Walt

Nailed it Galah, I grew up in Nelson where they raced twice a year on the grass. Summer meeting in January and Winter meeting in July. Always big fields and always well attended even if it was knee deep in mud. Now we have an all weather track. Good attendance for both days of the January meeting.....but no Winter meeting so 12 months between races. The sport is dying. If there is no present, how can there be any future?

I grew up on Grass Track harness. As a boy, there was always a two mile country cup as the first leg of the double on a Saturday afternoon that I looked forward to all week. Big fields, heaps of locals loving the game and connecting with other like minded people. Then someone else decided they knew better. At times it feels like harness racing has lost it's soul. Not sure there is much in the game for younger people to get excited about.

https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2023/07/28/the-demonstration-effect/?fbclid=IwAR0zQksfuksdFh6le8NPetISXrj-Bm4XHpkcvL_tNwDCT6Kwn6ufi7MjWKU Thoughts? I'm in the category of live and let live but I've found the transgender debate a massive step in the wrong direction simply because debate is effectively banned. Anyone that doesn't unconditionally support the trans movement is deemed "transphobic". I've seen rational adults question aspects of trans gender and being routinely abused, misrepresented and shut down. I see hate speech legislation as a tool for the left to further control the narrative in this area and other contentious areas. I recall watching TVNZ "news" the night before Posie Parker was due to speak in Auckland. I was shocked. What I witnessed was a one sided echo chamber of angry trans people talking about Parker / hate / Nazi's and how they must fight to protect themselves and other trans people. It was a stirring up and call to all trans people that sounded exactly like inciting violence under the guise of protecting trans people. It was clearly "hate speech" to my eye but we know that train only goes in one direction. There was zero surprise to then see Parker being attacked by a mental health sufferer very proud of his actions. Innocent elderly onlookers were also assaulted. Is anybody surprised Labour have put hate speech on the back burner until after the election? They will be in opposition then.

I don't want to be mean spirited about this but the Whale turns me off. Every time I look at Harness Racing regardless of where the meeting is, I'm forced to endure the Whale. He may well be a decent man with excellent knowledge of harness racing but from my perspective he's far king boring and adds nothing to my enjoyment of the game. I've never once allowed his input to influence my wager. When he talks the mute comes on. If we want to introduce or keep younger people in the game, we need more vibrant, stimulating younger people in these roles, preferably, one based in Auckland and one in Canterbury. Craig Thompson is best suited in my opinion to a 0900 number where you only cop his input when you've sought it. I really look forward to NZ Cup day but when he is front and centre of the presentation, I cringe. The only influence he has on me is negative. I have no knowledge if his tipping is good or not bad and don't really care.

Many lost faith in Winston toward the end of the first Labour's first term. As he got more frustrated and snarly with Labour the support of NZF dropped away. At times he doesn't respond well when being attacked and or misrepresented. When he loses that smile or smirk, you know he's losing the battle. I believe his support this time around comes from numerous areas. The anti vaccine mandate support is clearly present along with a lot of kiwi's that strongly resent racist policies that send gifts to one section of society while dumping guilt on others who have no voice. If people express frustration about this they are quickly labeled racist. This should never be the way forward for any group to evolve. Many believe "Hate Speech" legislation is little more than a weapon for vested interest to gain complete control of the narrative. I deplore racists and feel anyone that dislikes someone based on their skin colour or religious beliefs are just ignorant. Having said that, shutting down robust discussion because you disagree with someone is an appalling dynamic, especially in a democratic country. We need a balance there. I feel NZF recognize that. The transgender situation is diabolical. I couldn't care less what you want to identify as. That movement want to force everyone to just accept their "normal" as your normal. You must use the new pronouns they demand. If you dare to have a different take on reality you are attacked, abused, misrepresented, described as transphobic dinosaurs, shut down and canceled. The trans movement can say anything they like and demand it. Others are prohibited from that freedom of speech. We have to be a certain age to vote, drive, buy alcohol or go to war. Why? Because people far smarter than I are adamant the human brain requires x numbers of years to develop enough to make such important decisions. That has all been thrown out the window now so we have the obscene and outrageous situation of young children choosing their gender and educational institutions indoctrinating young people into the trans movement. It's well past time open and robust discussions are the status quo. We are light years away from that at this time. It needs to be safe for everyone to participate in the discussion. NZF are gaining support in this area. Crime and gangs are out of control and the situation is only getting worse. NZF is getting traction in this fight. I noted the experts on Newshub Nation stated Winston Peters will struggle to make a comeback, how there's no room for NZF and Winston Peters is stuck between the 20th and 21st century. Thankfully, they don't get to decide who people vote for and why. Watch them squirm in their seats when they see NZF break through the 5% mark in the next poll and they are only just getting warmed up. Winston Peters and NZF will be king maker all over again.

