Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) has a proud tradition of employing staff who are involved with various facets of the industry. None more so than in respect of those preparing yearlings for the annual sales. This has included past staff members Aimee Edmonds and the late Lyn O’Connell with current employees Natalie Gameson and Stacey Markham.
Stacey Markham (Media and Marketing Manager), is the latest and youngest yearling sales preparer working for HRNZ.
Prior to looking at Stacey’s harness racing involvement, a review of the yearlings she is preparing for the 2017 New Zealand Premier Yearling Sale at Canterbury’s Agricultural Park, Christchurch on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 February 2017.
Lot Name Breeding Owner (s)
324 Clicquot Orlando Vici-Sunny Kash Derek (DNR) Jones, Mrs Adele (ACS- Jones
(licensed to train partnership)
The bay filly Clicquot was bred by Derek and Adele Jones together with Peter (PR) Jones and is her dam Sunny Kash’s first foal.
Her French bred sire Orlando Vici (Quadrophenio/Irlande Du Nord) was a multiple Group 1 winner in France (Criterium Des Ans at three and four, both at Vincennes), together with three Group Two’s again at age three and four (also a Group Three at four). Recording a best mile rate of T1:12.7EU over 2100m (T1:57.0) and T1:13.2EU over 2875m (T1:57.4) with accumulated stakes of 835,990Euros from twelve wins (2 at two, nine group wins at three and four) and eight placings from thirty two starts from age two to five (retired due to injury at five). Orlando Vici’s breeding is a combination of French male sire lines over an American dam sire (Workaholic/Peter The Great sire line) bred to French female line. His major winner to date is French stallion Un Mec D’Heripre, winner of six Group Ones (five in France, one in Sweden) and a heat of 2016 Elitloppet (third in final), T1:-09.3EU/T1:51.4, 1.6m Euros. Orlando Vici has major siring credits (stakes exceeding 18mEuros) with progeny born in France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, Holland and Czechoslovakia. He belongs to the family of Mazurka (E33). Semen for Orlando Vici was again available to breeders from Haras des Trotteurs during the latest breeding season.
Clicquot’s dam Sunny Kash (Continentalman/Sunny Yankee), one of 18 mares served by Orlando Vici in 2014/15 season when frozen semen was available for $7,000 + GST from Haras Des Trotteurs (eight foals, six registered). Sunny Kash belongs to the family of Lizzie Witherspoon (U8). A six race winner (T2:03.0, $59,402) for her owners the Jones‘s (Derek, Adele Peter) and Derek/Adele who trained her in partnership (Derek was sole trainer for her first win). This included three wins at Addington, two at Motukarara and one at Rangiora. Sunny Kash at present has a positive test to Love You. Grand dam Sunny Yankee (Sundon/Yankee Diedree) was a winner whose only winning progeny from three live foals has been Sunny Kash. Unraced third dam Yankee Diedree (Yankee Reb/Diedre Hanover), has left six winners including recent winner Stylish Duke (four wins to date) and Aldebaran Dream (VIC Trotters Oaks, dam of Aldebaran Eve, VIC SS – 3T).
It is Clicquot‘s fourth dam that has produced the major family winners – five winners including Diedre’s Girl (dam of Conon Bridge, T1:57.9, AUS Breeders Crown – 2), Hurricane Flyer (GN Trotting Derby, Breeders Crown, 8 wins), Thanksgiving (NZSS – 2T, dam of two minute trotters Galaxy Hunter, Armed Force) and Roydon Diedre (unraced dam of Diedres Pride [open class trotter; dam of Diedre Don, NZSS – 2T, sire of fastest ever NZ bred trotting mare Paris Princess T1:54.2US; grand dam of Monbet, current Harness Horse of the Year and champion NZ trotter]; Roydon Whiz (4yo trotting mare of year); grand dam of Sunny Ruby [Jewels Ruby, T1:54.7, fastest female trotter in Australasia] and Im Ready Set T1:56.6). Diedre Hanover bred by Hanover Shoe Farms was imported by Sir Roy McKenzie, who bred nine foals from her prior to Gary Allen (Fanny Allen Trust), former Chairman of Harness Racing New Zealand and Trevor Casey breeding her last three foals.
