Gammalite

NSW the greys were gunna be banned 2016 (ethical reasons) ,but got reinstated after 3 months out, by the State government as public outcry from the thousands employed in the industry was too great. Far Out-weighed the activists arguement of cruelty. 124 recommendations from an inquiry were recommended (to clean up the industry) of which 122 were implemented , and now they are thriving and they run a Million dollar race each year now !!! amazing turn-around. Hoping NZ can get that NSW model of recommendation and prosper too. fingers crossed.

13 Group 1 wins and record stakemoney at the time of retirement, but second fiddle was his fate mostly. Was just reading a NZ Herald article about him , so thought would share it with BOAY . (thank you NZ Herald) A tribute to all the people who try hard in life, and love harness racing too. p.s Holmes D G did beat Christian Cullen into 3rd in the Great Northern Derby too in his year. A great feat !! Because he is the horse who anybody who has lost more battles than they have won can love. And that is most of us.Holmes D G is one of us, an equine version of the majority of people who go to work, do their job and occasionally have their moment in the spotlight.But more often than not Holmes D G - like most of us - lost.Actually he was pretty good at it. He lost on tracks from Ashburton to Perth and plenty of places in between.Yet when his owners close his bank account after the City Of Auckland Free-For-All this Friday he will have won more stakemoney - $1.94 million - than any other pacer in New Zealand history.He will also have won 13 group one races, another record, among his 32 victories.He will also have been beaten 65 times.He has taken on the best almost since the start of his career and will finish by taking on the best on Friday night. That is when he will lose for the 65th time.But that is Holmes D G. He is a real racehorse. He goes to work, he races, often wins but even more often loses.And then he does it all again next time there is a decent dogfight on.When great horses retire they are often referred to as "People's Champions".But usually they are not.Christian Cullen, Courage Under Fire, Lohnro, Sunline, Lyell Creek are champions. But they aren't really the people's horses because they have nothing in common with most of us.They are superior. Supreme athletes gifted by the racing gods. They are the equine equivalent of olympic sprinters or All Black greats.They are not like us.Okay, Holmes D G is also a great horse, but to him winning rarely comes easy.He is a beautiful pacer with great speed, a master trainer and plenty of natural gifts.He can also be a standing start rogue, a bad traveller, he was never as good when he had to work and sit parked and often cocked his head to the side when sprinting at full pace. He won only once in plenty of starts over 3200m.Like normal people, he had problems. But he overcame them.He wasn't beautiful to look at like Christian Cullen or endearing like Courage Under Fire.He didn't have a fancy name or a fan club.He was kind of plain and had his knockers.He wasn't the best two-year-old of his year, and even though he was the best 3-year-old everybody still talked about Christian Cullen.At four he lived in Cullen's shadow again and later in his career he has had to fight for the headlines with Yulestar, Homin Hosed, Shakamaker, Young Rufus and now Elsu.But somehow through a mixture of heart, genetics, superb training and good luck he has come out on top.Mostly it was heart.As a three-year-old Holmes D G tore a huge hole in his leg a week before the Great Northern Derby and vets said he would not make the race.Of course he won it, beating Christian Cullen and never took a lame step from the time the leg was stitched close.In human terms, he got off his arse, didn't sulk and went to work.Then as a six-year-old he had a dreadful New Zealand Cup carnival and an interrupted trip home that left him so exhausted he lay down and slept as soon as he touched the grass of trainer Barry Purdon's paddocks.Hours later he was on a plane to Sydney where he was given little chance of winning the Miracle Mile.Three days later he won by a nose. He refused to be tired until his work was done.Probably sounds like somebody you know. Maybe you.There are plenty of ways of keeping score in racing but only one really matters: Who wins the most money.And Homer has won the most.It is perhaps a shame his old legs are too weary to carry him to one last moment of glory on Friday night, where the winning stake would make him our first $2 million pacer.But in a way it is fitting. Because like most people Holmes D G will finish his career maybe short of his ultimate dream.He will not have climbed all the way to the top of the mountain but far enough to be proud of what he has achieved. And that is why he is a true People's Champion.