There is something big happening in NZ Politics at the moment that is hidden in clear view. Our media is happy to ignore and or minimize it's significance. That something is New Zealand First. Nobody in NZ Politics can time their run better than Winston Peters. NZF is his his baby and his legacy. 2023 is his last opportunity to resuscitate it. He has trainloads of ammunition and a growing army of supporters. They are the disillusioned voters who've been mocked, ignored and even disrespected. They have been crying out for a voice. Peters will be that voice. Very few are questioning if the Chocolate Teapot Party also known as the Greens will get back in. 100 people attended their campaign launch on Sunday. NZF also had their campaign launch on Sunday. 500+ attended that launch. The media are questioning if NZF will break through the 5%. Only then will they wake up. I think a more appropriate question would be if they will get a higher percentage of the vote than the Greens. I say absolutely yes. Closer to 10% than 5% that's for sure. Luxon will be the new Prime Minister come October 14. The new Government will be a coalition of National, New Zealand First and ACT. This result was inevitable even before Kiri Allan fell off the deep end. A coalition of just National and ACT will alarm some. NZF gives it a much better balance in my opinion. Winston Peters will be back being the Minister of Racing.

Loved seeing that replay. Cheers Rangatira. A few of my old favs in there including Cup winner Trusty Scot. My feeling is very few horses outside of Locarno or Lord Module could have caught Scotch Tar that day. Also great to hear Lochie Marshall again. Always a colourful caller.

Great photo Gammalite. Great to see the wonderful Framalda again and the superb Wolfie. Pity we have no videos available.

I can't find anything to suggest Scotch Tar ever beat the pacers but did perform with credit.

Hey Gammalite. I didn't realize Petite Evander had taken on and beaten the pacers. Scotch Tar taking on Hands Down and Armalight in the 1980 FFA was a big deal at the time so I'm scratching my head not remembering Petite Evander beating the pacers and in record time. Claudelands was also not a track where many horses won off long marks. Nigel Craig would often win but when he got beat, he'd usually run second. My memories of Easton Light were for his staying ability, winning off long marks and still winning against good company years after most of his rivals were gifted a lush back paddock. Petite Evander on the other hand was the Delightful Lady of the squaregaiters and her offspring were also top drawer, especially of course, Pride of Peitite winner of 35. Doing some homework I see her best progeny was Petite Sunset who won 7 and produced Petite One who also won 7 for the Hopes. Framalda was a beauty. Very classy mare. I always look among the progeny for a connection still going around today. She produced Stargo Whiz. Among her offspring was Chief of Staff who won 9 and last raced in January at Nelson.

Can you remember any / many? I recall seeing top trotter Nigel Craig racing against the pacers in feature mile race in the mid 70's. Race was won by Nimble Yankee for Felix Newfield. Nigel Craig was unplaced. Scotch Tar ran in the 1980 Ashburton Flying Stakes won by Wee Win, the 1980 Show Day FFA won by Hands Down and also the 1982 NZ Cup won by Bonnies Chance. Unplaced in all three. Over the ditch the mighty Maori's Idol took on the likes of Paleface Adios and Koala King in the late 1970's and thrashed them. Any NZ trotters beaten the pacers?

