Te Akau Travel Update

David writes:

There is a lot of discussion in the Australian media regarding veterinary surgeons and how in Australia they are going to have ti be licensed.

I firmly believe that all vets who attend to racehorses should be licensed - why shouldn't they all be required to be?  Trainers have to be licensed, jockeys have to be licensed - and they have to conform to the rules.  I firmly believe that vets should be too.  If they are doing everything by the rules, what have they got to be afraid of?

This morning I am off to Charlie Hills' training establishment at Lambourn - about 1.25 hours' drive from London - I just love watching the good English horses work and I also enjoy studying the way they are trained.  it is always interesting too, to spend time talking with the good jockeys.

Then tonight Karyn has seconded me to theatre duty - she has tried to select a show that I will enjoy so Mamma Mia here we go ("again" - ha ah Ed)!

This week we are staying at the Rosewood Hotel in London - Karyn is a confirmed advocate of this hotel now as she discovered they have a resident golden retriever (much better behaved than Te Akau Kane!! - Ed) called Pearl who owns the place.  She goes walking twice a day (Pearl that is) with another staff dog called Maggie, a Scotty.  In fact this hotel is a "pet friendly" hotel we have since discovered (ilcuidng the budgies in the foyer - Ed again!!).  I would have to say it is one of the best run hotels in London and is beautifully laid out.

I was really thrilled to see Steve and Jamie present Bettorock in pristine condition for her maiden win on Wednesday.  She took out the first race at Rotorua in determined fashion, recording a narrow but convincing win for Te Akau stable rider Matt Cameron.

A great team of people race Bettorock but she is a filly who has had no luck so it is great to see her owners' patience rewarded well and truly. Another strong ride from Matt who is on fire at present and looks set to claim back to back Jockeys' Premiership titles.