Classifieds

Then those Club members have no interest in the sustainability of the industry nor for that matter being committed to the constitutional reason for their existence - to further the interests of the sport of racing.  Why couldn't Westland have given the capital released by selling DIRECTLY to the real estate developer to Kumara rather than giving it to the local Council? My father donated thousands of dollars to the Westland Racing Club either in money or services from his business.  I helped paint running rails and seats.  He was a realist as a business man and also didn't suffer from the parochialism that holds Clubs back.  He was born and bred in Greymouth - his wife was from Westport.  He ran the icecream stall at Kumara selling Snowflake tubs out of large canvas bags.  He raced horses all over the South Island.  He would have seen the writing on the wall for at least one (if not two) of the West Coast Clubs.  At the end of the day he would have rather have seen the money invested in racing on the West Coast.

Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) winner Plutarch is off the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail, per Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, Churchill Downs publicity announced Feb. 25. View the full article

There are clubs where members would sooner give their asset back to the community than to NZTR.

What is the myth?

By Jonny Turner  Macca Lodge could get rewarded for their great support of southern harness racing at Winton on Thursday. The Northern Southland stud and stables will start four horses at Central Southland Raceway three days before they again sponsor the Group 3 Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup. Co-proprietor Brent McIntyre is rapt with the depth of the Northern Southland Cup field and just about as pleased with his four-strong Winton squad. McIntyre and his stable head Carl Hanna will combine with maiden trotter Raffie Jay in Thursday’s opener. The three-year-old was excellent on her debut, running on into third at Cromwell last week. “She is pretty foolproof – though I probably shouldn’t say that, I will put the mockers on her.” “But so far she’s shown great manners, which is half the battle with a young trotter.” “We are still educating her, she still has a bit to learn but you have got to line up and get a bit of experience.” “She’s well and working good, fingers crossed she can go another good race.” Macca Lodge has a two-pronged attack on Thursday’s second event with Putere Boy and Ramblin Rover. Putere Boy has a tough task ahead from the unruly over a mile. But the pacer has shown ability and has won in better fields than he faces at Winton. “He is getting close to form, we have had a few issues with him but hopefully we have put all of them behind us now.” “He has been really good in the last two runs and he is fitter for them.” “He will probably need a bit of luck from the unruly but he should go a good race.” Ramblin Rover has been a consistent performer for the McIntyre barn and he’s expected to produce an honest effort. “He has got to have the right run, but he is consistent.” “He is not one you can do work with and you can’t take off too soon with him.” “But he has been going nice races and from the draw (4) hopefully he can go another one.” The Macca Lodge team also lines up Wallflower in Thursday’s Southern Belle Speed Series heat. The mare brings handy overall form, but has to deal with barrier 7 in the mile sprint. “She has got the ability to get a bit of money.” “It is a handy field so she will probably have to take the shortcuts and get a bit of luck.” Wallflower has accepted to back up at Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup Day on Sunday. View the full article