Clicquot is one of only two foals by Orlando Vici included in the NZ Premier Yearling Sale at Christchurch on Wednesday 22 February 2017 (one in Australasian Classic Yearling Sale).
Lot Name Breeding Owner (s)
299 Guido Da Siena Art Major-Siena Franco Loburn Ltd, Loburn
A colt from leading sire Art Major (winners of approximately $150m in stakes worldwide) out of a Courage Under Fire mare Siena Franco, winner of 1 in NZ and ten in WA including four at Gloucester Park (1:55.8, $89,682, third in Gp3 Daintys Daughter Classic). This colt belongs to the family of Pride of Lincoln (N1) with his fourth dam Stormy Pat having left 2yo Pacing Filly of Year Seaswift Franco, dam of Majestic Major while recent ID contender Our Jimmy Johnstone is a close relation.
Lot Name Breeding Owner (s)
371 Havehorsewilltravel Angus Hall-Winfield Invasion Loburn Ltd, Loburn
(on account of Loburn Ltd, Loburn, WDC03lTD, Burnham and Mr S Robertson, NSW)
A trotting breed colt from one of the three famous Garland Lobell/Amour Angus siring full brothers in Angus Hall (Andover Hall/Conway Hall others) out of a winner producing Armbro Invasion mare in Winfield Invasion (4 wins, T2:04.1, $21,519). This colt is a half brother to McLovin (three wins in seven starts to date, T2:06.6). This is the family of Ethie B (U309) who is the fifth dam of Widow Volo exported to NZ and foundation mare in NZ of this family. This colt is closely related to Dominion Hcp winner Alias Armbro, NZ Trotting FFA winner Family Pride, Winfield Armbro, Butch Cassidy etc.
For further information refer to www.merakiequine.co.nz
Coming from a harness racing family, it was inevitable that Stacey would be involved in some capacity in the harness racing industry. Not many families would have all members so extensively involved. Her parents Carl and Lyn Markham, train a team of horses from their Methven property with Lyn listed as stable hand but master of much more. Carl has had a licence to train since 2000/2001 season and an open driving licence since 1985 having previously held a junior licence (1980 – 1984).
His first driving successes came in his second season as a junior driver with Easter Morn, a winner for trainer John Scott (part owner with Mrs EA Gorman) at both Oamaru (27 October 1980) and Addington (22 November 1980, junior drivers event on Dominion Hcp evening, 4th day of 1980 NZ Cup meeting). Overall his sixty five winning drives have amassed a little over half a million in stakes, the most recent three (first in over three years) coming on the West Coast circuit between Christmas/New Year 2016.
Having his first success in his initial season of training with Sea Spray Padero at Addington on 15 March 2001. Interestingly, in the junior drivers race, the horse was driven by Jamie Gameson (Junior Drivers, C1 & faster Trot), husband of another HRNZ employee and yearling sales preparer Natalie Gameson. Carl’s current tally of training successes stands at 21, eleven of whom have been trotters.
Both Stacey’s brothers are involved in the industry. Older brother Matthew, worked as a racing reporter for the Christchurch Press and at HRNZ he was involved with production of the Harness Racing Weekly and now the monthly HARNESSED magazine He has now established his own creation Markham Media. Married to Kelly with a young son Isaac, Matthew is keen and skilled at his favoured sport of indoor bowls. Having been to a number of NZ championships competing successfully as too has younger brother Jeremy. Jeremy a junior driver who has spent time working for the All Stars Stables (Mark Purdon/Natalie Rasmussen). Currently employed by Mark Jones, after completing a stint at Cran Dalgety’s. In his sixth season as a junior driver, Jeremy’s five wins have included three for his father as trainer including his first with Diggerby for owners the Blackwells at Motukarara on 24 November 2013.