I think lifestyle choice may come in to it also. I moved to Auckland in the early 1980's and enjoyed almost everything about the place. That enjoyment lessened each year for the last 20 years. We've had numerous family and friends from Auckland come and visit since we've moved South and all can't leave Auckland fast enough.

absolutely right. Me was looking at the wrong gait

Laredo

Lived in Auckland for a four decades before returning to my hometown of Nelson. Very rarely missed a meeting at the park. The colours are familiar yet I can't put a far king name to it..grrrrr I thought Special Force but with little confidence. Then thought Mairo Sultan but Maurie Mac drove him and that's not MM in the bike. Next I thought Admiral Soanai but again with little confidence. I surrender before my brain explodes

That would be the might mare Tussle me thinks Gammalite. Horse on her outside looks to be driven by Dick Prendergast so with those colours I'd say Simon Katz is the runner up?

Great stuff Gammalite! DG's book is a great read. I'm glad you have a copy. Any harness racing enthusiast would enjoy it. The Jones family is harness racing royalty in NZ and for good reason. DG could put people talking nonsense in their place quickly but he was also a very kind and generous man. As you rightly point out, he was also a humble man. His attributes are on show with his wonderful family and extended family. He had much to be proud of. The Easter Cup being scrapped is not only a sad loss, it's also puzzling that such a time honoured event could not be saved. If you look through the list of winners, you can see just how important a race it was, especially in terms of winners that went on to perform with distinction in NZ's greatest harness race the NZ Cup. Easter Cup (Group 1) Generated at 26 May, 2023 at 14:13 1943 - 1951 Easter Handicap, except 1947 - 1948 known as Easter Stakes FFA Year Month Distance Horse Hcap Owner Driver Time Back to Index 2021 Apr 3200m Self Assured 20m Mrs J L Feiss Mark Purdon 4-00.3 2019 Apr 3200m Turn It Up 10m J A Gibbs MNZM, L Pilcher, Mark Purdon, Mrs A Gibbs Mark Purdon 3-58.3 2018 Mar 3200m A G's White Socks Fr G P Hope, P G Laboyrie, P I Baken, Mrs V M Robertson, W R Stewart, Mrs C L Stewart, A R Pullar, Mrs B E Pullar Ricky May 4-02.1 2017 Apr 3200m Heaven Rocks Fr Mrs G J Kennard, P I Kennard, P J Creighton, Mrs M C Creighton, G R Douglas, K J Riseley Natalie Rasmussen 3-58.7 2016 Mar 3200m Locharburn Fr K K Chapman, Mrs B G Chapman Dexter Dunn 3-58.9 2015 Apr 3200m Christen Me 20m C J Roberts, V L Purdon Dexter Dunn 3-57.2 2014 Apr 3200m Adore Me 10m C J Roberts, P G Kenny, Mrs M L Kenny Blair Orange 3-59.9 2013 Mar 3200m Terror To Love 10m T McDonald Ricky May 4-02.2 2012 Apr 3200m Hands Christian Fr D M Dunford, M D Dunford Mark Purdon 4-04.0 2010 Apr 3200m Sleepy Tripp Fr T D Taylor, Mrs A V Taylor Mark Purdon 4-03.0 2009 Apr 3200m Monkey King 20m Cavalla Bloodstock Limited Ricky May 3-58.2 2008 Mar 3200m Monkey King 10m Cavalla Bloodstock Limited Ricky May 4-01.8 2007 Apr 3200m Tuherbs Fr T McDonald, E C Griffin Anthony Butt 4-03.9 2006 Apr 3200m Baileys Dream Fr Cavalla Bloodstock Limited Ricky May 4-03.6 2005 Apr 3200m Alta Serena Fr J P Green, Mrs P C Green, Mrs M E Green Brent Mangos 4-01.4 2004 Apr 3200m Blue Chip Rock Fr W G Hill Ricky May 4-07.0 2002 Mar 3200m Gracious Knight Fr Happy Valley Syndicate Todd Mitchell 4-06.9 2001 Apr 3200m Disprove Fr L M Newman, A R Jack David Butcher 4-10.7 2000 Apr 3200m Facta Non Verba Fr L J Berger, G J Rowe, J G Poppleton Todd Mitchell 4-08.2 1999 Apr 3200m Homin Hosed Fr Mrs M A Macey, B L Macey Todd Mitchell 4-05.8 1998 Apr 3200m Anvil Vance 20m Mrs K J Purdon, K J Riseley, G H Beirne Tony Herlihy 4-04.0 1997 Mar 3200m Bradshaw Fr S C Fisher, B E Rossiter Ken Barron 4-01.9 1996 Apr 3200m Master Musician 25m R J Dunn, Mrs R M Dunn Robert Dunn 4-01.2 1995 Apr 3200m Matthew Lee 20m R P Anicich Patrick O'Reilly 4-01.5 1994 Apr 3200m Desperate Comment Fr G E Pilkington, A R Campbell, J H Mullins Jim Curtin 4-05.3 1993 Apr 3200m Chokin 15m Pacers Australia Syndications Pty Ltd, M Joyce, J Loughnan, B De Boer Tony Herlihy 4-03.0 1992 Apr 3200m Insutcha 10m Parnell Syndicate Mark Purdon 4-02.4 1991 Mar 3200m Blossom Lady 15m Polly Syndicate Anthony Butt 4-03.3 1990 Apr 3200m Inky Lord 10m G M Saunders Ricky May 4-04.9 1989 Mar 3200m Microscopic Fr G R Bond, Ms R J McLeish John Hay 4-10.1 1988 Apr 3200m Luxury Liner 15m R R Reid, Est L F Reid, Mrs J C Reid Tony Herlihy 4-09.6 1987 Apr 3200m Skipper Dale 10m J A Howard Patrick O'Reilly 4-05.1 1986 Mar 3200m Skipper Dale Fr J A Howard Patrick O'Reilly 4-10.9 1985 Apr 3200m Our Mana 10m Mrs J A Barron Colin DeFilippi 4-13.2 1984 Apr 3200m Norton Fr M W Anderson, L W Anderson Kerry O'Reilly 4-10.4 1983 Apr 3200m Hands Down 25m W H McAughtrie, Mrs M F McAughtrie Peter Jones 4-09.3 1982 Apr 3200m Hands Down 25m W H & Mrs M F McAughtrie Peter Jones 4-14.1 1981 Apr 3200m Hands Down 10m W H & Mrs M F McAughtrie Peter Jones 4-11.2 1980 Apr 3200m Trevira Fr Mrs M V Hamilton & Mrs J R Marshall Gavan Hamilton 4-06.9 1979 Apr 3200m Wee Win 10m Mrs J M & M L Thompson Wes Butt 4-09.3 1978 Mar 3200m Sapling 10m G C Cruickshank & R Given Henry Skinner 4-11.8