Why? is it the stake money that hasn't gone up as Brodie worked out, so costs too high for participants? or too many horsepeople leaving the game? or no betting as people get disgruntled with TAB, fixed races or both? seems good crowds at all those weekend day meetings. they thought harness might collapse early 80's when LOTTO started up, and then we lost all the 'Old Ladies' to the Pokies with their pension money, $'s never to go on a horse again. (only Melbourne Cup Day here lol..........) can they get Pokies on the racecourses? lol... entertainment for all !!!!! (would be 7 years at least since I last played a pokie , but if you go to RSL and footy clubs still a lot of folk spending their dollars in them) chance of the 'quick' win , whereas horses, are just TOO SLOW for most lol....... Like to lose their money quicker !!!lol

very nice, but Miss Clevedon was more of an 'AGE ' group performer in that era like TIMES UP or YVETTE BROMAC . Not really an OPEN CLASS force , like Bonnie's Chance and Armalight winning NZ Cups by 7 lengths each. Idolmite was 2nd in the Auckland Cup to Delightful Lady, which was a fair effort. Bonnie's Chance ran 2nd to Gammalite in the Auckland Cup too year after. SPECIAL PRIDE was the dominant trotter then (early 80's mare) and left about 9-10 winners , including SPECIAL FORCE who won the 1999 Interdominion Trot. but good 'Game Pride' blood-lines for Special Pride so it was easier to breed a winner.

And HILARIOUS GUEST , (who won both Derbies early 80's) had 14 named foals , only 3 won a race. One of those 3, named 'Goodtime Guest' ,actually won 8 races. but you would still think 1 multiple winner from 14 foals not great.

Rain Girl leaving 9 winners, including open class horse ATITAGAIN (who finished 2nd in the 2001 QLD Interdominion Final to the NZer Yulestar and Tony Shaw) Far and Away the best producer as the others did almost zero from that era, from 5 mares, I can think of anyway. DELIGHTFUL LADY couldn't have foals due to infertility. BONNIE's CHANCE, IDOLMITE, MISS PERT (2nd in Interdominion at Addington) and ARMALIGHT barely a winner left by any of them from about 40 named Foals !!! (only about 4 single race winners between them only) staggering flops.!!! Hey Todd won 4 NZ Cups I see. very nice. must be good trainer. and being from the Waikato bound to be a Bob Mitchell descendent.

Superior in that Task as well !!! Don't worry , they did Plenty of the 'Hard' yards early on in life at the stables. I used to pop out to Marks dad 'Roy Purdons' place on occasion , as a teen with Mark in the 80's and was just BLOWN Away with the total professionalism even then. 4 horses hoppled to work togeather (whereas most stables had 2 fastwork togeather) so sitting one outside leader even then. NO WONDER we couldn't beat them then, and can't beat them now. Don't forget brother Barry has amazing training too. (Chokin , HolmesDG, etc AND Natalie Rassmussen, did all the Shows , gymkana's, backblocks, ponytrots, Rocklea 500m track, along with her 2 sisters and dad VIC (a carpenter) who 'battled 'for years with slow horses, in far flung places like Townsville (and Rocklea and Toowoomba His daughters are now THREE of the best Horsepeople in the world !!!!! congrats to Mum Cheryl , who kept them going through all the 'stablehand' early days. VICKI is near best trainer in Brisbane, and KYLIE is a world class driver here too , with a NAT-like Strike rate !! A true pleasure of life (in harness) to of seen all these people in action. decades of winners now , just amazing. lap it up. fantastic.

Wrong. Just over a week ago they ran the Quinella in the Group 1 x 2 yearold race at Auckland. Missed trifecta by 'not much' with 4th horse a Cullen one, as well. The week before Cullen stable also won the Group 1 x 2 yearold race. Seems like TOP QUALITY youngsters to me !! only thing lacking is opposition able to beat the stable lol.... yes, Krug and Copy That are doing a great job in their Age divisions. but Cullen still won races with some 3 and 4 year olds too. Good luck to him (and the opposition) .

