Eventing for Olympic axe?
Prized for Spendthrift
Polo injury award
Red means stop
John Whitaker ill
Grant for disease study
EEE found in bird
Saving saddlebreds
Halo dies
Top jockey found dead
Trainer zapped
Lost Stubbs painting sells for $9m
Winningest galloper to stay at home
New bicarb testing
Tompkins for Aust
Horses hit by car
Gold Brose dies
Dog attacks horse
Bounce bows out on high note
Wright retires
Slack stallion owners lambasted
Todd heads Puhunui team
Dressage champion out of action
Backyard castration kills horse
Sunline for HK despite virus
More scientific research on horses
Selector wins award
Eventing for Olympic axe? (Dec 18) The three-day-event at the Olympics might soon be a thing of the past, according to media reports. New
Zealand Equestrian Federation president Cam McRae is reported as saying the sport faces being dropped because of running costs and a desire by the International Olympic Committee to stage more team events. Eventing is definitely on the schedule at Athens, but the sport might have to fight to stay in the Games in the future. Back to top
Prized for Spendthrift -- (Dec 18) New Zealand shuttle stallion Prized will stand the Northern Hemisphere season at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky, with 10 other stallions. In its heyday Spendthrift Farm stood more than 60 stallions in the 1980s. For the past several years it has been run as a private stud with no stallions, but the syndicate which now owns it intends turning it back into a commercial stud. Back to top
Polo injury award -- (Dec 19) An 80-year-old Florida man was was run over by a polo pony at a car show has been awarded $US295,390.
After an eight-day trial the jury gave John Bartolini "$45,390 for past and future medical expenses and $250,000 for pain and suffering, diminished quality of life and other intangible losses". Bartolini had sought $800,000 to $1.6 million in non-economic damages. He spent five days in the hospital in February 1997 with a concussion, broken ribs and a separated shoulder after the accident. He was looking at a car when a nearby polo pony, spooked by the loud engines, ran wild and knocked him
over.
In closing arguments Bartolini's lawyer accused the polo club of being reckless and negligent for not putting up fences between the polo field and the car show or taking other precautions. Back to top
Red means stop -- (Dec 19) A crackdown in Melbourne on red light runners will penalise horse riders if they don't stop when they should.
Cyclists running red lights or stop signs will be fined up to $165. Penalties for infringements committed by cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and riders of "wheeled recreational devices", such as skateboards and scooters, now range from $15 to $20 but most will rise to $50. Back to top
John Whitaker ill -- (Dec 19) British show jumper John Whitaker was in hospital earlier this month with a suspected brain haemorrhage.
He had been due to appear at a show in Stockholm but became ill and collapsed. Whitaker, 45, was taken to hospital with a suspected swelling on the brain. Early reports suggest he had emergency surgery to clear a blockage.
Whitaker is ranked the world's No 4 showjumper. Back to top
Grant for disease study -- (Dec 19) A team of US scientists will study communicable diseases in horses after receiving a four-year $1.2 million grant from The Bernice Barbour
Foundation Inc. University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine are to create a communicable disease laboratory directed by the school's Center for Equine Health. Research will focus on the mechanisms by which disease-causing microbes survive, move through the environment and invade mammals. Researchers will also study how the human and animal body defends against these microbial assaults.
The Bernice Barbour Foundation Inc. is an independent charitable foundation focused primarily on preservation and care of domestic and companion animals and the prevention of cruelty to animals. Back to top
EEE found in bird -- (Dec 19) Eastern equine encephalitis has been found in a dead bird in the city of Norfolk, in Virginia. The finding was confirmed by Public Health officials. The bird was examined as part of a program to monitor the spread of West Nile virus. The two diseases are similar. Back to top
Saving saddlebreds -- (Dec 18) A group named Save the Saddlebreds fought to save several horses, only to see them returned to the family charged with abusing them. The organisation vows to fight on in court.
