Rowe Cup…..

[Newmarket]

Always looked forward to this race, but that field tonight, does not excite me. Dont get me wrong, would love to own any of them…. but very average field for $200k

[Walt]

On 5/8/2026 at 7:54 PM, Newmarket said:

Always looked forward to this race, but that field tonight, does not excite me. Dont get me wrong, would love to own any of them…. but very average field for $200k

Have to agree Newmarket but its also the numbers that don't rock for me. Back in the day we had big open fields but always with a few stars. I'll always remember Stormy Morn in 1982, Sir Castleton,Jenner, Tussle's great win in 1985, Landoras Pride, Directorship, David Moss,Diamond Field, Wagon Apollo, Mountain Gold, Lyell Creek of course x 3 , Take A Moment, Stig, Stent, I Can Doosit, Sundees Son etc. 

Maybe we just didn't realize how good we had it

[Shad]

4 hours ago, Walt said:

Have to agree Newmarket but its also the numbers that don't rock for me. Back in the day we had big open fields but always with a few stars. I'll always remember Stormy Morn in 1982, Sir Castleton,Jenner, Tussle's great win in 1985, Landoras Pride, Directorship, David Moss,Diamond Field, Wagon Apollo, Mountain Gold, Lyell Creek of course x 3 , Take A Moment, Stig, Stent, I Can Doosit, Sundees Son etc. 

Maybe we just didn't realize how good we had it

Good to see you back from the wilderness, been missing your posts, you describe the great era of trotting, and some top trotters, Basil Dean and No Response couple of my favourites, especially the later with his withering late finishes, can recall the days of an OC Trott on the card at the all weather iconic night meeting at the Greymouth trotting club, as a young boy certainly was a highlight, only meeting on the coast under lights, a novelty for me, couldn’t imagine the calibre of those horses fronting on a small meeting these days, never happen, time flying buy you’ll be lining up your local January circuit before you know it, shame the winter meets gone these day, used to go to a few.

[Walt]

14 hours ago, Shad said:

Good to see you back from the wilderness, been missing your posts, you describe the great era of trotting, and some top trotters, Basil Dean and No Response couple of my favourites, especially the later with his withering late finishes, can recall the days of an OC Trott on the card at the all weather iconic night meeting at the Greymouth trotting club, as a young boy certainly was a highlight, only meeting on the coast under lights, a novelty for me, couldn’t imagine the calibre of those horses fronting on a small meeting these days, never happen, time flying buy you’ll be lining up your local January circuit before you know it, shame the winter meets gone these day, used to go to a few.

Hey Shad,

Must confess my interest in Harness Racing is not what it was. I only bet on two meetings these days. NZ Cup day and of course the Nelson trots. I can see the Richmond Park track from our deck. The track is still one of the better tracks in NZ but amenities are embarrassing. The members stand had seen better days but it was at least better than the public stand. Unfortunately the members stand was demolished in late 2024 much to the bewilderment of the people I know that help run the club. That just left the public stand that the only money spent on it in recent years looks to be on preventing the ceiling from collapsing in on punters. The racing is as good as ever but if no money is invested in the facilities not owned by the club its ultimate demise would seem inevitable. One thing for certain the sport is not moving forward here. 

I tend to time my trips to Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika around the trots but really only to satisfy my enjoyment of grass track harness racing. 

NZ Cup day always rocks for me. Its a chance to catch up with good friends that have had an outstanding record in the Cup its self and soaking up the day with them is always a great day. I've had an ongoing health issue but even that didn't stop us going to the last two Cup days. 

My biggest regret in recent years was not getting on board with a yearling two people that have won NZ Cups and an Auckland Cup recommended to me as a horse to buy together. It wasn't expensive but I just couldn't justify buying another horse with the backdrop I was viewing. Its won three races in recent times and seldom out of the money. The guy who has it is a gem and I embrace his success but kicking myself for being way too conservative at exactly the wrong time. 