Yes , Chris Waller is just winning everything nearly, Am sure he would like a Melbourne Cup though. Veery Elleegant went very well in the last one. maybe this year. Wonder how he did training in NZ. ? from Foxton is all I know and came to Aus with Castletown possibly? These days he has about 2 and 1/2 thousand 'Race' starters per year . about 4-5 per day on average. Wow..... The bit I find hard to comprehend, is that he has that many owners that probably, he hasn't ever even met great chunks of them to chat with once ? some of those thoroughbreds have like 20 owners. In harness more likely 1-4 persons per horse and as a trainer, you always knew All your owners very well, even in a larger 30-50 horse barn.

Great to see the Belle of the NZ turf , having a crack in Queensland in Group 2 Hollindale Cup at the Gold Coast today. And we have turned on the rain!! early in week to give her a lovely Heavy track !!! So wishing her well for a victory against the Aussies as her career nears the end, and the great trainer Chris Waller sure to be a danger with his runners, as usual. Hoping the black Godolphin mud-lark Avilius gets too far back and not too involved. Melody Belle to get in the TRIFECTA on the heavy with some Waller beauties in Toffee Tongue and Mister Sea Wolf

yes , I sort of meant you were out of friends in parliament and the TAB lol. just in a general joke sense. but at least you say who you support and who you don't (a bit like Leo with the courts and Inca) Not sure why Chief and Leo Molloy hate Inca so much ? It's like they want them to catch someone as proof of their existance, and yet they don't want them to catch anyone , and fail . (probably a better option. Who cares about the cost.) Scaring everyone into towing the line better, (no race fixing etc (unleess you're desparate like Alford)) surely a Good thing. $500k spent on legal aid for the arsehole who killed Grace M over there is a bigger waste of public funding. AND just like Baden-Clay, the scum of the Earth wife killer in Brisbane, can't even say SORRY or own up to the Horrible crimes. M Kerr won't apologise either. what a horrid act. take 50 people's money and not even sorry. "Poor Me! I've got a gambling problem ! you should all feel sorry for me" what rubbish. what a loser. Matt Anderson should just jump in and say sorry, and Not sneak around , Peter Jones was working on a plan with HRNZ to get him involved again somehow, he can't just break the rules that are in place though. Even if Chief is right and they are double harsh. All the best and happy punt today from Gammalite. Go MELODY BELLE !!! racing just up the road today at Gold Coast !!

The Brodster has turned into a horse !!! A fine stallion? or a run-down gelding getting a good stomach tubing? never got to see AtitAgain that I remember. Can't for the life of me, work out why you guys are at each others throats lately. Hope is a In-House joke or something , bit like Labour v Nationals or something. All the kiwis seem such friendly folk over here, I guess NZ has Brodie and Leo Molloy there, that seem short of friends. Anyway heres a funny yarn for BOAY, Rain Girl the great Broodmare you mentioned, was a fine racehorse for Bob Mitchell too. She made the final of the Interdominion at Auckland in 1983 and I had a 'large sidebet' with her strapper, that southerner 'Dundas' would beat her home, so in true rotten fashion . 'Dundas' had run of the race following 'Gammalite' 3 back fence , but stopped like Shot, at the 500-600m out and caused chaos like 'Bonnies Chance' broke, Queenslander 'Wondai's Mate' tipped out driver, 'Rain Girl' staggered through to 7th , and 'Dundas' #"@#%$& 8th. lol.... At least the 6-1 tote paid for 'Gammalite' up front kept me in front for the race I guess, lol.......

Who is it Ranga?. It looks like Australia? very solid looking Pacer too. Probably a good one?

Yes it seems the penalty given MA by HRNZ outlasts the court one. I guess the Penalty is always contentious with crime. G Baden-Clay (the sickest bastard in Qld that makes you literally throw up) actually got murder reduced to man-slaughter, But then a HUGE Public Outcry/outrage at the 'good work' by his Lawyers, saw the murder charge reinstated. thank goodness. Phil Coulson (1000+ race winner) got 7 years DQ in NZ winning the Interdominion in Chch, then getting positive caffeine swab with Juniors Image. ended up out on a fishing boat for years. (and forever pleaded his innocence to his dying day, horse nobbled) Dunns stable had positive Caffeine x 3 horses (all disqualified 2017) and only got $14k fine.???? Now That Is a Sharp contrast in Penalty. ??? some things don't seem fair in the world of Penalties. What penalty for Alford then? milkshake tubing still attempted by the odd idiot once a month somewhere. Tree dwelling stewards are quick onto it these days , with any betting tip-off signs. (Alford blamed the betting for getting caught ) RIU doing well to intercept?

