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YOR ! NO CURVE-BALL

Mark McNamara, the voice of Canterbury racing and part-time horse syndicator,was rewarded for an elusive first win with the YOR ! Racing With Mark Jones Racing Syndicate when Curve delivered at Forbury on Thursday, June 6.

He admitted it was a big relief to finally reward the 120-strong syndicate with a win after a previously luckless run since the syndicate was formed in September.

“About a third of them have been first-time owners. They have been really good, the people in the syndicate,” said Mark McNamara.

“They’ve been happy to hang on to both ends _ the bad before the good.”

However, he is quick to point out the venture was designed essentially as a fun experience.

The aim was to find horses to race in a relatively short time frame, without waiting years for the horse to get to the races.

He designed the syndicate to allow more people into the industry with a one-off payment, instead of being weighed down with monthly costs.

“I told them straight up if you want to get rich, don’t buy a share. This is for fun. It’s the best feeling in the world to own a horse and that’s what I’ve aimed for.”

The syndicate includes owners based in NZ, Australia and Malaysia, and includes personalities such as northern race caller George Simon, and champion netballer Irene Van Dyk.

The latter was introduced to her first harness racing foray by fellow syndicate holder, Trackside radio presenter, Maryanne Twentyman.

Curve, a 4YO Courage Under Fire mare, is the syndicate’s fourth horse, with just Kate Stephanie (since returned to her previous connections) previously making it to the races.

She had shown enough in training to be a winner for earlier trainers John McDermott, Gavin Smith and Brad Mowbray, but hadn’t always performed as well on raceday.

“Curve was going home long before Kate Stephanie, but Regan (Todd) stuck up for her.

“She led up at Oamaru (May 24) first-up for us. Regan drove her beautifully but she spat it and the others ran past her.

Regan Todd persuaded trainer Mark Jones to give Curve a stay of proceedings as she built on a fair fifth, to run third at Forbury on May 31.

She was left with Waikouaiti trainer Bruce Negus in between the last two Forbury starts, rather than trek back to Canterbury.

Jonny Cox stepped up for a winning first drive behind Curve, sending her forward from the gate to secure the trail, behind shuffled three back with a lap to run.

Cox couldn’t have scripted a better run for the Syndicate winner.

Leader Bryleigh Star ran wide under pressure at the end of the back straight, with Curve getting a dream run through behind De Malmanche before switching into the open at the right time.

From there, the syndicate willed their steed home with Cox getting her to the line, half a head in front of Megie May in 2:47.4 (2200m).

Syndicate members, Barry Lee and Bev Miller were on-course for the winning photo.

Mark McNamara was unable to be there after having commitments at Nelson on Friday, but says the syndicate have been great offering thanks to Mark Jones and his team.

The question is where to now for Curve ?

“It will be hard out of maidens but we’ll see how she goes in the short-term,” said Mark McNamara.

For that week anyway, the Syndicate were grinners and winners.

By Jeff Scott

EARLY GALLOP COSTLY 

 Mobile racing again proved a problem for talented squaregaiter Master Lavros in the $100,000 Methven & Mt Hutt Trotting Clubs 4YO Ruby Trot at Ashburton on June 1.

The big trotter bounded into a gallop after the opening 100m, losing any winning chance, but made a good recovery to finish fifth to winner Cyclone U Bolt (Blair Orange), who was recording back-to-back Jewels wins for Melbourne owners Meg and Merv Butterworth. 

Cyclone U Bolt finished best from the trail to outfinish his Mark Purdon-trained stablemate Escapee, with Stent, third, in a NZ allcomers trot record of 1:54.5. Master Lavros was racetimed in 1:55.9.

Master Lavros has now broken early in his three mobile starts _ in his Jewels 2YO race and in a lead-up at Addington on May 17, where he was good enough to recover and finish second to Stig in a fast 1:59.6 rate for the 2600m.

The Jewels misdemeanor was frustrating for connections. He had trotted pleasingly from the mobile on the course the previous Saturday in a lead-up workout, and had another mobile trial against pacers at Rangiora on May 13.

“He’ll be alright from the gate in time,” said trainer Mark Jones.

“He’ll spell now and we’ll probably look at the Dominion with him (November),” he said.

Stablemate Juneamy Castleton also met trouble in the Yaldhurst Hotel 3YO Ruby, having a punctured tyre come off the rim after it was struck by an over-racing Wingsonhai with 700m to run.

