Breathing exercises do the trick
Breathing exercises are well known for their beneficial effects on relaxation and various forms of physical activity.
But how many of you knew that they could also be effective in horse racing? In the case of the Mike Moroney- Chad Ormsbytrained racemare Flavigny, they were the secret to a career-high win the $50,000 Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Tauherenikau on Monday.
The big grey, who races in the colours of her co-breeders Windsor Park Stud, would have a better record than four wins from 17 starts if not for respiratory problems. At an early stage it got to the point that she required surgery on her larynx and as an important part of salvaging her
‘‘All going well she’s got more wins in her but first we’ll get her home and assess her.’’
Anniversary Handicap at Trentham last month, he made a second trip to the bottom of the North Island worthwhile when he came up with another smooth ride in Monday’s big event.
‘‘It’s a great result for everyone involved, for the hard work that everyone has put in at home and for her owners who have been very patient,’’ said Ballymore Stables’ racing manager Nick Fairweather.
‘‘All going well she’s got more wins in her but first we’ll get her home and assess her. It could be that she might do with a let-up, but Mike and Chad will work that out.’’
Now that she has stepped up to black- type grade, a race that might be on the radar is the Gr. 1 Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, a popular target for the pick of the country’s best racemares and scheduled for April 9 at Te Aroha.