Even though Mr Anderson is 'out of the public eye' doing something on the private property, The guy was breaking the rules as handed down to him when he became licensed by HRNZ , as JJ and Freda have stated. Yes , would be great for him if he could be involved still, but you have to agree (as in all your threads recently from Von Beynon etc, that Image is VERY important, and Harness racing should be seen to 'Back the Courts penalties'. ? Surely NOT having the public know that Harness racing let's convicted person's serving a term of punishment, still prepare horses in a Professional sport without sanction from it . Matt knows that. and is still sneaking around. so his actions another slap in the face to following the rules. makes you wonder about how seriously Matt takes the punishment.? I would hope if serious crime is committed, example a harness licensee mugs an old lady at ATM and steals handbag and gets a year (suspended) sentence, that HRNZ would ban him/her for that year as well.? Helps the IMAGE for the sport, and would HRNZ look community friendly? no stoning necessary.

It's a sport chief, like a Professional sport that needs to Uphold it's image. (these BOAY threads clearly show the damage done by those not willing to adhere to the code of conduct.) Footy players who transgress domestically are often forced out of their professional 'contract' ,even though the charges were nothing to do with their football. They then can play at lower level club level i spose , and that's what you say with Anderson. That he should be able to triain or work a horse at a private establishment. very noble and caring . and probably good rehabilitaton too. BUT , the BIG problem is the preparation of a horse (even at private facilities ) is part of the PROFESSIONAL picture still. People are paying for that horses prep and punters may be punting on it if racing already. So the punishment is/ would be NIL for Anderson , and harness racing , already struggling with image, would not benefit from taking in those Convicted of domestic offences , (until there court conviction time is served)

Yeah Chief, for sure. People really don't know how tough it is with the DQ's for trainers. I know some that had to literally MOVE out off the property, (and pretty much be separated from the family for a year) as most trainers live on the property with their horses, and NO WAY could you just turn a blind eye to them everyday and be involved , If you stayed there, on the property. (RIU in trees to ping you if you pat one?) They transfer the horses to training name of daughter, wife, son-in-law or whoever and go and drive a truck for a year or the like ? very tough. For a harness driver like Anderson, much easier to 'stay away' and NO EXCUSE is valid to be working horses while under a ban.

One comment on this matter from me Chief as have read enough , and now know enough , of every BAD thing going on in NZ harness these days. Other channel even worse. RIU and INCA (with the police help) are CONSTANTLY seeking New evidence and asking Probing questions Where-ever possible , to UNCOVER any illegal activity going on in NZ harness racing. Of course some people ARE going to answer the questions put to them . I would !!!! If you have nothing to hide under the bed (like Darren Weir lol....) then you should be fine. So it is called INVESTIGATING. You can call it LEAK gathering all you like , but they are trying to keep NZ harness clean . a good thing. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And like you say, it is great they find bugger All ! a good thing !!!!!!! p.s Agree if Matt A has sentence of 2 years, then that IS the sentence. should be able to apply to resume harness after that term. because he now chose to 'get in early' and got caught at Burrows, The expelled term should be extended or restart as he has consciously broken the arrangement (punishment)

