By Duane Ranger
Marilyn Hoggard is one strong woman.
Eleven months after losing her husband Kerry, his widow is carrying on her late husband’s lifetime love – harness racing.
Hoggard, who was the President of the Auckland Trotting Club at the time of his death, also owned Rosslands Stud at Clevedon. In 2013 the Hoggards also lost their daughter Helen, who passed away in November of that year.
“I made the decision with my son Andrew to carry on because Kerry loved his horses and the Dickies (John and son Josh) are such wonderful people. Glen Harwood also does a great job.
“I was never into the horses until I met Kerry. I think the earliest memory I have of the trots was watching the great Cardigan Bay with Kerry the year (1963) he won the Auckland Cup at Alexandra Park,” Mrs Hoggard said.
She said Rosslands Stud was still breeding a few but Motown and Acceptance were the last two horses her husband bought.
“I think we have still got half a dozen broodmares. I enjoy racing and I think it’s what Kerry would have wanted. I’m not getting any younger though so we will just take it season by season,” she said.
Mrs Hoggard said she would love to win a New Zealand Cup one day but in the mean time she was happy to watch some of her favourites like Tembi, Master George, Motown, Acceptance and Bettor Think Quick.
“Tembi has had trouble with his knees but I really like that horse. Glen told me he’s a big horse and he takes a bit of work but I’m looking forward to seeing him race again. He’s been out since December.
“He’s out of Star Of Heaven. Kerry liked him. She’s a lovely horse who has a beautiful nature for a broodmare.
“Master George is also a very special horse. Not only because he’s out of our champion mare Lizzie Maguire, but because Helen named him a few days before she died. She actually wanted to name him King George but the name was taken,” Mrs Hoggard said.
“He’s a nice pacer who went almost eight seconds under the required time in his qualifying trial in March. I’ve been told he just needs time to develop,” she added.
Mrs Hoggard said she was coping okay after her husband’s death on October 11 last year.
“I’m just getting on with things and trying to be as positive as I can. I miss both him and Helen dearly but the horses always remind me of my husband. He loved them so much.
“I am proud of what he has achieved. I love the Dickies. They do a splendid job training out horses. And Josh is just lovely. He’s a nice young man as well as a very good driver,” Remuera-based Mrs Hoggard said.
Josh Dickie returned the compliment saying it was an honour to work for such a wonderful, strong, kind woman.
He said they were currently working a team of about 25 at Rosslands Stud.
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