There is no way I could justify on ability putting most of the horses I mentioned on top of Gammalite, Delightful Lady and Young Quinn. There is an emotional aspect to at least some of my logic. I knew Cecil Devine and his family. I visited his Templeton property every time I was in Christchurch. Lord Module despite being a horse that would bite your hand off was a big fav but knew how frustrated Ces was with his manners on track. I was there when he won his NZ Cup in 1979. It may not go down as an especially strong Cup field but it still makes my hair stand on end when I remember the way he ran his last furlong. I was also there when he won the Matson FFA in 1981 beating Gammalite, Armalight and Hands Down. That race still remains the best and most emotional race I've ever seen 42 years later. It was heart in your mouth prior to the start as usual so when he got away with them it was game on. His finish was scintillating. I doubt there was a horse on the planet that could have beaten him that night. I was there when Armalight won her Cup. We all knew she was very good but I'd never seen a horse do what she did in the same year Lord Module won the Alan Matson. Armalight was sitting parked outside Watbro for pretty much the entire two miles. I assumed she'd put out the white flag in the last half but instead she surged to the top under a grip and then left them standing. She went on to win by a big margin. Hands Down (old Bill) was also a big fav. He won three consecutive Easter Cups but his win in the 1980 NZ Cup was epic. He was going up against the mighty Delightful Lady. Hands Down was set to be driven by a young Peter Jones but ran a very ordinary race in the cup trial. DG especially was perplexed. On Cup Day morning he walked the property with his head down deep in thought. When he went back inside he hit his hand on the table and declared old Bill would win the cup later that day. When Peter made his run it looked like he may have gone early especially with Delightful Lady lurking. When they turned for home it looked like the lady may have more left but Hands Down was a warrior and just kept giving. It was a fantastic and very memorable victory. DG was a legend and a truly wonderful man. That victory epitomized his ethos of winning without boasting.