I agree with you on Basil Dean. He was a beauty and a big fav. I recall one big trot at Addington. Could have been an Interdominion Final or The Dominion Handicap. Memory fading. Basil Dean had the top inside the last 200 for Kerry and looked likely until you could see Sir Castleton coming but even that moment was fleeting as the blue colours of the great Scotch Notch swooped and won. 

I'm unsure if its an age thing or a reflection of 2026 harness racing but I seem to enjoy looking back more than looking forward. 

I don't even look at Auckland harness these days. Small fields just don't excite me. 

Fingers crossed there are more Basil Dean's, David Moss and Tussle's etc around the corner. If so, I'm back in the game

[Shad]

Nice post, again good to have ya back, glad your still supporting the local scene, and cup week, guess the Nelson facilities like many others around nz, but the racing is good, enjoyed the winter meets there, just a break in the cooler months, and to get a fix in before the coast circuit, I like you do enjoy the grass track racing and like to get to the Westport trots, Reefton  if I’m not working, gallops included, Greymouth usually on a work day for me, and kūmara to overrated, sorry to hear you’ve had a few health battles, I hope those insurance companies not penalising you for having that million dollar view, nothing like that where in am, but still don’t leave me with not much change out of 5k, don’t think there are to many trotting venues getting on the front foot, had the pleasure of attending Methven for the very first time in April, great grass track racing, and a neat holiday spot for that time of the year, nice an relaxing in the hot pools, yes I think we’ve seen the golden year of trotting, but isn’t it great to look back and reminisce, asked a racing friend to recall the best trotter in his opinion of that era, his answer Scotch Tar, his performance in the free for all against the pacers,, a stand out in his opinion, remember one of Basil Deans wins, may have been trotting championship race, when in front, Reon quipped, he really turning on the power, not sure if it was you who a Mounga fan, be interested in your thoughts on him present day, cheers Shad.

 

[Shad]

Always a tough one when your offered a share in a horse, the odds firmly stacked against you, happened to me about 7 yr ago, hummed an haared, but eventually went with it, he was a thoroughbred by Tavistock, out of a mare by Keeper, had a lot of fun, winning 7 races, each win was like gold to me, finished midfield in a Nz cup, finished his career in the money about half of his starts, they often over raced him and asked a lot, probably the most frustrating part for me, but certainly enjoyed the ride, even though we didn’t reach the dizzy heights of the one you looked at, good horses hard to find, the same syndicate must have raced about 10 plus more horses since, without my involvement, bought them, bred them, but the best may have won 2 races, many none, and plenty retired early, very tough game.

[Walt]

19 hours ago, Shad said:

Nice post, again good to have ya back, glad your still supporting the local scene, and cup week, guess the Nelson facilities like many others around nz, but the racing is good, enjoyed the winter meets there, just a break in the cooler months, and to get a fix in before the coast circuit, I like you do enjoy the grass track racing and like to get to the Westport trots, Reefton  if I’m not working, gallops included, Greymouth usually on a work day for me, and kūmara to overrated, sorry to hear you’ve had a few health battles, I hope those insurance companies not penalising you for having that million dollar view, nothing like that where in am, but still don’t leave me with not much change out of 5k, don’t think there are to many trotting venues getting on the front foot, had the pleasure of attending Methven for the very first time in April, great grass track racing, and a neat holiday spot for that time of the year, nice an relaxing in the hot pools, yes I think we’ve seen the golden year of trotting, but isn’t it great to look back and reminisce, asked a racing friend to recall the best trotter in his opinion of that era, his answer Scotch Tar, his performance in the free for all against the pacers,, a stand out in his opinion, remember one of Basil Deans wins, may have been trotting championship race, when in front, Reon quipped, he really turning on the power, not sure if it was you who a Mounga fan, be interested in your thoughts on him present day, cheers Shad.

 

Enjoyed your posts Shad.

Obviously we both cut our teeth on grass tracks. Methven and Motukarara both have an encyclopedia of great memories for me as does the Coast Circuit. I also recall the grass track days at Nelson. The opening race was often a division race that had big full fields. Don't mind admitting my enjoyment never lessened when the rains came.