Former equestrian Mary Helen Richardson and her parents were charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after 36 horses were removed from the family's Alexandria Township, New Jersey, farm last year.
It was reported that the horses had been kept without food or water and denied proper medical care. Horse carcasses, some decapitated, were found on the property. The local SPCA filed animal cruelty charges, but later entered a consent agreement with the Richardsons to return the horses, provided they are sold by the end of the year. Back to top
Halo dies -- (Dec 18) Two-time US site of the year Halo has died at Stone farm, aged 31.
The sire of 1989 United States Horse of the Year Sunday Silence and 1983
Kentucky Derby winner Sunny's Halo, had not stood at stud since 1997. He died of an apparent heart attack and was buried at the farm. Back to top
Top jockey found dead -- (Dec 10) US jockey Chris Antley was found dead at his home in Pasadena after an apparent homicide, on December 2. He was aged 34.Police say the jockey was pronounced dead at the scene with "severe trauma to the head."
Despite great success -- he won the Kentucky Derby on Strike the Gold in 1991 and on Charismatic in 1999 -- he battled weight problems and drugs and alcohol over the years. He lost his New York jockey's licence in 1988, when he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana.
But he also set several records -- nine wins in one day, 64 consecutive days of winning at least one race. He won 3480 races from 19,719
mounts, and his rides earned more than $US92million.
He stopped riding in March of this year because of weight problems.
His wife, Natalie Antley, who is eight months pregnant with the couple's first child, was in New York at the time of his death. The couple met during the 1999 Triple Crown series and were married earlier this year.
Tributes from jockeys, trainers, and owners have poured in. Back to top
Trainer zapped -- (Dec 10) Australian trainer Mark Riley has been charged by Victoria Racing Club stewards with "being in possession of an electrical apparatus capable of
affecting a horse's performance in a race or a training gallop".
His assistant trainer, Michael Cosgriff, was charged with being a party to the above charge.
The inquiry has been adjourned to a later date while Riley seeks legal advice.
The electrical apparatus was found during a stable inspection by stewards. Back to top
Lost Stubbs painting sells for $9m -- (Dec 4)
A George Stubbs painting once thought lost for 200 years sold at auction recently for £2.7 million ($NZ9.64 million).The painting, auctioned by Sotheby's, is of the racehorse Euston. It was rediscovered when cleaning revealed Stubbs' signature, along with the inscription: "Euston a dappled gray racehorse, the property of William Wildman with jockey up in a river landscape."
The painting was completed in 1774 and was one of four Stubbs' works exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1775.
Opera at home -- (Dec 1) The world's leading earning racehorse will not head for glory and riches in Europe. Japanese owned T M Opera O, will not be aimed at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France, according to owner Masatsugu Takezono.
The
Opera House colt won the Japan Cup last Sunday.
T M Opera O has earned $US11.6 million to date. Back to top
New bicarb testing -- (Dec 16) Harness
Racing New Zealand is changing its system of bicarbonate testing.
The former method of testing every horse in a handful of races will go in favour of auto analysers, similar to those used in Australia. The review undertaken on the issue was in favour of having all blood samples analysed at one laboratory. Back to top
Tompkins for Aust -- (Dec 12) Heelan Tompkins, who missed out on making the Olympic three-day team earlier this year, is heading for Australia to be based with Heath Ryan. She is aiming for a spot on the New Zealand team for the next world championships, in Spain in 2002. With Glengarrick, Tompkins won the Richfields one-day event at Waerenga earlier this month. She beat Bryce Newman (Dunstan Inishturk) and Campbell Draper (Chief Justice). Draper missed out on a $50,000 bonus prize by getting third, after winning the first two legs of the Richfields Triple Crown.
