childrens entertainment with Wayne McEwan, the Magic Guy, mini jeeps, bouncy castles, free lollies and more for the children and a memorable day is in store for all.

The first of ten races on the day is timed to start at 12.10pm.

John King Of The Castle (Sunday 14th March 2010)

He doesn't train many winners but Gore hobby trainer John Ryan got plenty of satisfaction out of Continentalcastleton's win at Gore today.

"I knew she would step away. She's tough with a great turn of speed. She can easily run a half in under a minute. I wasn't too worried about being parked out today," he said.

It was a confident drive from Ryan who sat his charge in the parked position for the entire journey in windy conditions. The mare was just reined up to win impressively by two lengths.

No time to celebrate though, as it was straight back to work for Ryan, as a track assistant for the club for the remaining nine races.

Continentalcastleton qualified on the course in February and has been well schooled, competing against maiden pacers and trotters at local workouts.

The mare's dam, Gee Castleton was aquired by Ryan by sheer chance.

"Graham Bond stopped here one day to ask for directions and said he had a nicely bred trotting mare which he was taking to Clover Meats. Thats how I got her. She was a three year old. I tried her but I really wanted her as a broodmare."

The mare's first foal Castleton Touch won two races - for Ryan at Forbury in June 2004 (his last training and driving success) and for Tim Butt at Addington in May 2005.

"She wasn't totally sound but Prop (Anderson) said he could get her right. I leased a share to Prop and Tim (Butt) and she was very competitive in Canterbury." (Winning $6,170 in six starts for the Butt stable).

Ryan is now breeding from Castleton Touch with foals by Earl, Monarchy and Thanksgiving.

Another one of Gee Castleton's foals, Earl Castleton was sold to Australia and despite a career hindered by injury, has won five races from just twelve starts.

Trained by Neil Mitten, the Earl gelding has won three of his last four starts all at Globe Derby Park in South Australia.

"I was tempted to keep him. He was a nice horse. I talked to Neil recently and the horse had had a bone chip operation. But he's hopeful he'll come back."

Continentalcastleton's three year old half sister Crafty Castleton by Armbro Invasion is currently in work with Ryan but will take time.

John Ryan was brought up around good horses. His late father Bill trained open class trotter Josephus which ran fifth behind No Response in the 1979 Interdominion Trotting Championship Finals at Addington. He was driven by John.

He also trained pacer Lord Logan which won two races as a three year old - both times driven by John. The Flying Lord gelding went on to win more races as a four year old before being sold.

Ryan works at the Silver Fern Waitane Meat Works just out of Gore and also runs a thirty six acre farmlet which has a 900 metre all weather track on it.

Day Of Records (Monday 1st March 2010)

The Wyndham track once again proved it was one of the quickest around when four track records were broken on Saturday.

McArdle two year old, Le Sol won the time honoured Kindergarten Stakes and in doing so broke a track and Southland record.

His time of 1-54.3 bettered Tributes 1-54.9 recorded in the Kindergarten in 2004.

The time could also be the second fastest for a juvenile in New Zealand harness history with only Smiling Shard pacing a mile faster in 1-53.7.

Trainer Tony Stratford has always rated the juvenile but points out that he hasn't had too much luck in his limited career.

"He was a nice horse from day one. The first day he paced he trailed up like he'd been doing it for six months. In his first start he dragged a flat tyre over the last 500 metres on a 27 quarter. The next start he never got a go after drawing the second line. In the Young Guns series he galloped while at his last start he was pushed around early but still ran second in 1-56. This is the first time he's had a bit of luck," he said.

In a pre-race conversation with driver Dexter Dunn, Stratford was of the opinion that the gelding needed to be driven forward from mobile but the plan didn't work out that way.

"The plan was to go forward early for barrier four. I said to Dexter you only get one crack at it. But there was too much gas early and we had to pull back. There was only one horse behind us at the half but we got a nice drag into it. He still had six lengths to make up. He went huge."

Stratford also made some gear changes before Saturday's feature.

"Dexter was of the opinion that he was a bit tight in his gear so we let his hopples out four holes. We also put ear plugs in and you can see in the video that he was off the bit the whole way."

The McArdle two year old will now head to Forbury Park for the first heat of the Garrards Sires Stakes on Thursday 11th March.

It was Tony Stratford's twenty seventh and biggest win in his twelfth season of training. His previous biggest stake was with Cunning Attack which won a $12,000 maiden graduation final at Ascot Park in February 2008.

Le Sol is owned by Ian and Joyce Wilson of Winton and their children Richard, Joanne and Karen.

Ian Wilson paid $27,000 for him at the 2009 National Yearling Sales.

He purchased nine yearlings that year including colts by Falcon Seelster, Bettor's Delight, Western Terror and P-Forty Seven (2) and two fillies by Bettor's Delight.

In the 3200 metre Wyndham Cup Lord Forbe's time of 3-58.6 smashed the track record of 4-03.2 held since 1996 by Tact Halsey. It also betters the freakish 4-00.1 Southland record posted by The Tough Nut in the 2000 Invercargill Cup.

Lord Forbes driven by Mathew Williamson improved in the three wide train with 1600 metres to run before being left parked.

"They went hard early and didn't let up. He was off the bit until the 800 metres. From there he got travelling at the right time. The backmarkers didn't have much chance. He loves it when they go hard," said Williamson.