Mo'unga is a fascinating horse. Has a ton of ability. On Cup day I thought there was a deadset trifecta in the Cup. Republican Party, Kingman and Leap To Fame. I spent the day with a driver that trained one Cup winner and drove another. There were some other guys and wife's that are well known. I was shocked at number of them that tipped Mo'unga to me. He'd had a hoof issue that had cleared up and was working great. He came up short on the day but the high rating he received against top horses from very good judges got my attention. I watched him race against stablemate Marketplace recently and he ran very nicely just behind them. We know he has the ability to beat top horses so its just seems to be a matter if time before he's in the groove again and in the right race. 

My health issue is Melonoma which certaintly got my attention. Have had several surgeries along with targeted therapies. I'm in remission but had to stop kayaking which was a total pain in the butt. Not keen to invite the unwelcome guest back. 

You will have had a blast with the horse you raced. Seven photos on the wall is a fabulous result. Well done. Often the decision to go or stop is down to fate. 

I remember a superb horse called Waikeeper that won his share. I'm picking yours is related. 

As for Scotch Tar. I'm sure many good judges would rate him is one of the best they'd seen. I'm picking some of the crew on BOAY will remember him racing against the Cup class pacers. Few trotters have enough speed to compere with the best pacers.

Hard for me to pick my all time fav. Lyell Creek had the most ability. David Moss was superb. Pride of Petite and Tussle were both magnificent mares. Maori's Idol and Scotch Notch were both terrific. Got to admit I will happily travel distance to go and watch a top trotter. 

Happy punting bro. Will buy you a beer in January at the Nelson trots.....if there is still a bar there 😀

[Shad]

17 hours ago, Walt said:

Enjoyed your posts Shad.

Obviously we both cut our teeth on grass tracks. Methven and Motukarara both have an encyclopedia of great memories for me as does the Coast Circuit. I also recall the grass track days at Nelson. The opening race was often a division race that had big full fields. Don't mind admitting my enjoyment never lessened when the rains came.

Mo'unga is a fascinating horse. Has a ton of ability. On Cup day I thought there was a deadset trifecta in the Cup. Republican Party, Kingman and Leap To Fame. I spent the day with a driver that trained one Cup winner and drove another. There were some other guys and wife's that are well known. I was shocked at number of them that tipped Mo'unga to me. He'd had a hoof issue that had cleared up and was working great. He came up short on the day but the high rating he received against top horses from very good judges got my attention. I watched him race against stablemate Marketplace recently and he ran very nicely just behind them. We know he has the ability to beat top horses so its just seems to be a matter if time before he's in the groove again and in the right race. 

My health issue is Melonoma which certaintly got my attention. Have had several surgeries along with targeted therapies. I'm in remission but had to stop kayaking which was a total pain in the butt. Not keen to invite the unwelcome guest back. 

You will have had a blast with the horse you raced. Seven photos on the wall is a fabulous result. Well done. Often the decision to go or stop is down to fate. 

I remember a superb horse called Waikeeper that won his share. I'm picking yours is related. 

As for Scotch Tar. I'm sure many good judges would rate him is one of the best they'd seen. I'm picking some of the crew on BOAY will remember him racing against the Cup class pacers. Few trotters have enough speed to compere with the best pacers.

Hard for me to pick my all time fav. Lyell Creek had the most ability. David Moss was superb. Pride of Petite and Tussle were both magnificent mares. Maori's Idol and Scotch Notch were both terrific. Got to admit I will happily travel distance to go and watch a top trotter. 

Happy punting bro. Will buy you a beer in January at the Nelson trots.....if there is still a bar there 😀