In the one star, Brazilian rider Ruy Fonseca won on High Spirits 2, with Tompkins second on Like Magic scoring 57.5. Jo Shepherd and Lily The Pink were third. Back to top
Horses hit by car -- (Dec 12) Two horses who were hit by a vehicle north of Wellington were shot by police earlier this month.Police said up to seven horses were on the road when a ute towing a trailer ran into them at 12.20am. The driver of the vehicle was injured and taken to hospital. Back to top
Gold Brose dies -- (Dec 12) Westbury Stud sire Gold Brose has been put down at Massey University after a lung infection. Attempts to save the horse failed.
A fortnight before Gold Brose had developed a high temperature which had developed into pneumonia. He was at Massey for 10 days but experts there were unable to help the horse.
His first crop of 41 foals included five stakes winners, including Buzz Lightyear, winner of the Two Thousand Guineas and the Bayer Classic -- both group one -- last season. Buzz Lightyear died in Melbourne in February. Back to top
Dog attacks horse -- (Dec 11) A dog attack on a northern beach has left a horse injured. Michelle Alexander had been riding her horse, Woody, on Muriwai Beach, and had dismounted when the dog attacked. It attacked his throat and neck area. Woody fought back by lashing out with his forelegs. The attack ended when the dog's horrified owned arrived.
Woody is expected to make a full recovery. The dog was thought to be either a bull or pit bull terrier. Back to top
Bounce bows out on high note -- (Dec 11) Seasoned campaigners Vaughn Jefferis and Bounce won the CCI three-star three-day event at Puhinui at the weekend, beating Bryce Newman (Dunstan Inishturk), with Australian Tim Boland (Limitless) third.
Jefferis has announced the retirement of Bounce, aged 18. He numbers the 1994 World Championships, team gold at the 1998 world championships, and Olympic bronze in 1996 among his best wins.
Newman had a good weekend, also finishing fifth in the three-star on Dunstan Serengeti, and third in the two-star.
Tim Price and Desamoray beat out Olympian Blyth Tait to win the two-star, finishing just over eight points ahead Tait, riding Rongotai, with Newman (Dunstan Black Andy) third.
Price won $4000 as well as $3000 for being the best-performed young rider.
Young riders were fourth (Bundy Phillpott on Hocus Pocus 2) and fifth (Kim Wylie on Prime Asset) ending a good weekend for the younger brigade in the two-star. Heelan Tompkins on The Ghost placed sixth.
In the Sky City International Class the New Zealand team of Vaughn Jefferis, Mark Todd and Daniel Jocelyn won with 176 points, beating Australia, which had 201.60. In third was the Rest of the World on 209.40, with the British isles fourth with 288.40. It was Mark Todd's final international eventing appearance. Individual standings in the class put Jefferis in the lead, ahead of Greek rider Heidi Antikatzidis. Todd was third, with Australian Matt Ryan fourth. Back to top
Wright retires -- (Dec 11) Eventing New Zealand Chairman of the Selectors Jim Wright has announced his retirement.
Wright became a selector in 1977 and has been chairman since 1983. He was recently named administrator of the year at the Waikato District's sportsperson of the year awards.
Selector Mary Darby, of Hastings, will take Wright's place as chairman. Back to top
Slack stallion owners lambasted -- (Dec 1) Stallions owners have received an offical rap over the knuckles from the New Zealand Equine Health Association. The association is concerned that a huge majority of sport horse stallion owners have ignored the EVA Control Scheme, aimed at combatting Equine Viral Arteritis.
Only 28 non thoroughbred/standardbred stallions have been tested.
Some 94 standardbred stallions have been tested including 26 in-contact stallions previously tested. Eight stallions, together with 10 recently imported stallions, were not required to be tested because of their known history of vaccination.
Five stallions have been identified as known shedders, with four having been approved for use and one not being used. One stallion remains in the doubtful category and is being treated as a known shedder until his status has been established.
Two studs have voluntarily vaccinated their stallions. Tested stallions and those of known status represent a very high percentage of all standardbred stallions at stud.
