Recently we told you the story of Mark Dunnett, the previously very slow pacer prepared by Courage Under Fire’s trainer Bruce Negus, who was transferred to the Sunshine Boys down at Wooden Beach and grew two legs and found an extra five seconds in speed.
One of our Kiwi readers decided to take the matter up with the Stewards, and this was the Acting Chief’s reply.
I guess it was the salt water and the sand that made Sundees Sun and it’s Aussie stablemate break the word record by 4 seconds in the Dominion Trot too.
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Hello
I responded to your previous query dated 10 December and have had your latest email forwarded to me last Friday for a reply.
It is pleasing to read about your recent increased interest in our industry.
I agree that there are a number of trainers winning a big percentage of races but as in any sport the better performers tend to rise to the top of the field. I can advise that an average of 8 horses are post race swabbed on a normal 10 race programme along with varying numbers having pre race samples collected for analysis. The majority of post race swabs are winners but placed and random runners are also tested on a regular basis.
With regard to MARK DUNNETT I can confirm that the horse was transferred from part owner Bruce Negus’ stable to the Dunn stable at Woodend in the fortnight leading into the West Coast circuit. The gelding was swabbed following its winning performance on the first day but I concede that some explanation as to the apparent turnaround in form should have been sought from connections by the officiating Stewards.
Not withstanding this I suggest that it is not unreasonable to assume that the horse had taken to the beach training regime which has on many occasions previously turned horses around attitude wise and in particular with horses with soundness issues and others that may have become stale with their normal training routine.
I can also advise that it is my intention to take the matter up with the Stewards concerned to ensure that given similar circumstances in the future that an explanation in included in the race day report.
Regards