Thanks Walt, your posts are great, hence why I’ve missed you, and wish you all the luck in keeping yourself on the right side of the ledger, blood tough when you’ve had to step aside from one of your passions, obviously you enjoyed the outdoors stuff, I’m just an ole plodder that’s been biking to work for the last 30yrs plus, about a 10k return trip, not to far, but in all weathers an conditions, saves having 2 cars, the Nelson grass track very nice surface, and bit of a shame when the thoroughbreds ceased racing, didn’t get to witness the gallops code on it, remember my uncle won a maiden race there with a mare by Grey gull and ridden by  the top rider Maurice Campbell, those were my school days, and heck forbid my mother wouldn’t never let me have a day off for the races, no way, remember gallops at Westport, and the 1200m Shute outside the high school woodwork room, the oh the pain on race day a school day, managed to get over for a race at lunchtime, and odd one after school, memories, sharebroker an ole favourite from those days, Modena a few years later, won an impressive maiden there, an went on to much bigger things, ended up in Australia, certainly some top trotters you’ve named, Lyell Creek was a champ, Do you remember Durban Chief a few years before my time, and didn’t get to witness his feats, a great horse of his era, 2 dominions, ended career with about 60 odd wins, most in America, can’t remember waikeeper, but will have a look back to jog the memory,Keeping ticking along not sure I’ll make Nelson next circuit, but ya never know, Keep up the posts, many regards Shad.

 

 

 

 

[Walt]

On 5/30/2026 at 10:43 AM, Shad said:

Thanks Walt, your posts are great, hence why I’ve missed you, and wish you all the luck in keeping yourself on the right side of the ledger, blood tough when you’ve had to step aside from one of your passions, obviously you enjoyed the outdoors stuff, I’m just an ole plodder that’s been biking to work for the last 30yrs plus, about a 10k return trip, not to far, but in all weathers an conditions, saves having 2 cars, the Nelson grass track very nice surface, and bit of a shame when the thoroughbreds ceased racing, didn’t get to witness the gallops code on it, remember my uncle won a maiden race there with a mare by Grey gull and ridden by  the top rider Maurice Campbell, those were my school days, and heck forbid my mother wouldn’t never let me have a day off for the races, no way, remember gallops at Westport, and the 1200m Shute outside the high school woodwork room, the oh the pain on race day a school day, managed to get over for a race at lunchtime, and odd one after school, memories, sharebroker an ole favourite from those days, Modena a few years later, won an impressive maiden there, an went on to much bigger things, ended up in Australia, certainly some top trotters you’ve named, Lyell Creek was a champ, Do you remember Durban Chief a few years before my time, and didn’t get to witness his feats, a great horse of his era, 2 dominions, ended career with about 60 odd wins, most in America, can’t remember waikeeper, but will have a look back to jog the memory,Keeping ticking along not sure I’ll make Nelson next circuit, but ya never know, Keep up the posts, many regards Shad.

 

 

 

 

Liking your memory lane Shad. 

I do miss the grass track harness and gallops @ Nelson. I remember a Saturday morning in the late 70's. The first of the day at the Nelson Gallops was a brush hurdles. I couldn't see the North Islander Royal Charmer being beaten. I put $1100 on his nose. $1000 for me and $100 for my dad. I went to his work and told him I'd put a bet on for him. I showed him his old hand written yellow ticket but kept my thumb over the second zero. We listened to the race together. Royal Charmer never looked like being beaten. Will always remember his face when he saw the second zero on his ticket and my ticket.

Speaking of Nelson I remember a harness race in 1979. I saw a lot of attention being paid to the mares tail being groomed and tied down. Her form was crap. A pile of duck eggs. Pat O'Reilly snr drove her. I went to put 20 each way on her. I took a last look at the tote board assuming she was still paying 9.9 but a closer look at the old board showed no dot between the 9's. That meant of course she was paying at least $100. That could mean anything. Who knows maybe even $200 +

I chickened out and just put $5 on her. In the home straight could see her coming along the inside and won. Think she ended up paying around $80.

On the Monday there was a piece in the Nelson Evening Mail newspaper showing well known Nelson Boxer Jeff Rackley standing next to Niki Minbar saying he'd put a few dollars on her because of the attention being given to her tail pre race. How ironic. I think Jeff had a stint as club President when I left Nelson. He was also host at the Globe Tavern. I think you and the Chief will remember that watering hole that no longer exists.

As for Durban Chief. Was a decade before my time but know he was the pride of the West Coast. I had a good chat with a friend a few years back who had a family connection to the horse. He is Don Dywer who trained Dillon Dale and Dillon Dean plus a host of other winners. Dillon Dale was second in the NZ Cup and won the Friday FFA. 

