Johnson has magical season
A chance to look at five talking points as the current racing season draws to a close.
One: Congratulations to our talented horsemen
The New Zealand thoroughbred racing premierships have been decided for the 2016-2017 season and while all achievements are noteworthy, one stands out like a beacon. Chris ‘‘Magic’’ Johnson has well and truly been a star as he nailed the jockeys’ title after being 16 off the pace at one stage and a $14 shot to make up the leeway. At 53, he’s the oldest titleholder and his success follows that of the 1995-96 season. His achievement tempered with career setbacks and seven years out of the saddle, is a credit to his tenacity and talent – a gifted rider. Sam Weatherley wrapped up the apprentice jockeys’ title with a hat-trick at Rotorua on Saturday, a timely reminder of his growing talent and bright future. What can you say about the champion trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman . What a team, what a season and what a future with a wealth of talent in their stable.
Two: Kuru cruising clear in jumps premiership
There’s something about watching a superb horseman showcasing his skills. Take jumps jockey Aaron Kuru, who is in rare form as he takes a stranglehold on the New Zealand jumps jockeys’ premiership. Kuru is a smart rider who knows exactly what he’s got underneath him during a race and is a master at putting his mounts in a race at the right stage of proceedings. Coupled with balance and poise, it is easy to understand why experienced and knowledgeable trainers such as Paul Nelson, John Wheeler and Craig Thornton are among those queueing for his services. Racing is fortunate to have the services of a young man, who grew up in Hastings with little to do with horses but everything to do with softball. He was pretty good too, making the national team before racing intervened. He found his way to Patrick Campbell’s stable and moved north to Cambridge where Thornton gave him his first winner. His progression has been outsanding.
Three: Every little bit helps
Sydney owners and trainers are being well looked after, no doubt, to the envy of their Kiwi counterparts. The Australian Turf Club will not increase track or stable fees for Sydney trainers in the new racing season in a further move to help keep training costs down for thoroughbred owners. The 2017-18 season will be the third in succession that track fees have not risen. The move is aimed at encouraging more horse ownership.
Four: Spring cannot come quick enough
Writing about another abandoned race meeting is depressing, so imagine what it is like for trainers who put in the hard yards preparing their horses for another deferred meeting, or owners eagerly anticipating cheering home their pride and joy, or other participants who have to shuffle commitments to accommodate another rescheduled meeting. Depressing, frustrating, annoying – a number of emotions come into play as opportunities are reduced for the industry to make the most of attracting punters. Spring and the hope of better weather can’t come quick enough nor can the the need for highly paid racing luminaries to get off their butts and make some moves around allweather surfaces so racing can carry on with the certainty that’s needed at this time of year. The cost shouldn’t be wheeled out as an excuse when big money is being thrown at other areas of the industry. On the plus side, it’s great to see alternative venues being found for abandoned race meetings and the powers-that-be ensuring alternative dates are found.
Five: Happy birthday to our four-legged friends
August 1 is a special day for horse people and horses. All horses turn a year older and it’s when a new season kicks-off and planning for bigger and better things begins. The spring horses are rolled out, beginning with tomorrow’s Te teko trials, anticipation builds, the weather hopefully improves and some new stars are born. Despite industry trials and tribulations it’s still a great game.