Stacey completed her schooling at Methven Primary School and Mount Hutt College (Methven), working for trainers Terry May (Ricky‘s father) and the late Carl Middleton during weekends and school holidays as well as helping her parents when free. Since 2009 she has spent the past seven years with Harness Racing New Zealand. During this time undertaking a variety of roles commencing with that of front of office receptionist plus mail opening/distribution, scanning documents onto computer database, knowledge of staff movements, dealing with public/customer queries and assisting other departments.
Stacey attended and graduated top Cadet of the Harness Racing Cadet Scheme in 2010 and received the Canterbury Harness Horse scholarship that year to Australia for work experience. This involved spending two weeks at the offices of Harness Racing Victoria and Harness Racing Australia to further her knowledge of racing administration plus the opportunity to attend the 2011 Breeders Crown at TABCorp Park, Melton (with then HRNZ employee Charlotte Hunter). Whilst many of the rules and systems are similar, Stacey learnt new skills and knowledge in areas such as marketing, licensing, handicapping, import clearances etc. Attending race meetings Stacey was able to assist with race day duties and on Breeders Crown day was involved in the presentation of trophies, dress rugs and champagne to winning owners. Her hosts were Jess Tubbs and partner Greg Sugars (trainer/driver), getting to experience first hand their horses stabled at Jessamy Park.
Stacey completed a NZ Institute of Management Certificate in Business Management since commencing working for HRNZ and has had a varied range of duties :
- Publishing Assistant/Administration (4 years) : Putting together the Harness Racing Weekly
- Marketing & Communications Executive & Publishing Assistant (21 months) : included putting together monthly HARNESSED magazine, videoing, video editing, HR minute/e mail communications etc
- Marketing & Communications Manager (19 months) : responsible for marketing all events and communications within Harness Racing industry in NZ g. Harness Jewels, Awards, Junior Drivers championships etc. videoing, video editing, HR minute/e mail communications etc
- Media & Marketing Manager (since August 2016) : responsible for marketing all events and communications within Harness Racing industry in NZ e.g. Harness Jewels, Awards, Junior Drivers championships etc as well as managing all the content for the website, magazine, media desk, social media. videoing, video editing, HR minute/e mail communications etc
Stacey has performed the role of Secretary for the Kidz Katz & Pony Trust Canterbury Incorporated. The Kid Katz was not around when Stacey was younger, something she missed out on at the time.
The co founder of “5 Star Yearling Preparation”with Trent Yesberg, during the four years of horses being presented at the National Sales by Stacey and Trent, they built it up to having the South Island’s largest draft (2015 – 23 yearlings). Among those prepared, the best prices gained have included :
2015 Sales – current season three year olds :
- JOHNNY PODRES (Christian Cullen/Brooklyn Dream colt) sold for $75,000 to Barry Purdon and ROCK N ROLL PATRON (Rock N Roll Heaven/Anita Patron filly) sold to Steven Reid for $30,000 were both out of mares bred by Ron Burrell’s Burbeck Harness Bloodstock Ltd. The filly was consigned by John Henderson, father of former HRNZ employee Brooke who shared in Anita Patron’s ownership during her racing career – both qualified at two but unraced to date
- LOVES ME LIKE A ROCK (Rocknroll Hanover/Lucinda Midfrew colt) sold for $65,000 to Walmsey Developments Pty Ltd, Western Australia and LETSGOTOTHEHOP (Rock N Roll Heaven/Lulubelle Midfrew colt) sold to Nigel McGrath for $60,000 [being trained by Tim Butt, four starts, one 2yo placing] were both consigned by Breeders Association head John Mooney and his wife Rebecca. A winner at Addington just prior to Christmas in 1:59.1MR.
