The past 12 months have produced a season that few in Otago racing circles will forget in a hurry. From floods to tragic deaths to triumphs against adversity, the 2014-15 season has had it all. Matt Smith looks back at the season in review.
The problem with a positive outcome is that it sometimes causes a new set of challenges.
An Irish-bred jockey with a quick wit is being mourned by the South Island racing community after he died suddenly on Sunday.
It should come as no surprise that sibling rivalry is the driving force for Oamaru driver Matthew Williamson as he sets his sights on 1000 driving wins.
A two-win lead could be enough for Riccarton trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman to claim their first South Island trainers' premiership - but Michael Pitman is taking nothing for granted yet.
If I was to summarise the 2014-15 season, ''normal'' wouldn't even enter the conversation.
It would be fitting if Matthew Williamson's 500th winner came in his father's colours at Addington tonight.
White Robe Lodge trainers Brian and Shane Anderton have regained their spot as the leading trainers at Wingatui and Cromwell.
Otago trainers snared two of the main prizes on offer for the season after the Forbury Park Trotting Club's final meeting of the season on Friday.
Only 109 wins to go - that is the challenge for Candice Orange, who trained her first winner at Oamaru yesterday.
Flemington on Saturday and Oamaru on Sunday - not your regular weekend for an apprentice jockey.
A chilly July day in Oamaru is a long way from the heaving masses at Riccarton on New Zealand Cup day.
This time last year, Jake Lowry was still hunting down his first riding win.
Danke means ''thanks'' in German but syndicate manager Mark McNamara was dishing out plenty of the English equivalent after race 1 at Forbury Park last night.
A career half-century is just two wins away for Rory McIlwrick, but he may not get a chance to salute the milestone this season.
Wingatui's Courtney Barnes has been giving her all during her two-week stint at the stables of Mornington trainer Patrick Carey.
Buying at the yearling sales - some trainers swear by it, while others don't like the long-term risk factor. How successful is it to buy at the sales - be it thoroughbred or standardbred? Matt Smith went through the top 10 lots at the 2012 yearling sales in both codes, with the class of 2012 now rising 5yr-olds. The results may surprise.
The first heat could make all the difference for Brad Williamson in tonight's New Zealand junior drivers' championship at Addington.
Westwood Beach trainer Graeme Anderson sets some high standards for himself.
Just one win separates Roxburgh trainers Geoff and Jude Knight from a figure that was not even in their minds at the start of the 2014-15 season.
