dakuantankid

You are kidding: "a legend and an icon of NZ sports broadcasting"??????? How do you think the real "legends and icons of NZ sports broadcasting", of which there are palpably few, would feel about having this lightweight included in their Hall of Fame??? Popperwell does have talent but it is overrun by his monumental ego. As for the "sideies" ... while he's at it maybe he can decide once and for all whether he needs to wear glasses or not. Wearing them once or twice a week suggests they are nothing more than an embellishment for his posy image.

Fordman - firstly weight is definitely not the issue. In most instances his rides in the same races were equal to or had less weight than the Vela horses. Secondly, maybe they have decided to go with the stable jock and not appoint a replacement.

Hope, I agree with your comments regarding his weight and his being a nice guy. But, never did I say he he was bringing racing into disrepute. What I was questioning was another instance of Jason letting himself down. At least 2 other examples I can remember have been his red carding from Singapore (when, from memory, he was leading apprentice) and also a period on the sidelines with Troy Harris and Chad Ormsby over a non racing matter a couple of years ago.

Was saddened to see the following excerpt from last Mondays Stewards Report at Te Rapa:J Waddell, Rule 340, misconduct, suspended from the conclusion of racing on Monday 26 October 2009 up to and including racing on Sunday 6 December 2009, 6 weeks". No other reference was made to any incident albeit in race 6 " Following this race J Waddell was examined by the course doctor and stood down from his remaining ride after aggravating an ankle injury". A real shame that such a natural talent continues to struggle with his personal conduct. Definitely not the time of the year to be spending 6 weeks looking at the TV.

It has been noticeable that in recent times M Walker appears to have fallen out of favour with the Velas. It was well documented that he was contracted to them and rode all their horses wherever possible. However this appears to be no longer the case with James McDonald riding all the Mark Walker trained Vela horses over the last week or so even though M Walker was at the meetings in question and in most instances had another ride in the race. Guess that means he won't be offered the helicopter and will have to drive to races this year over Xmas.

Sorry Peter. I should have read the question properly.

He also had another very good horse about the same time called Brittanicus

Peter - your answer to Q3 is incorrect. The correct answer is Tobin Bronze (8/11). As for some other answers: Q6; G Boss Q8: Taksan Q9: Diatribe Q13: (A) Fraar ( Royal Gem

I might be wrong but I am pretty sure that Comte de Grasse stood at Noel Taylors property in East Tamaki at one stage (circa early 1960's).

I'll try Donald Dinnie; I know he was a chestnut and I'm pretty sure he won a zzzpard Gold Cup.

Just announced that SST has been retired and will not be aimed at the Breeders Cup Classic. No decision yet on where he will stand at stud.