Don's mother was Walsh. Was trained by his great uncle Claude Walsh and driven by his cousin Bill Walsh

The horse I was talking about missing on buying him is racing again today @ Ashvegas. His name is Captain Cool. He's in race 8 at 3.18. Drawn nice and clearly a chance to continue with his rich vein of form. I can't tip him as I'm out of the loop so your guess is probably better than mine as I've not followed racing as much as normal in recent years. Haley Jaccka has a poor draw but I know she has a very nice motor and Spirit Downunder us the stablemate of Mo'unga and Market Place. 

Cheers

[Shad]

Great ole story on the jumps at Nelson, never got the gallops there, shame, but remember the first time I went to the trots after the gallops had finished of course, looked at the grass track and what a nice big track, with a decent ole straight, couldn’t think what a waste, but similar happened to the Westport club, another nice track, think the cup race was named after the local bus company, Newmans from memory, remember Short  Healy trained up there, good trainer, had a decent ole horse called The Yapper, placed in welly cup maybe from memory,Another fella up that way, may been Motueka, Mackintosh was his last name, also the name Bloomfield, rings a bell, was many a year ago, just watched Captain Cool, nice horse gusty run after blowing the start, tough effort today, mind you sometimes when they progress through the grades quickly, can catch up with them when getting into those top grades to early, be watching his progress, yeah Durban Chief was late 50s early 60s, bit of misconception that Bill and Claude Walsh trained or owned him, they wish, Billy drove him only, was bred by the Craddocks a well known trotting name in the Buller, was leased by Eddie Walsh( bills cousin)  early on, tryed as a pacer, but didn’t take to it, so trotted him, right of purchase was exercised, he’d to put the saddle on him, a chapter in a booked called, unhoppled hero’s a great read, Don was a good friend of my brothers back in the day, certainly trained some top liners, last I heard he was in Australia, hopefully you backed spirit down under, Mounga ran home well, I had a failed multi at trots, should have backed Electron 34s yesterday, but did back Tralee bay at wingatui, will tack tavi Ann in the last, any winner a good one.

 

 

 

 

rings a bell, 

[Walt]

I'm assuming Jim Healy was shorty? If so did he train a mudlark called Mr Richmond? He remember him ploughing through the mud on the outside rail on the Coast. He grew a leg when the rains arrived. Unsure if he ever won at Richmond.

Yes, Captain Cool ran another beauty today. Lost ground at the start negating his good draw. Went round with no cover and kept giving to the line. To my eye he's getting stronger all the time. Wasn't surprised to see Spirit Downunder run so well but no wagering for me.

Yes Don trains the thoroughbreds in Australia these days. He's got a great record at the picnic meetings but occasionally takes on the bigger names in town and tends to do well when he has a Crack

We talked about his record in harness racing. He trained over 200 winners and drove 87. He was an underrated driver. When Dillon Dale was placed in the Cup it was behind Camelot. He won the FFA that year and Dillon Dean won the FFA in 1989. The two Dillons were awesome

 

 

[Shad]

2 hours ago, Walt said:

I'm assuming Jim Healy was shorty? If so did he train a mudlark called Mr Richmond? He remember him ploughing through the mud on the outside rail on the Coast. He grew a leg when the rains arrived. Unsure if he ever won at Richmond.

Yes, Captain Cool ran another beauty today. Lost ground at the start negating his good draw. Went round with no cover and kept giving to the line. To my eye he's getting stronger all the time. Wasn't surprised to see Spirit Downunder run so well but no wagering for me.

Yes Don trains the thoroughbreds in Australia these days. He's got a great record at the picnic meetings but occasionally takes on the bigger names in town and tends to do well when he has a Crack

We talked about his record in harness racing. He trained over 200 winners and drove 87. He was an underrated driver. When Dillon Dale was placed in the Cup it was behind Camelot. He won the FFA that year and Dillon Dean won the FFA in 1989. The two Dillons were awesome

 

 

Yes always known him by nickname shorty, very good trainer in his day, the ole days of the hand written tab tickets, we’ve certainly come along way these days, remember the old on course ticket back in day, they always looked like they were straight out of the ink, certainly a decent  bet on Royal Charmer no doubt a lot of money in those days, always found the Nelson radio station a hard one to pick up to listen to the commentary, they had Eric Percy doing the trots for many years, wasn’t the most accurate at times, Jack ODonnell  used to do the gallops, Ian Chambers taking over in later years.Oh the memories.

