Nymph Monte’s strapper dies
There will be a notable absence at Awapuni tomorrow, with the passing of Paul Guise on Monday.
The Wairarapa horseman rode his pride and joy Nymph Monte in trackwork at Opaki racecourse on Monday in preparation for his tilt at the Listed Ricoh Feilding Gold Cup (2200m) tomorrow, but sadly passed away shortly afterwards.
The Central Districts racing community were devastated by their loss, particularly Nymph Monte’s trainer Grant Nicholson.
‘‘Paul rode him on Monday morning, got off and a few minutes later he had a heart attack,’’ he said.
Guise was popular around the Opaki Training Centre and rode many quality equine athletes, including dual group one winners Tavistock and Cent Home.
‘‘He has been with me for six years,’’ Nicholson said.
‘‘He used to be a jockey and he trained a few and used to train in partnership for a while with Jim Wallace. He has been track riding for myself and Andrew Campbell as well, with Tavistock.
He also track rode and strapped for Jim Wallace with Cent Home.’’
While being associated with group one-winning horses is great, a son of the former meant more to him than most.
Guise had been with Tavistock eight-year-old gelding Nymph Monte from the start of his career and was a constant companion, strapping him to 10 victories, including two at stakes level.
‘‘He has been with Nymph Monte from day dot, he was his favourite horse,’’ Nicholson said.
‘‘He rode him right through from breaking in time and he always strapped him wherever he went, he loved him.’’
While the week started on the worst possible note, Nicholson is
Paul Guise with his beloved Nymph Monte on a Riccarton visit. hoping Nymph Monte can end it on a high, in honour of Guise.
‘‘It would be great to win in Guisey’s honour. He will be there with him on Saturday in spirit.’’
Nicholson is happy with Nymph Monte and believes he has improved since his eighthplacing in the Egmont Cup
(2100m) at Hawera last month. It is intended Nymph Monte will then head south for the Gr.3 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup (3200m).
Guise’s funeral is at Opaki Training Centre in Masterton at
11am today.