Every month HRNZ picks at random an owner and breeder of the month. The only proviso is that their horse must have won a race during the month.
The owner and breeder for May are Shaun Jones as being part of the ownership group of Ti Amo Belle at Addington on May 3 and 30 while Tina and Chris Barlow are breeders of the month, following Heisenberg’s two wins, also at Addington, on May 10 and 30.
Owner of month : Shaun Jones
Ti Amo Belle (Love You – Chiola Belle) has now won seven from 27 for trainer Jack Harrington.
“I wasn’t at Addington for Belle’s wins but I watched them at home with family and friends,” says Jones, “I was recommended by a mate that her breeding was good for a trotter.”
“I got into ownership through a workmate in Ashburton.”
Over the years Jones reckons he has involved in “around eight syndicates” and he’s far from finished.
“I’m actually looking at a couple as we speak!”
Breeder of the month : Tina and Chris Barlow
The now eight-year-old Heisenberg has been a great performer since debuting as a two-year-old, winning 13 races from 115 starts for Team Dunn.
“It’s great to breed a horse like this. He has ability, tenacity, and longevity. He never steps out without a chance,” says Tina Barlow, “he has given his owners a fantastic ride. We’d all like to breed more like him.”
The Auckland-based Barlows weren’t at Addington for either of the wins but closely follow the ones they have bred under their “Highfields Bloodstock” banner and Heisenberg is clearly a favourite.
“On toughness, consistency and longevity he’d be right up there with the best we’ve bred. On stakes there are others such as Alleluia who won $600,000 and Defiance $600,000. We’ve also bred a thoroughbred who won just on a $1m.”
Defiance had just the one win this country in 2007 before being exported and finished up with 41 wins from 180 starts in Australia and North America, while Alleluia won four here for the Purdon-Rasmussen team before gong over to Australia. He finished with 35 wins from 194 starts and retired in 2020.
“Now we breed only one or two Thoroughbreds, six to eight Standardbreds but a few more sport horses which is where our interest is now greater. We have bred some very competitive eventing horses that have taken us on a great journey both domestically and internationally.”
“Chris retired from Air NZ a few years ago after 42 years flying but we have other business interests that keep us both very busy. However the farm ticks along nicely as we have fantastic staff. Stella, whom everyone knows from the Sales has been working with us for 28 years and my other staff between four and six years with many others over the last 10-12 years coming back as I need them.”
“Great staff are the biggest asset a business can have and allow us the luxury of time away and continuing in an industry we have had a lifelong passion for,” says Tina Barlow.
A plaque has been sent out to May’s winners. Congratulations.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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