Politics

A couple of key people with a strong relationship with Bayer started the race.  I think it was eld at Levin for 9 years. The reason the Bayer succeeded was simply money.  The Grp1 NZ 2000 Guineas in 1981 was worth $40,000.  The Bayer was worth $90,000  thanks to the very large sponsorship of Bayer.   Altitude won both races which at that time were only 11 days apart.  Noble Heights won the 1000 Guineas but it was near impossible for the fillies to back up within 4 days for the Bayer which would have involved a boat trip. The moved the Bayer out a week the next year 1982 and the filly Our Flight which was second in the 2000 Guineas and won the 1000 Guineass backed up in 11 days to win the Bayer. The great Kingdom Bay won the 1984 2000 Guineas but could only manage a third two weeks later in the Bayer.  Princess Dram won the Bayer that year ridden by Maree Lyndon.  The Bayer had been elevated to Grp 2 status.  The Bayer was worth $110,500 and the Guineas $70,000. As time progressed there was pressure to move the Bayer out further from the Guineas races as it was considered too hard to race the top 3 yr olds over 1600m three times in 3 weeks. Arguably the Bayer existed and thrived because of Bayer's sponsorship which made the race worth at least a third more than the Guineas, was on the way home for the Guineas horses from the North Island (float and boat trip) and when it acquired Group status it became more attractive.  Bayer also pumped a considerable amount of money into promoting the race and on racecourse hospitality. When Bayer pulled the pin a significant amount of sponsorship went with it - something NZTR nor the Otaki Maori/Levin Racing Clubs could ever match.  The Bayer initially was one of those few races that were televised on national TV and so was very favourable for sponsors.

HRNZ putting large amounts of Industry money into a seven horse Trot Slot race, that will undoubtedly be a wagering disaster, is a disgrace. Just another example of recklessness with Entain money.

Just a Touch will be heavily favored to win a depleted renewal of the Santa Anita Handicap (G1), but should Vodka Vodka prevail in the March 7 race, that story would make a poignant addition to the historic race's lore.View the full article

The popular "Ship and Win" program, now in its 16th consecutive year, has attracted more than 3,000 horses to Del Mar, helping the track continue its reputation as one of the nation's foremost "full field size" locations.View the full article

By Mike Love  The Matt Purvis stable looks to be one to watch at Westport today, with a number of very live chances.   Two of his runners go around in Race 1, the Stu Bailey Memorial (Sponsored By Mark Jones) HCP Trot over 2600m. Drawn one is Learning To Fly, to be driven by Robbie Close. Having only her third career start today, she is backing up from her strong fresh up run for second at Addington back on February 19. Purvis is confident of the filly’s ability, but wary of her potential immaturity in the ringcraft department.  “At the trials she was stepping away better, and it’s her first go on the grass, but it’s harder under race day conditions. If she steps away she’s a good top four chance,” said Purvis.  Newcomer to the stable Didn’t Di, driven by owner/driver Tayla Duley, has been with Purvis since the New Year after beginning her career initially with Phil Williamson in Oamaru before a stint further south with Earl Swain.  Purvis is happy with the progression of the five-year-old Majestic Son gelding, having trialled twice, winning his most recent at Rangiora on February 24. “He’s had a couple of trials, and won his most recent one nicely. He has run a placing on the grass which helps him out a touch. He should have a pretty decent chance if he steps away with them.”  Race 2, the Quay Marine – Many Thanks Lorraine Scanlon Pace over 2000m (3.02PM) will see the well-supported Ultimatum, driven by John Dunn, seek his maiden victory at start 24. “He’s not going to get a better chance to break maidens. With any sort of luck he’d be one of my stronger chances for the trip. “He likes a stand, and has a good draw so hopefully we are in the top two coming around the last bend.”  Purvis rates hot favourite Prosperity as his best of the day in Race 6, the Sam Kydd Memorial Jennian Homes (Team Teal) Mobile Pace over 2600m (4.49pm). Prosperity relished his return to beach training after an eye-catching run first up for Purvis at Rangiora last weekend. Kerryn Tomlinson takes the drive. “He was a certainty beat first up. He’s come through that run good and he’s travelled over nicely. He’s my best chance.  “He’s quick with one run at them but can still get a bit keen. So I’ll leave it up to Kerryn how they see it.” Purvis’ final chance will come in Race 8, the $20,000 Buller Chartered Accountants Kawatiri Cup over 2600m (6.04pm). Flying Bird,  driven by Gavin Smith, will be looking to take advantage of her front line draw with her usual fast beginning.  “Her stand start manners are key. She likes to lead and bowl along a bit. She should have a solid top four chance.”  Flying Bird performed well on the Coast circuit over the recent Xmas/New Year period, winning at the Westport Boxing Day meeting while running second in the Reefton Cup on December 30. View the full article