Te Akau Midweek Update

David writes:

It has been one of the saddest weeks imaginable at Te Akau with Hayden Allen passing away yesterday morning.

Hayden was a long time employee of the John Sargent stable and when Sarge went to Sydney, Hayden ran the stable for him here.  When Sarge wound up his New Zealand operation, Hayden decided that he wanted to spend some time away from racing.  So he worked for Valachi Downs but each morning he came to the track at 4am and worked for Te Akau until about 7.30am.

Hayden was one of the best trackwork riders and horsemen that you would ever see. Just one of those really top guys who was unbelievably reliable and capable - we are just so cut up about his loss.

On things of a happier note - I am really looking forward to the Ellerslie races on Saturday - this is one track that you know they always irrigate and the horses always come out of the race in good shape - it is never too firm and they have a really good irrigation system in place meaning all horses have a really good chance.

This type of track is so important with the Group 1 NZ Derby and Cup Week around the corner.  It is great that the Auckland Racing Club is one Club that always gets it right.

Today we are branding our last 12 foals at Te Akau Stud and we have new owners coming to see yearlings both this morning and again this afternoon.  The first group of home-bred yearlings that we are breaking in will be ridden for the first time tomorrow and they are all progressing very well.