What a magnificent list that is Gammalite. Hard to single any horses out as each of them represents top drawer. If my hand was forced I'd probably go Lord Module then Armalight, but soft spots for Hands Down, Our Mana and Robalan.

and of course you could do a hell of a lot more with $4700 in 1983 than you can now.

Love hearing these stories Chief. Joe and Brian stood head and shoulders over top of the South trainers back in the day. Noel Berkett a distant second. I remember Nostradamus well. Peter Jones had him for a while. I always respected the stock of Boyden Hanover. We remember the connection between Peter Jones and another ex George Shand horse Borana. Most rivals didn't bother having a dig for the top when George was there. He had the talented but erratic Mighty Gay. Try naming a horse that these days

Nelson Trotting Club Saturday, 29 January 1983 Last updated 02/07/2023 at 13:51 pm Race 8 - Cable Price Toyota Three-Year-Old Classic, $4700, 3YO PACE, 2200m Weather: Fine Track: Fast (Richmond Park (Grass) - Grass) SHOW STIPES Participants for Race 8: Cable Price Toyota Three-Year-Old Classic Place Book Horse Barrier Hcap Stakes Fav Time Margin Driver Trainer 1 1 Lyndon Robert fr 3,055.00 2/1 2-53.6 R J Dunn Robert Dunn 2 2 Dunhill fr 940.00 1/2 B J Hill Brian Hill 3 3 Saboli fr 470.00 4/4 M R DeFilippi Jack Roulston 4 4 Bogart's Song fr 235.00 10/10 Murray Hamilton 5 5 Lord Kevello fr 0.00 5/6 Peter Hope 6 6 Lauder Bogart fr 0.00 8/9 Douglas Hamilton 7 7 Taumutu Lad(1979) fr 0.00 7/8 Frank Bennett 8 8 Crafty Admiral fr 0.00 6/5 Brian Hill 9 9 Hapuka Smith fr 0.00 3/3 Ray Morris 10 10 Valentino(1979) fr 0.00 9/7 George Noble Total Stakes: $4,700.00 Scratchings Place Book Horse Barrier SCR 11 Magpie Dividends $2.75. $1.15. $1.40. $2.40. Quinella $2.55. Margins 1/2 length, 1/2 length, 1/2 length Times Mile Rate: 2-06.9

I remember both of them but even more so with Dunhill. Did he have his debut run at Nelson?

Must have just been having a good day when I backed him Newmarket. I always thought he was a decent enough driver but perhaps my memory was bias via my pocket on his good days.

Always remember Ted Lowe and Paul Young on their trips to Nelson. I would always include Staveley in the two mile race of the day on the grass. By Scottish Hanover who produced many top horses including Final Curtain and Roydon Scott etc. Wing Commander was a decent animal. If memory serves he had his first run and win at Nelson. Single Lord was probably the best horse to come out of Nelson. Made it to Cup class in the mid 70's and was then exported. McShane as you say Chief was also out of Single Girl. Probably the best trotter I'm aware of to come out of Nelson. Named after McShane Road not far from the Richmond Racecourse, McShane won a heat of the Inter Doms and was also exported. What was one of your dads horses Chief? Growing up in Nelson I was familiar with most local horses, especially ones that saluted on the grass at Richmond.