This week was notable for the retirement of two warriors of the turf.
Zabeel may have last graced a racetrack more than 20 years ago, but his legacy has largely been formed in the breeding barn with 43 group 1 winners.
And, judging by the way Lifeline Express picked up his rivals in a few bounds at Matamata on Wednesday, No 44 might even come in the New Zealand Derby in March.
That would bring him to just one behind his dad, Sir Tristram, in terms of group 1 winners, with plenty of his progeny still on the track.
. . . for good
Mufhasa won 10 group 1 races on his own during his sparkling career, even if it all got a little bit messy in the last 12 months with a change of trainer and some possibly unnecessary travelling to Hong Kong.
Still, the owners of the 9yr-old son of Pentire can look back on his two Telegraph Handicaps in particular with plenty of pride. And, of course, there's the small matter of the $3.6 million that Mufhasa banked in his 62 starts.
Holiday reading
Speaking of legends of the turf, if the significant other or a family member is proving hard to buy for, I'd suggest popping along to Paper Plus Dunedin or Mosgiel and getting a copy of Brian Anderton's book BJ - The White Robe Legacy.
I've had a quick flick through it and it looks like an intriguing read on a man who has remained staunch throughout the tough times in New Zealand and Otago racing and has helped many horsemen and women along the road towards a career in the thoroughbred industry in particular. The book, which retails for $35, is also available through White Robe Lodge.
Radio with pictures - online
It's probably well past time, but finally you can watch Trackside online.
An email landed in the inbox from the TAB yesterday, which advises you can now watch Trackside on your computer, iPad and iPhone as long as you have money in your account and you are in New Zealand when accessing the pictures.
It all sounds promising - except I only have a Samsung tablet at home and the Android operating system isn't supported. Still, at least I can still watch races the old-fashioned way on television.
Lazy Fiver
Fifth for Atacama in the Waikato Gold Cup. Lotalov had no luck last week, and is as good as any of the other trotters in race 7 at Alexandra Park tonight.
