Heads has moved his training operation from Waimumu, near Gore, to the beach stables previously used by Noel Creighton and Andrew Faulks.
Forbury Park Trotting Club president Gerald Cayford has bought the 10.9ha property and leased it to Heads. Cayford said the stables had not been occupied for about 12 months, and lupins had grown across much of the property.
There had been plenty to do to bring it up to scratch but there were many positives about the place, including the track and access to the beach.
‘‘Billy had a look at about five properties for me,'' Cayford said.
‘‘It was the best one, even though it was run-down. This one here needed a lot of money spent on it.''
The track is 550m, and Cayford said the custodians of the Waikouaiti racecourse had been excellent in allowing access to the grass track and the inside track.
Heads has three runners in today's youth versus experience meeting at Courage Under Fire Raceway, and De Vito (race 4) looks the best chance of Heads' trio.
The little trotter has been runner-up for his last three starts and can go one better off his 10m mark tomorrow.
‘‘As long as he backs up from the other day, and I can't see why he won't,'' Heads said.
‘‘He seems pretty perky. He'll go out and play on the beach this afternoon.''
Heads said his team was slowly being introduced to the surf on Waikouaiti Beach. Some enjoy it more than others.
‘‘I've got three of them which just love going out,'' he said.
‘‘La Vette is already out playing in the water. The others are scared when the water gets near them, but they'll get used to it.''
Backseat Chick is back to her preferred starting method behind the 10m tapes in race 1 after a good third behind Kotare Yael at Oamaru on Sunday.
‘‘I was stoked with her the other day. She's had five starts from a stand for five cheques and nothing from a mobile. That's her problem.''
Degas, a recent arrival from Jonny Cox's stables, has adjusted well to life in Waikouaiti.
‘‘He's pretty bright and perky and hasn't done much since last week. We'll drive him from behind and see what happens.''
Dexter Dunn has been drawn to drive De Vito in the invited drivers series, while Matthew Williamson will steer Backseat Chick and Degas.
Cayford said the property had become a necessity, particularly as his broodmare band expands and he takes a more hands-on role with his racing interests.
‘‘It's got to the stage now with my broodmares . . . where I really had to buy a property myself to put them on, just on the financial side,'' he said.
‘‘I'm going to have up to 10 in work. And I'll be working them a bit myself, too.''
Heads, who was seeking a change after driving Fonterra milk tankers for five years, just has to get to grips with the timing factor of beach training.
'‘We intend to do 80% of the work on the beach if we can,'' Heads said.
‘‘It's just a matter of me getting used to the tides. I'll have to buy an alarm clock and learn how to get out of bed a wee bit earlier and getting the horses used to going out.''
Waikouaiti TC
The teams
Team Youth
Zac Butcher, Dexter Dunn, Craig Ferguson, Samantha Ottley, Matthew Williamson, Nathan Williamson
Team Experience
David Butcher, Ken Barron, Allan Beck, Jim Curtin, Lance Justice, Ricky May
Points: 12 points for 1st down to 1 point for 12th.
Tips from the talent
Matthew Williamson
Prince George (Race 2, No 4)
Ken Barron
Sin Bin (Race 4, No 8)
Nathan Williamson
Isola Bella (Race 5, No 6)
Ricky May
Devil May Care (Race 7, No 5)
Samantha Ottley
Tas Man Bromac (Race 7, No 8)