Trainer-driver Mark Jones advised stewards the incident did not affect his chances.

While Juneamy Castleton’s owners Lex and Heather Williams were out of luck in the 3YO Ruby, they were winners on the day with One Over Da Moon, who turned some mixed lead-up form around to win the $100,000 Neumann’s Tyres & The Tyre General 2YO Ruby.

One Over Da Moon, a son of their big-winning mare One Over Kenny in the stable of Paul Nairn, overcame the unruly start position to score in 1:57.9 in the juvenile trot mile. 

TAKEOFF SUCCESSFUL

Ready For Takeoff, a member of the big Butterworth Racing Syndicate operation, bounced back from a six-month layoff to notch his maiden victory for the Mark Jones stable at Forbury Park on Friday, May 24.

 The 3YO Jereme’s Jet gelding was purchased after qualifying for Southland trainer Clark Barron last September and put aside after two unplaced starts in Canterbury in November.

 Ready For Takeoff was given every chance by stable junior driver Scott Stewart in the Dunedin City Ford Mobile Pace, trailing hot favourite Smart Alex.

He was too good with a passing lane run in the straight, coming clear by 1 1/4 lengths to beat a former stablemate Last Man Out (Clark Barron) in a 2:02.1 rate for the mobile 2200m. The leaders ran their last 800m in 59.6s and final 400m in 29.9s.

Ready For Takeoff, from an unraced Christian Cullen mare in Ouch La Fe Fe, is a half-brother to former useful winner Major Ouch (four wins) and minor winner Secret Love.

His grand-dam, Mrs Simpson (Alba Byrd-Regal Play, by Card Shark-Lady Royal, by Lordship-Ceremonial) left former smart pacer Ouch (11 NZ wins for $173,994, 1:57.4s, Aust), while the family was a good source of winners for the Ben and Des Grice in previous years.

Media Release
Fri, July 12, 2013

HANDICAPPING CHANGES

– Age Group Concessions and Formal “Drop Back”

The Handicapping sub-committee met on Wednesday 10th July.

The sub-committee comprises John Lischner (Chairman), Erin Crawford, Pat O’Brien, Steve Phillips, Brian Rabbitt, Kevin Smith, Mark Jones, Ken Barron, Darrin Williams. Also present (filling in for apologies of David Butcher and Hamish Hunter) were Rob Lawson, Jason Broad, Edward Rennell and Andrew Morris. Observing were Ray O’Connor and Colin Hair.

Considerable feedback had been received around Handicapping issues in the lead up to the meeting and the HRNZ Board had at its previous meeting directed correspondence to the sub-committee for discussion.

These items included a review of the current age group concessions, a formalised “drop back” system, inclusion of assessments, merits of a rating system for field selection and other programming enhancements.

Lengthy discussion took place at the meeting. The sub-committee reviewed the current system and looked at opportunities within it that had merit, along with comments received from industry participants.

The details outlined below were agreed to and were confirmed by the HRNZ Board at its meeting on 11 July 2013.

The HRNZ Racing Manager – Darrin Williams is to draft Handicapping Regulations and associated regulations in line with these changes for the HRNZ Board to confirm prior to the Annual Conference.

In addition to these, a rating system for field selection will be researched. Further information on this will be presented during the new season.

Whilst not everyone will agree with all aspects of the changes, they do respond to the feedback that had been received. The sub-committee and Board believe the approved changes will maximise the use of the racing population.

The changes also allow regional differences in programming to continue along with other conditioned opportunities. The changes are proposed to take effect as follows:

1. Age Group Concessions – start date August 1, 2013

2. Formalised “Drop Back” Assessment System – start date October 29, 2013
(using it for programmes from week starting 7 October 2013)

For more information visit www.hrnz.co.nz

MASTER LAVROS UNLUCKY

Promising intermediate-grade squaregaiter Master Lavros was luckless in his first open class attempt in Stig’s Rowe Cup at Auckland on Friday, May 3.

 Trainer Mark Jones stepped the big Sundon gelding brilliantly off the unruly to be in the first four rounding the first turn.

 He crossed to the markers four back, then was shuffled five back after early breaker and eventual winner Stig strode to the top for David Butt with 1200m left.

 Master Lavros was badly held up until the closing stages, running into fifth late behind Stig, fast late finisher Springbank Sam, Boizel, and early leader Cyclone U Bolt.