May has arrived and plenty of kiwis in action and doing well last night in Australia. In Melton Vic, young Nathan Purdon has SPELLBOUND racing now . and with 2 starts for 2 wins in 1.53. Chip off the old block is Nathan? gunna be huge player one day. Couple of Trotters for NZ too. for Kate and Andy Gath we have JUSTAMOLLYARCHER winning as well (4starts for 3wins in Oz) and SWISS MISS won as well. EXPENSIVE EGO won the pacing Gold $200k Group 1 easily in 1.52 jog (what a Superstar !!) best horse here. STAR GALLARIA ran 2nd in the FFA beaten by a freakish good horse called General Dodge. The general only starts twice a year as unsound but usually wins. extroadinary. In Menangle NSW, young Jack Trainer still winning. training and driving Southland pacer MIGHTY FLYING ART to victory (2 from 4 now) in 1.52. and Gammalite favourite ALTA ORLANDO won the FFA at Menangle , (What a grand Horse He is , truly One of the Best) resuming after Miracle mile early March , for owners the Dunn's (more celebrations for them after Rowe Cup victory !) In Albion Brisbane, fuckall happened as usual,(lol)... although superstar Grant Dixon (and his wife Trista ) ran the quinella in the feature $50k 2 yearold race. which was nice. Hey his ex-wife Nat was running the quinella at Auckland !! with her partner Markie in the 2 yearolds feature as well. No stopping the champions. Fab racing and very high standards as usual.

Might be Virus there Brodster ! better to dodge that one. You are right on a few counts IMO , Communism NOT the answer. Hong Kong was handed back from British rule late last century, and the poor locals there have been battling/protesting /rioting, even some deaths, for a while now this century, so not to lose their freedom, and then be under Chinese Communist rule. very sad situation. And the 'Black Lives Matter' BS going on, is racist BS by all the participants . All that crime you mention ,because of it, etc, It really Should be ALL LIVES MATTER. just as our governments have provided for us past year. And yes of Course You won't know Anyone with the virus ? That's Exactly what we are telling you !!! The Health department made that happen . Why complain??. (Although the NSW Health got the blame for disembarking a Covid containing cruise ship and so 28 people died) Anyway have a great week and very happy you are safe and sound (as for all kiwis and ockers) and leave you with a hope and a prayer for the humanitarian total disaster in India, that something improves there soon . geez it's bad.

Yeah think all the posters are Boomers on here BOAY lol. I scraped in as am same age as my mate Markie boy, Mangos and that era of Faaaabulous drivers.!!!

Hey Brodster , just realised I'm a bit older and Glenn Campbell been dead a few years now, but sure you know him. Here's some great words from his song , for anyone reading to enjoy. !!!! Try A Little Kindness Glen Campbell If you see your brother standing by the road With a heavy load from the seeds he sowed And if you see your sister falling by the way Just stop and say, "You're going the wrong way" You've got to try a little kindness Yes, show a little kindness Just shine your light for everyone to see And if you try a little kindness Then you'll overlook the blindness Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets Don't walk around the down and out Lend a helping hand instead of doubt And the kindness that you show every day Will help someone along their way

Aus just stopped all flights from India. wonder if NZ is doing the same.? For sure yeah ! I think you're right and the continual trickle of people will continue way more than 6 months. In Sydney they dropped the number to 1500 from 3000 per week coming back to the 2 weeks hotel restriction, as not to 'break' the quarantine by too many numbers. I agree they are 'unlikely to pay' the $4k each they spose to. Ardern may make mistakes and do things you don't like (hope there is the odd good thing for you) In the news in Aus she handled the Christchurch massacre well , and seemed popular. I don't support or denounce either party, the Democrats folded here a few years back lol... just kidding. Good to be Kind ! ask Glen Campbell. great song.

haha yeah all good ! thought Ranga and Brodie were after some political debate on this thread. lol. The disrespect is outrageous on both sides. I turn Question Time OFF 1/2 the time, TV parliament ..... hopefully some of the 'Learned' folk can make decisions that HELP our countries, and I am happy to give credit where credit is due. Harness racing could be a good Political distraction? If the parties race/ sponser some horses? Be a bit of 'Team' Driving then !!!! would be great.

Oh well ,maybe the government is Not popular with him either. I wasn't criticising them enough maybe? sometimes they make errors, the Aus Defence Dept had 1500 troops in Afghanistan in recent years. What a fat waste of Millions that was !! Thank the heavens the last 80 troops return in Sept this year and we are finally out of that mess . Providing hotel's for returning travellers (the travellers pay about $4k here) is probably a better idea considering what is happening in India.