Always back the horse named self-interest, son. It'll be the only one trying
The chain of custody is super important when dealing with swab samples. If these samples are not stored safely and securely they can be tampered with, stolen, adulterated or contaminated. Even if none of these things occur, anyone who blows over is a fair chance of getting off if they can prove insecure storage. On […]
The increasingly popular among young licensees harness training hub at Woodend Beach just north of Christchurch has rapidly become the heartland of illegal and highly dangerous horse doping. This is a matter of concern to both Australian and NZ racing authorities, for it is understood that a number of leading NSW trainers have very close […]
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) are medications which stimulate the bone marrow to make red blood cells.[1] They are used to treat anemia due to end stage kidney disease, chemotherapy, major surgery, or certain treatments in HIV/AIDS.[1][2] In these situations they decrease the need for blood transfusions.[2] The different agents are more or less equivalent.[2] They are given by injection.[2] Common side effects may include joint pain, rash, vomiting, and headache.[4] Serious side effects may include heart attacks, stroke, increased cancer growth, […]
We wrote earlier in the week about Saturday’s tragic death on the track in Timaru of the highly talented Group 1 placed 3-year-old trotting filly Mexicana, and raised a number of unanswered questions about the matter. Upon further investigation we now have more. They are of grave concern, literally and figuratively. 1. Death on the […]
Mexicana was a seemingly fit and healthy high class three-year-old square gaiting filly who started her career as a juvenile at the All Stars barn of Rasmussen and Purdon. She ran four placings from four starts for them, and then was transferred to the stable of Josh Dickie. Dickie won two races in a row […]
Colin De Felippi is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most successful trot drivers. Flip’s been around forever, and at age 69 has learnt more tricks than the average punter has had hot dinners. He’s got away with more than a few of them over the years too. Not this one. See the horse in […]
After reading the new NZ harness race starting regulations that are aimed to ensure that NZ races in future run on time, I got in touch with Catherine McDonald the GM of Racing at HRNZ to ask how these changes will achieve their stated goal. It’s a big issue because Kiwi races are regularly being […]
Changes have been made to the rules around blood spinning in the harness racing industry. But Harness Racing New Zealand is refusing to go public with the revised rules. The process of blood spinning, also known as ACS or PRP, involves collecting blood from the horse using a needle, processing it in a laboratory, and […]
Dr Michael Henley Rewei Brown. Mobile equine veterinary surgeon. Rangiora. Just across the road from Woodend Beach. No office to speak of, but a great big back yard with a driveway that would fit a float, and brick walls all around. Presently in possession of the blood spinning machine formerly the property of Equine Blood […]
The New Zealanders are introducing new harness race starting regulations as of the New Year. One of the rules is that the starter has to have these. Bolt cutters. A knife. A shovel and a rake. I live 3000 miles away, and I’m afraid already. Never mess with a Kiwi starter. You might end up […]
