Miscellaneous

Grand Zulu Hopes for the Winners Circle

It was smiles and celebration all around at the 2004 Group One BMW racing event, which was held at Rosehill, when the then three-year old Grand Zulu crossed the finish line in remarkable form. For trainer, Gwenda Markwell and Grand Zulu’s owner, Hong Kong based David Choy, it was a magnificent victory and a wonderful achievement for the entire team. But it was the last time that winning celebrations were experienced in the Grand Zulu camp.

Make the Story of Dan Patch Your Next Read

The story of Dan Patch begins on 29 April 1896, when a knobbly-kneed and clumsy little colt was born to owner Dan Messner. Not seeing much racing potential in the colt was disappointing to Messner, but the colt’s gentle demeanor and obvious love for attention from people encouraged Messner to keep trying. Through his desire to bring out the best in Dan Patch and the patient training of John Wattles, the future slowly grew more positive for the large horse. His life is a rags-to-riches story, one of heartache, love, affection and loss. It is story that deserves to be kept alive, and Charles Leerhsen has done just that by writing and releasing the novel “Crazy Good: The True Story of Dan Patch, the most famous horse in America”.

New Zealand and Australia Head to International Events

Over the last few years, Australia and New Zealand have both noticed an increase of horses being flown out to international racing events, rather than taking part in local racing meetings. Many are wondering how the growing number of horses leaving New Zealand and Australia will affect their clubs and racing festivals, as the best horses are running in international races. In the past, events held in England and America did not pose a great threat, but big international events are now being hosted in Dubai and Asia, giving New Zealand’s horses a competitive field to compete in.