[Walt]

15 hours ago, Shad said:

Yes always known him by nickname shorty, very good trainer in his day, the ole days of the hand written tab tickets, we’ve certainly come along way these days, remember the old on course ticket back in day, they always looked like they were straight out of the ink, certainly a decent  bet on Royal Charmer no doubt a lot of money in those days, always found the Nelson radio station a hard one to pick up to listen to the commentary, they had Eric Percy doing the trots for many years, wasn’t the most accurate at times, Jack ODonnell  used to do the gallops, Ian Chambers taking over in later years.Oh the memories.

I was introduced to racing via Jack O'Donnell and his phrases.

Bla bla paid x amount on the win machine and x amount on the place machine.

Every race started with "This time"..

I really enjoyed his style. His life was well loved. The fact we still talk about him with affection years after his passing is telling. 

I couldn't say if he was a good and accurate caller as my critical eye didn't arrive for many years but I can say he only left positive horse racing memories on this young fella

Edited May 31 by Walt

[Walt]

15 hours ago, Shad said:

Yes always known him by nickname shorty, very good trainer in his day, the ole days of the hand written tab tickets, we’ve certainly come along way these days, remember the old on course ticket back in day, they always looked like they were straight out of the ink, certainly a decent  bet on Royal Charmer no doubt a lot of money in those days, always found the Nelson radio station a hard one to pick up to listen to the commentary, they had Eric Percy doing the trots for many years, wasn’t the most accurate at times, Jack ODonnell  used to do the gallops, Ian Chambers taking over in later years.Oh the memories.

Back in the day 2ZN Radio Nelson was the local station. My sister worked there for a few years. I think the successful singer Sharon O'Neil had a stint there as well. I'd imagine it would be a difficult station to tune in to from elsewhere. 

If I couldn't make it to the track I'd tune in and hated it. There was a lady called Margaret Costello who would advertise different shops by walking around the city and talking to shop managers about the products and promotions. It was a nightmare to listen to when you wanted to hear a race or the result.

We could only hear 1ZB in Auckland and 3ZB in Christchurch at night when reception was stronger. Ironically we could often hear 2KY in Sydney on clear nights and hear the NSW harness.

We don't know how lucky we are now.

[Shad]

On 1/06/2026 at 11:33 AM, Walt said:

Back in the day 2ZN Radio Nelson was the local station. My sister worked there for a few years. I think the successful singer Sharon O'Neil had a stint there as well. I'd imagine it would be a difficult station to tune in to from elsewhere. 

If I couldn't make it to the track I'd tune in and hated it. There was a lady called Margaret Costello who would advertise different shops by walking around the city and talking to shop managers about the products and promotions. It was a nightmare to listen to when you wanted to hear a race or the result.

We could only hear 1ZB in Auckland and 3ZB in Christchurch at night when reception was stronger. Ironically we could often hear 2KY in Sydney on clear nights and hear the NSW harness.

We don't know how lucky we are now.

Famous Fred Dagg song that one Walt, yes spoilt alright, with trackside one doesn’t have to leave the armchair unless to put the billy on, and to be fair you see where your money goes a bit clearer,, mind you, there’s nothing like a good day at the races, even better if you can get a couple of winners, the memories of huddling around the old valve radio to listen to a fading station from afar,I remember some trying to hook a wire from the radio to the old telephone, never had much success to be fear, I see the weather been rough up your way, seems to me your getting the downpours the coast always got, almost like the heavier rain patterns heading to top of the south more often, as last few weather events been in your area, coast always gets their share throughout the year, did hear that the good mare Francent had been sold over seas, only heresay mind you, very nice mare, be sad to see her gone if that’s the casa.