Back on track
It's a good outcome for everyone in Otago racing with the clearance for Wingatui to be used for a race meeting on May 31.
As mentioned in Wednesday's story, there were no complaints at all about the track after the jumpouts on Tuesday and all four heats went over the area near the 800m which has arguably been the root (excuse the pun) of the problems.
While jockeys and owners got some compensation from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, it's been tough for trainers - both based here and further afield - as the abandonments over the last few months have cut into their bottom line, but few have copped it in the neck more than Wayne Stevens and his crew.
Come spring and summer next season, don't be surprised to hear the track is back at the top of the rankings nationwide based on how it has generally played over the years.
Making history now . . .
A few weeks ago, you may recall I questioned the hype (or lack thereof) around this year's Kentucky Derby.
Due to various circumstances (mainly being stuck in cars), I haven't been able to see either this year's Kentucky Derby or Preakness Stakes live, but I have caught up with them on YouTube recently.
American Pharoah's win in the ''slop'' at Pimlico was pretty special and - most importantly - means he is still in with a chance of breaking the 37-year Triple Crown drought.
Guess where I'll be on the morning of June 7, when the Belmont is being run?
That's right - in a car on the way to Oamaru for the Waimate Cup meeting.
Might be the good old-fashioned car radio for me.
. . . and then
Speaking of YouTube, I happened upon a brilliant channel the other day.
Someone with the username Magictoliver has a treasure trove of old TV news stories on great pacers and trotters of yesteryear.
For example, the most recently uploaded videos on the channel include a story on Master Musician, some of Cardigan Bay's wins and extended pieces on Chokin and David Moss.
Well worth a peek on a dreary Sunday in Otago.
Share the fun
Jaccka Emberz might not be at Cardigan Bay's or Chokin's level, but there could be a few wins in store with him with the Forbury Fun syndicate.
There are still shares available, so get in touch with the Forbury Park office for more details.
Lazy Fiver
Fifth for Augusta National at Te Rapa last weekend - brings back memories of the regular results for the Lazy Fiver 12 or 18 months ago.
And not necessarily good memories.
Anyway, back to harness racing this week, and surely the All Stars polish will have been neatly applied to a fresh-up Vice Consul in race 10 at Addington tonight.