Qualifiers include :
- BETTOR ROCK AGAIN (Bettors Delight/Jingle Belle Rock gelding) – qualified at two but not yet raced
- LET IT RIDE (Rock N Roll Heaven/Love A Gamble) – qualified at three, unraced at present
while those to have racetrack performances have been :
- BETTOR BE GOLD (Bettors Delight/Return To Gold gelding), winner at two at Addington, 1:58.9, $14,541
- SLICE OF HEAVEN (Rock N Roll Heaven/Shards Fantasy coli), two AUS wins (one at two/one at three), 1:59.3, $9,840
- ONE BID BUYS (Muscle Mass/Biddy Bid filly), one Alexandra Park win at two, T2:08.0, $7,065
- REGAL MAJOR (Art Major/Shards A Flyin colt) sold to Nigel McGrath for $40,000, family of Sly Flyin, Smiling Shard. Being trained by Tim Butt, winner at Ashburton during Cup week 2016 and Rangiora prior to Christmas, 1:58.2, $10,578; exported to Australia
- RIGHTEOUS BROTHER (Rock N Roll Heaven/Falcons Guest gelding), winner at Motukarara and Invercargill at three, 2:03.0, $13,580
- TACHYON (Mach Three/Northern Franco filly) purchased by Mark Purdon for $60,000, is a half sister to Pembrook Benny who had eight two/three year old starts for a win at Rangiora, 2:03.7, $15,617. Now winner in Australia as Sparkling Tachyon of Gp3 Alabar Gold Chalice at Melton, A$18,000, 1:58.1
- LADY DANGER (Bettors Delight/Lady Davinci filly), placed third in one 3yo outing
- IDEAL LEGS (American idea/Lynne Falcon filly), two unplaced 3yo efforts to date
Stacey has now established her own business, being Managing Director of Meraki Equine, her website being www.merakiequine.co.nz. Preparation of yearlings for the sales takes place in the November/February window. In 2016, she handled the complete and final Millburn Farm for the (late Carl Middleton and Heather Middleton) draft of six youngsters, five colts and a filly representing stallions Repeat Love (four), Majestic Son and Dream Vacation. These youngsters were :
- MARGIE’S LOVER (Repeat Love/Margie D colt), sold to Paul Nairn
- UNBRIDLED PASSION (Repeat Love/Millburn Segil filly) and CRUISE ALSAKA (Dream Vacation/Violette colt), sold to Heidi Richardson, Te Awamutu
- VALLONIA (Majestic Son/Savona colt), sold to Robert Dunn, Christchurch for $32.000
- LOVE INDEED (Repeat Love/Who Indeed colt), sold to PGW as agent, Christchurch
- LAPLANDER (Repeat Love/Another Starlet colt), sold to Andrew and Lyn Neal, Cambridge for $15,000
Stacey’s yearling sale draft of youngsters for the upcoming 2017 sales were outlined earlier.
A share in Jean Sebastien (Love You/Tehoro Mistletoe gelding), the “family horse” leased together with her father Carl (his trainer) and JW Maw, bred by Mrs JL Becker, completes Stacey’s harness racing interests. A winner of three races and placed on fourteen occasions, $36,590, he has been driven by younger brother Jeremy in all but nine of his starts [8 November 2016] – Carl (7), David White (once) and Craig Ferguson who won with him in 2016 NZ Junior Drivers Championship heat win at Addington. Jeremy won with Jean Sebastien at Rangiora and Timaru. Jean Sebastien comes from the family of Mayflower (N23), a good producing family including trotters Stormy Morn (Dominion Hcp, Rowe Cup, AUST Trotters Championship), Lady Scott (Dominion Hcp), Tyron Scottie for Patrick O’Reilly jnr (National Trot twice), Clover Don, Aile Rogue and pacers Stanley Rio (NZ Cup, Messenger, ID Pacing Final), Moon Reveler (VIC Derby), Whirley Dream (SA Cup), Karalta Jet (TAS Pacing Championship), Sheza Mona (VIS SS/Tatlow Memorial – 2f), No Frolicking (SA Derby/Oaks), Breenys Fella (City of Auckland FFA, Victoria Cup).