 Stig capped a remarkable career by adding the Rowe to an earlier win in NZ’s other Group One 3200m trot, the 2006 Dominion Handicap at Addington.

After being sidelined from racing as a 6YO for three years before making a comeback last season as a 9YO, the Armbro Invasion gelding tipped his lifetime earnings past the $800,000 mark in the Rowe, taking his earnings to $801,766 from 21 wins in 51 starts.

He credited David Butt with a first Rowe Cup driving success, while trainer Paul Nairn tasted success in the 2006 Rowe as the trainer-driver of former top trot mare, Inspire.

The fast start by Master Lavros in the Rowe was encouraging after a bad start proved costly in his lead-up a week earlier in the 3-win and faster $20,000 Alex Bar And Eatery Open From 6.30am Handicap Trot on April 26.

He was caught on the wrong foot at the start off the 20m-line, adding considerably to his handicap and under the circumstances, did well for fifth as Irish Whisper went on to gain his first win since joining the Tony Herlihy barn.

Master Lavros had made a fast beginning first-up from a four month layoff a week previously on the first night of the Auckland carnival.

He led up and blew out in the run home with his resuming third behind Realmein and Cyclone U Bolt in the four-win and faster $25,000 Majestic Horse Floats Greenlane Cup.

SAVEAPATROL WINS FUTURITY

Saveapatrol, backed down to $1.30 win favouritism,l comprehensively delivered in  the $25,000 Caduceus Club Of Southland Autumn Futurity at Invercargill on Saturday, March 24.

Even from the outside of the front row and easing back to last early, the robust Christian Cullen-Rondel Franco geldingl was clearly a class above his rivals.

Trainer Mark Jones had him on the move mid-race, taking control a lap out from Treasure Hunter and Deano Robyn.

 Saveapatrol left his rivals gasping turning for home, putting three lengths on the pack.

 He knocked off a touch inside the final 100m, with Treasure Hunter reducing the winning margin to 1 1/2 lengths, but was never in danger, rating 2:01.6 for the mobile 2200m, running his last 800m in 58.4s and closing 400m in 27.6s.

 Saveapatrol’s only defeat in five starts came after working hard mid-race in a 1:56.6 rate (1950m) by Blazin N Cullen at his previous start at Addington and he deserves a chance at Group One level against Ohoka Punter and company.

 The Mark Jones stable advanced their seasonal earnings over the $200,000 mark early on the Northern Southland programme when McPocket staged an impressive debut from a wide gate in the John Higgins Insurance/ Murray Brown Harness Stables Mobile Pace.

 Eased back off the gate and standing up the leaders a big start in the early stages, McPocket improved to be handy on the outer at the 400m and kept coming strongly to wear down longshot Ascot Boy.

 Raced by Gold Coast owner Greg Brodie, McPocket justified his $2 favouritism, rating 2:00.5 for the mobile 2200m, the leaders running their last 800m in 58.2s and 28.2s.

 Don Ho was also sent out a warm favourite in the next maiden, but after being left in the open, hit the front early in the run home, then lost any winning hope when he broke stride with 100m to run, finishing sixth.

 Mach Kana, after trailing up well over the first lap, was luckless over the final lap, being left out three wide in the up to 1-win 3YO fillies pace, tiring to run ninth.

OFFTOCULLECT 1ST FOR SIRE

Offtocullect _ who came from the outside of the back row to credit Gotta Go Cullect with his first siring win at Forbury Park on Thursday, March 8 _ will be given time to mature by trainer Mark Jones.

“He’s a nice tough two-year-old, but at this stage we’ll give him a break,” Mark said of  the winning debutante.

“There’s been a bit of interest in him, so he may be sold.”

Offtocullect, after improving mid-race to lead over the last lap, was under seige from a sprint lane run by trailer Ahorsewithnoname in the run home, but stuck his neck out tenaciously to hold in 2:47.3 (2:02.3 mile rate) for the mobile 2200m.

The winner, sent to the Jones barn after being developed by Redwood horseman Wayne Higgs, quickened over his last 800m in 59.2s and final 400m in 29.2s.

Offtocullect is only the fourth to race from young sire Gotta Go Cullect (p2, 1:57 mile rate, 1700m), who had a promising career for Sue Martin cut short by injury, after winning four of five 2YO starts, then one of four at three.