It was the junior reinsman's first win on the horse. Brother Nathan has scored three wins on the Live Or Die entire.

"He also went awesome at Cup time when he ran second to Highview Tommy in the New Zealand record (3-08.5 for 2600 metre mobile)."

Lord Forbes winning the Wyndham Cup - Envious Photography

Kotare Mach also broke the track record for three year olds running the mile in 1-55.3 erasing The Oyster Man's 1-56.0. The new track record is also a new Southland record surpassing Franco Enforce's 1996 Ascot Park mile time of 1-55.7.

Squaregaiter Prince Harry's 4-06.4 for the main trot of the day was also a new track and Southland mark. The old record of 4-07.1 was set last season by Springbank Richard.

Runner up Just A Cracker's run was also full of merit. He ran his 3200 metres from the 40 metre mark in 4-05.8. This time was only .3 second outside the New Zealand record of 4-05.5 held by Take A Moment.

Wednesday 31st March 2010 - Central Southland Raceway - Winton

2 yr old Mobile Pace 1609 metres (required time 2-05.1)

Qualifier:
Vinni Gambino – Peter Hunter (2 yr old gelding Dream Away – Fake Cash) 1-59.7
Pedigree notes: Out of a half sister to Boogie Night (5 wins).

Trial notes:

Whata Su Prize lead from Xtreme Luck, Vinni Gambino, Waterhouse and Franco Seville. Xtreme Luck was out challenging at the 400 metres and won by one and three quarter lengths from Vinni Gambino and Whata Su Prize. Xtreme Luck looked stronger this time in and would improve with the run while Vinni Gambino looked a talented type.

Qualifying Mobile Pace 2400 metres (required time 3-11.0)

Qualifiers:
Hokonui Ben – Peter Drummond (3 yr old gelding Washington VC – Jane Halsey) 3-06.1

Pedigree notes: Out of a half sister to Cadillac Jane (3 wins).
Generosity – Hamish Hunter (3 yr old filly Red River Hanover – Harp) 3-06.2
Pedigree notes: Out of two win Vance Hanover mare Harp. Half sister to Shamrocks (5 wins).
My Alibi - Ron Giles (4yr old mare Island Fantasy - Sharvid's Dream) 3-08.3

Pedigree notes: Out of a half sister to Pacific Soul (1 win).

Trial notes:

Hokonui Ben was taken straight to the front by Allan Beck and didn't put a foot wrong. Generosity was three back then sat parked for the last 600 metres. Looks to have ability.

Qualifying Trot 2400 metres (required time 3-21.0)

Qualifiers:

Cool Shadow - Colin McLean (3 yr old filly Sundon - Dal's Shadow) 3-16.3

Pedigree notes: A full sister to Shadon (3 NZ wins and 5 Australian wins).

Easton Quickfeet - Brian Norman (3 yr old filly Washington VC - Quick Chick) 3-16.4

Pedigree notes: Second foal out of a Son Of Afella mare.

Trial notes:

Cool Shadow trotted wide early but made the front easily from Easton Quickfeet and Jenny's Gem. The first two trotted home together with Cool Shadow winning narrowly but well. Easton Quickfeet ran home nicely up the inside. A trotter with a nice style and a future.

Qualifying Pace 2400 (required time 3-14.0)

Qualifiers

Inessa - Bruce Wallace (3 yr old filly Live Or Die - Necessary Choice) 3-07.0

Pedigree notes: Full sister to Tipple (3 wins).

Cicero - Ron and Julie McEwan (4 yr old gelding Julius Caesar - Dutyfree Atom) 3-08.8

Pedigree notes: Out of a half sister to Clint Holmes (4 wins).

Armbro Dela - Tony Barron (4 yr old mare Armbro Operative - Delivion) 3-10.5

Pedigree notes: Half sister to Deladream (2 wins) and Delemaid (2 wins).

Trial notes:

Inessa lead from Cicero and Armbro Dela. Inessa won easily by nine lengths and looks to have a fair amount of ability.

2400 metre Trot (Up to 3 wins)

Trial notes:

The well bred Aleana lead all the way to narrowly beat a fast finishing Watch Rose Trot. Watch Rose Trot looks in great nick.

2400 metre Pace (Up to 3 Wins)

Trial notes:

Tawnie Jaccka lead this heat from Dame Legacy, Akaroa Charlie and Five Star Blue Jean. Dame Legacy won easily from Akaroa Charlie. Considering the class rating between the first two runners home Akaroa Charlie should win a maiden race quickly.

2400 metre Mobile Pace (non winners)

Trial notes:

Carnaby Bromac lead and won easily from talented Twelve Gauge which ran home well from the back. Both look in good shape for winter racing. Twelve Gauge will be a nice horse to follow in the coming season.

2400 metre Mobile Pace (1 to 2 wins)

Trial notes:

The Showman despite being on the fresh side was too classy for this field. Peg Jaccka also looked well finishing second from Danica Patrick. Danica Patrick looks ready to strike.

2400 metre Mobile Pace (non winners)

Trial Notes:

Natural Flame looked good in beating three others. He could be the next Hamish Hunter winner.

Hokonui Ben

Easton Quickfeet

Inessa

Watch Rose Trot

Danica Patrick