Outside of harness racing itself, Stacey’s own horse interest includes the showing of
reschooled retired standardbreds – there is life after racing indeed for many of our past heroes. She had a few riding ponies and horses when she was younger, but didn’t really get into it until she had worked at HRNZ for a couple of years and saved up enough money to purchase her first show Standardbred, (DJ) David Dillinger (13g hack DM Dilinger/Mystery Woman), a grey ex standard bred race horse whose 19 starts included five when driven by her father Carl for no return. He did however manage a solitary victory for Stephen McNally and Andrew Stuart (trainer) at Stratford. Stacey has received many ribbons, including Champion Open and Champion Paced and Mannered Standardbred at the Royal Canterbury A&P Show in November 2012. Her current horses apart from David Dillinger are other former standardbreds in 6 race winning pacer JD Fortune (12g Washington VC/Jingle Belle Rock, his owner being Jo Van der Woerd, my wife’s first hairdresser in Christchurch some 20 years ago) who won champion ridden standard bred at 2016 A&P Show and pacing powerhouse 17.2 hands giant Pure Power (10g Grinfromeartoear/Highfields Angel), 1:51.0, $301,302. He was the winner of nine races in NZ for Dave and Clare McGowan (Tauranga Grass Cup, Rangiora Classic) plus a further four at Menangle Park, Sydney for ex Kiwi trainer Nicole Molander (Joe Isley Cup, 3rd in Baby Bling’s Miracle Mile).
Reviewing other HRNZ female staff involved with yearling sales preparation shows that in recent years this has included past employees :
- Aimee Edmonds who prepares her yearlings at Motukarara where she trains in partnership with father Craig. Aimee is also an open driver having been successful on thirty occasions, all as a junior driver. She started out as Canterbury Education officer and then moved to Receptionist for about eight months and after a couple more jobs she moved south to become Education Officer for Otago/Southland
- The late Lyn O’Connell (Licensing Secretary), together with husband Blair, prepared many fine youngsters from their Twisted Stick Lodge establishment (Classic Cullen, Texas Hold Em, Band On the Run, Easy On The Eye) and earned a number of best presented colt and filly awards at the National (Christchurch) yearling sales. Lyn was a breeder, owner, licence holder, yearling preparer and Racing Integrity Unit stenographer
- Charlotte Hunter (Assistant Registration Clerk) whilst not preparing yearlings has been and still is involved in leading yearlings during the parades and through the sale ring. She also has led horses into the presentation areas on NZ Cup and Harness Jewels days
while apart from Stacey Markham, current staff member Natalie Gameson (Education and Training Manager) is also involved with preparing yearlings for sale, with husband Jamie from their Dunvegan Lodge, Norwood establishment. Natalie received a best presented colt award (Huwntstobamillionare : Il Vicolo/Rare Moment, a winner for Kirk Larsen) at the 2001 National sales.
Jamie is an established trainer with 150 training (14 driving wins) victories in his own name and previously 31 in partnership with Tommy Behrns. Here We Go Again (1:55.6, $195,576), Ladyship Stakes – 3f, Southland Caduceus Club Fillies – 2) is the current pin up girl while Mapua Legend (Sapling Stakes, won first three two year old starts) and Artishake (Southern Belle Speed Series) have been other good winners for Gameson. With Tommy Behrns, Village Hero won the NZYSS Northern Hemisphere Time 2yo pace before going to North America and winning in 1:50.3US and Burlington Pace at Woodbine while Thanksgiving was 2yo colt or gelding Trotter of Year after scoring in NZSS and NZYSS races for juvenile trotters.
As can be seen from the commentary above, Harness Racing New Zealand has and has had its share of “leading ladies” when it comes to yearling sales preparation.
Peter Craig
18 January 2017
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