Gotta Go Cullect, by top racehorse and sire Christian Cullen (p4, 1:54.1, $1.24 miilion), is from the extremely tough Live Or Die filly Elect To Live, who won 19 of 35 starts for $577,992, the 2002 NZ Pacer of the Year.

Elect To Live (p3, 1:55.5), who numbered wins in the NZ, Northern and NSW Oaks, also beat the colts in an Australian Derby, and was voted 2002 Australian 3YO Pacer of the Year.

Offtocullect is from Shazza’s Dream, a sister to former star 2YO Marika (1:57.2, 11 wins & $275,155).

Shazza’s Dream (Pacific Rocket-Rush Machine), who qualified and raced only once, left winner Westerly Wind (by Western Terror) first-up, while her second foal Els Dream has qualified. Offtocullect is her third foal.

SECOND COUNTRY FINAL WIN

Mark Jones notched his second Canterbury Regional Country Cups Final training and driving win when he reined favourite Jackaroo Bromac to score in the $25,000 Woodlands Stud-sponsored Final at Rangiora on Sunday, April 7.

The Burnham trainer earlier set former smart racemare Crystal Star to win the 2010 Regional Country Cups Final when it was formerly held at Addington.

Jackaroo Bromac stretched his unbeaten sequence to three since joining the Overport Lodge team with another comprehensive victory.

From the inside of the 10m line, the McArdle entire settled just worse than midfield but Mark soon had him in the running line and improving three wide ahead of the backmarkers beginning the final 800m.

He dashed past leader Piper Heidsieck at the 500m and held strong finishing backmarker Southwind Arden (30m) by a length and a quarter in a strong 3:16.2 (2:01.4 mile rate) for the 2600m, the leaders running their last 800m in 57.9s and final 400m in 28.8s.

“I have no other real plans for him other just to race around here, unless he’s sold,” Mark said.

Jackaroo Bromac, now the winner of $65,742 for co-owners Wayne Higgs and Bromac Lodge Ltd, backed up with a sound third behind Beach Bunny in the 3-6 wins Lis Mara Mobile Pace at the Timaru meeting at Addington on Friday.

Trainer Mark Jones racked up his 32nd training win for the season when stablemate Bevan Gray turned some mixed form around to upset late in the day at Rangiora.

Bevan Gray responded to an increased workload and the addition of blinds with a smart front-running win in the 1-2 wins Life After Racing Ribbon Day Sunday May 26 Mobile Pace.

The 5YO Live Or Die-Minerva gelding held the spirited challenge from second favourite Mach’s Gladiator to hold by half a head in 2:28.5 (1:59.4 mile rate) for the 2000m _ quickening over his last 800m in 56.6s and final 400m in 27.6s.

He was last successful at Invercargill in January, also leading up trounce his rivals by eight lengths in a 1:59.1 rate over 2200m when trained by Neil Munro.

The Jones stable extended their seasonal earnings surpassing the $250,000 mark with the Rangiora double.

HERLIHY-JONES COMBINE

The Mark Jones stable created history at Methven on Sunday, March 24, providing NZ’s most successful driver Tony Herlihy with one of few NZ feats to previously elude him _ saluting the judge for the first time at the Mount Harding grass track.

Herlihy, who has now reined 3131 winners of over $32.2 million, drove last-start winner Jackaroo Bromac (20m) confidently to take out the 2-6wins Yaldhurst Hotel Handicap Pace.

He sent the 4YO McArdle-Jillbo entire to the front mid-race and they comfortably held early leader Special Bella by 1 1/4 lengths in a 2:08.5 rate for the 3000m, quickening over his last 800m in 59.2s.

Jackaroo Bromac, raced by Wayne Higgs with co-breeders Bromac Lodge Ltd, joins Offtocullect and Spotafalcon as Jones-trained winners for former leading trainer Wayne Higgs, who has transferred his raceteam to various stables after sub-dividing his Redwood training base.

Higgs is subsequently left without a training track, prompting the recent transfers.

Spotafalcon, who won his only start for the Jones stable, taking out the 1-2 win Paintlab Hornby Pace at the Akaroa meeting on March 17, was sold post-race to New South Wales interests.

The 4YO Falcon Seelster-Mystery Spot gelding held All Delight over 2170m from a stand at Motukarara, pacing his last 800m in 59.7s.
 
Spotafalcon raced just 10 times in NZ for two wins and three placings.