Some 215 thorougbred stallions have been tested and results will be forwarded to NZTR to complete any follow up. The numbers represent good coverage of the 240 currently registered TB stallions at stud.
The association is concerned that the 28 non racing stallions tested are only a very small proportion of other breeds at stud.
It is important for breed societies to keep records of tested stallions so that the EHA can have a comprehensive picture of the true EVA status throughout New Zealand.
For the EVA Control Scheme to be successful it is essential that all New Zealand stallion owners take a responsible attitude and have the blood test taken by their Veterinary Surgeon immediately. A good health status for all horses in New Zealand is the responsibility of all breed groups not just the thoroughbred and standardbreds.
The total co-operation of stallion owners is very important and should not be
ignored.
EVA forms are available for download here. Information: contact Gabrielle Deuss G.Deuss@xtra.co.nz. Back to top
Todd heads Puhunui team -- (Dec 1) Mark Todd's retirement is proving short-lived as he has been chosen to head the New Zealand team for the international event at the Puhinui horse trials this month.
Other team members are Vaughn Jefferis and Dan Jocelyn, who missed going to the Olympics when his horse was injured.
Both Todd and Jefferis retired from top competition after Sydney. In Puhunui's international competition, where NZ will take on Australian, the British Isles, and a Rest of World team, all riders compete on borrowed horses.
The Australian team features team and double individual Olympic winner Matt Ryan, while the Rest of the World team numbers Greek Olympic
rider Heidi Antikazides in its ranks. Back to top
Dressage champion out of action -- (Dec 1) Worldwide, this year's national dressage champion, is out of action with injury.
The hanoverian stallion, who stands at Vollrath Stud in Wanganui, will also miss the rest of the breeding season, says owner Berny Maubach.
Mr Maubach says Worldwide had been lame with a niggling injury, which was diagnosed by veterinarians at Massey University as a fracture in his near-hind pastern.
"This is only a seasonal blow, as it will heal perfectly. He has to be boxed for about 3-4 months and kept without stress on the fetlock joint," Mr Maubach says. Back to top
Backyard castration kills horse -- (Dec 1) A backyard castration of a young colt who later died has prompted a warning of the pracrice by the SPCA.
A West Coast stockman, Bill Parker, of Mawheraiti, was convicted in June on two charges under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. He was convicted without fine and ordered to pay SPCA and veterinary costs of $3000.
Parker used a scalpel and no anaesthetic to geld the colt. It was reported that hours later, SPCA inspectors and a vet found the horse standing in a pool of blood, bleeding excessively, and in shock. It was later destroyed.
Parker was found guilty of ill-treating a two-year old appaloosa and
performing an illegal surgical procedure on it.
The prosecution was the first in New Zealand under the new act. Two further prosecutions were pending and another illegal castration under
investigation in the Haast area.
Since 1960 it has been illegal to geld horses without the supervision of a veterinarian. Back to top
Sunline for HK despite virus -- (Dec 1) Japanese encephalitis in Hong Kong will not stop star Kiwi mare Sunline from racing there this month, says trainer Stephen McKee.
A horse destroyed last month was confirmed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club to be carrying the Japanese encephalitis virus. The club says it was an isolated incident and that horses could not pass
the virus on to other horses or humans. "We are confident that it will be business as usual for the Hong Kong international races," said Winfried
Engelbrecht-Bresges, the club's executive director of racing. Back to top
More research on horses -- (Dec 1) The National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee's 1999 annual report has revealed that the number of animals used in research this year dropped to 249,272 from 310,737 the previous year.
It was reported that this drop is mostly because of a huge decrease in experiments on fish.
Experiments on horses and donkeys increased more than 50 per cent to 434. Back to top
Selector wins award -- (Dec 1) New Zealand equestrian selector Jim Wright was named administrator of the year at the Waikato District's sportsperson of the year awards last month.
Wright has been an executive member of New Zealand Horse Trials since 1985 and chairperson of selectors since 1983.
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