first NEW ZEALAND

A wonderful horsy few days in Christchurch with the Cup on Tuesday (quinella-ed by the two Australian entries Flashing Red and Cobbity Classic) and the Show day meeting on Friday. Accompanied throughout by Fred and Pat (now MET members!) and their good friends John and Christine McDermott who ensured we were treated exceptionally well. (John, who comes from a well-known trotting family and was on the MET committee for many years, has taken up amateur driving seriously.) There were three trots on the first day and four on the second (out of 12 races.. the days didn't finish until nearly 7 oclock) and all provided excellent racing. Only the standing starts spoiling the spectacle - even the French wouldn't contemplate asking a field of horses to trot off from a stand and it was a relief to see that this method is being undermined in various places in NZ, where they are now effectively walk-up starts. A very enjoyable visit to friend Kurt at Gerolstein on Wednesday, who was the perfect host despite the very recent loss of partner Ian. Two lovely foals from Gwen and Duchess and some superb pacing stock (even I fancied the Red River Hanover colt). Then on Thursday out to the establishment of Peter Cowan and Vicky. John has set up an arrangement to work and help prepare horses 'hands-on' there. Jack Hinton (the 3yo pacer that Fred has an interest in) is with Peter and worked very satisfactorily So we were looking forward to him going to the workouts at Motukarara on the Saturday but they were rained off. Peter has very nice young trotter to watch out for called Trotupastorm (by Sundon of course, as are about 80% of the trotting winners in NZ). Vicky was very interested in the dvd of Orlando winning the Piere Gamare and clearly was itching to have a go!