Te Akau Midweek Update

David writes:

It is certainly a frustrating time of the year with the winter tracks - it is very hard to get a line on horses when they are trialling or racing on this heavy going.

However as one of our talented young team members always says: "it is what it is"!

I am very much looking forward to the all weather track being opened. It will not only save the course proper at these clubs but will enable us to trial on better footing, and get more of a line on our horses' preparations and fitness.

We trialled 24 horses at Ellerslie yesterday, and we saw some very nice performances. Most of the horses went to the line under a hold but I can see some winners coming out of this group very shortly.

This morning we took nine horses to Taupo to gallop. The track there has been widened and looks simply amazing. Top marks really need to be given to the Taupo Racing Club - well done.

In my opinion, we should be using Taupo and Ruakaka
racecourses as often as possible during this time of the year, as they have the
best winter tracks.

Lambing is now well underway here at Te Akau Stud. The 5YO
ewes have started and overnight we had four sets of twins and one single. 

I noted yesterday at 2pm that the temperature was at 18
degrees. This means the grass is still growing especially with this steady
rain, which is quite extraordinary for this time of the year.

We are all really looking forward to 1 August. This not only signals the start of the new season, but also coincides with the start of the latest Racing Amendment Bill which becomes law on 1 August as well. This will see the TAB being given further options of delivering additional funding for the racing industry.

Last weekend, Karyn and I travelled to Taupo for a three day break. I had been gifted a copy of Judith Collins' book 'Pull No Punches' before I left and I must say, I really enjoyed reading it while I was away.

No matter what your political persuasion, it is often so interesting to read about the background of people in public office. Judith has led an incredibly interesting life and I found it most intriguing that her family were all Labour voters but she turned them around. Her parents ended up voting National before they passed away. 

What I do like is seeing any politician making the effort to understand the industry and talk to participants about the challenges we have been facing - last year Judith Collins came to Karaka and I found it valuable to be able to discuss key industry issues and concerns with her. We need to communicate to all politicians about the importance of this industry to the general economy, to exports, to employment.

It was great to spend some quality time with my beautiful wife, however, we always look forward to returning to the farm.

Have a great weekend everyone - I hope you are looking forward to seeing the Te Akau team back in action at Te Rapa on Saturday as much as I am. 

GO THE TANGERINE!

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