The Postman's Back

[JJ Flash]

Leading driver Blair Orange will once again be formally attached to Purdon Racing at Rolleston from next month.

“Blair will be here up to four mornings a week and will be the stable driver” Nathan said

“We had our first discussion a few weeks ago and after meeting with Ken Barron who had no objection   an arrangement with Blair was agreed. He may not be able to work in the barn on some days when driving engagements clash but four t is what we are aiming for”

It  hardly needs to be repeated of the past success of the Purdon/Orange partnership that this appears and ideal setup for both parties now that Mark is spending time in the North Island. Blair has continued to drive for the stable on a less formal basis in recent times especially with Natalie taking a step back  and Mark’s driving is likely to be diminished so the new arrangement is of benefit to both.

“I get the chance to share the load in the barn routine knowing that someone of Blair’s quality is there and he gets to drive our best horses” Nathan said.

Blair has topped the driver’s premiership every year since 2017 and has 97 wins going into Friday racing to again lead this season.

He was an anchor for the All Stars stable or a decade before Natalie assumed a senior role with a strong of Group 1 wins and retained a close association including winning the New Zealand Cup with Cruz Bromac,probably the highlight of his career. He only  acclerated his personal success on the Premiership tables as he forged his own path.

He will remain a free lance driver outside the Purdon racing stable which will be flexible.

The move to sign Blair represents a positive reaction to the loss of experience among senior staff in recent times.

Meanwhile Jeremy Markham is to join the stable later this month in a combined equine and marketing role.

“Jeremy is going to be responsible for liasing with owners keeping them updated and informed on a weekly basis with reports and videos” Nathan said. “He will be full time with the stable and available to help when available but working with owners will be his biggest priority”

Jeremy is another former All Star employee of standing most notable for his close  association with  the champion trotter     I Can Doosit  a star on both sides of the Tasman who gave Mark his first Dominion Handicap winner for Ken and Karen Breckonin 2012

The Markham family have been active in several harness roles over many years both practical and in media roles. Jeremy has mixed practical horse work with administrative roles and was formerly the  assistant Racing Secretary at Addington Raceway a role he filled very successfully.

 

One wonders where that leaves Natalie with all these changes?

[Iraklis]

Goog question JJ was just thinkin that myself....

 

Cheers Iraklis

[Thejanitor]

55 minutes ago, Iraklis said:

Goog question JJ was just thinkin that myself....

 

Cheers Iraklis

I don't think Natalie has anything more to prove my old mate. She's trained/driven one of the G.O.A.T. Australasian champion Black's A Fake, four-time Interdominion winner.  She has won many G1's with All Stars. Perhaps, she will retire or just drive at Premier meetings? I wish her well. She's a cracker! 

[Pure Steel]

33 minutes ago, Thejanitor said:

I don't think Natalie has anything more to prove my old mate. She's trained/driven one of the G.O.A.T. Australasian champion Black's A Fake, four-time Interdominion winner.  She has won many G1's with All Stars. Perhaps, she will retire or just drive at Premier meetings? I wish her well. She's a cracker! 

Absolutely . semi-retired now after the health scare, and has won the lot. Her sisters both semi-retired too . Vicki and Kylie were very high profile Trainer and Driver in Queensland (it's a wonder Natalie hasn't come home actually)  good have a great time racing some with her sisters . 

Vicki Rasmussen enjoying life as an owner , having leased good NZ horse , former Auckland Cup winner,  TURN IT UP off owner Mark Purdon a few years ago( around 2020.) Turn It Up wins about  $100,000 per year. At 10 years old now, he is getting mugged a bit lately but has still piled on 5 wins from 15 starts this year and $75k. A hardy old trier he is .   Vicki probably just lets Shane Graham her partner do all the work these days. He is about 3rd best in State behind Pete McMullen and Grant Dixon. 

[JJ Flash]

2 hours ago, Pure Steel said:

(it's a wonder Natalie hasn't come home actuall

Might have something to do with a bloke 

[Thejanitor]

23 hours ago, Pure Steel said:

Absolutely .

   Vicki probably just lets Shane Graham her partner do all the work these days. He is about 3rd best in State behind Pete McMullen and Grant Dixon. 

Thanks for that Pure. I'm in interested in Chantal Turpin who seems to be winning plenty of races, including the big one last Saturday. I thought she was wife of P McMullen? Do the couple run their own training operations with her using her maiden name? Cheers!

[Pure Steel]

10 minutes ago, Thejanitor said:

Thanks for that Pure. I'm in interested in Chantal Turpin who seems to be winning plenty of races, including the big one last Saturday. I thought she was wife of P McMullen? Do the couple run their own training operations with her using her maiden name? Cheers!

Correct mate. Chantal and Pete doing Super duper job lately . Don't give up on their horse ''THE Janitor' either for QLD Derby. got skittled the other night by a NSW driver in the 3 year-old race when circling the field. he's a nice horse. 

Chantal and Pete are same as your Auckland Cup winning driver there from Victoria Greg Sugars,  with his wife Jess Tubbs being the listed trainer for ''Better Eclipse' and the team.

One of Australia's best trainers , also did this for many years with Luke McCarthy placing the training ticket in his wife Belinda name , who took the credit with King Of Swings Miracle Mile wins and a gazillion other winners . This year the team is finally back in his name as trainer.

Interestingly,  Grant Dixon hasn't done this with his wife Trista ( Who does a power of work and also won the Redcliffe Cup recently) as he doesn't take many outside drives as has a very large team in work. Funnily enough Today at Albion he has taken 3 outside drives . A real rarity . I'm going along to give him some curry as he is driving a good friends horse. All 3 of his outside drives are good odds and good chance too with Grant driving them. 

[Charlie E]

On 7/14/2024 at 12:17 PM, JJ Flash said:

Leading driver Blair Orange will once again be formally attached to Purdon Racing at Rolleston from next month.

“Blair will be here up to four mornings a week and will be the stable driver” Nathan said

“We had our first discussion a few weeks ago and after meeting with Ken Barron who had no objection   an arrangement with Blair was agreed. He may not be able to work in the barn on some days when driving engagements clash but four t is what we are aiming for”

It  hardly needs to be repeated of the past success of the Purdon/Orange partnership that this appears and ideal setup for both parties now that Mark is spending time in the North Island. Blair has continued to drive for the stable on a less formal basis in recent times especially with Natalie taking a step back  and Mark’s driving is likely to be diminished so the new arrangement is of benefit to both.

“I get the chance to share the load in the barn routine knowing that someone of Blair’s quality is there and he gets to drive our best horses” Nathan said.

Blair has topped the driver’s premiership every year since 2017 and has 97 wins going into Friday racing to again lead this season.

He was an anchor for the All Stars stable or a decade before Natalie assumed a senior role with a strong of Group 1 wins and retained a close association including winning the New Zealand Cup with Cruz Bromac,probably the highlight of his career. He only  acclerated his personal success on the Premiership tables as he forged his own path.

He will remain a free lance driver outside the Purdon racing stable which will be flexible.

The move to sign Blair represents a positive reaction to the loss of experience among senior staff in recent times.

Meanwhile Jeremy Markham is to join the stable later this month in a combined equine and marketing role.

“Jeremy is going to be responsible for liasing with owners keeping them updated and informed on a weekly basis with reports and videos” Nathan said. “He will be full time with the stable and available to help when available but working with owners will be his biggest priority”

Jeremy is another former All Star employee of standing most notable for his close  association with  the champion trotter     I Can Doosit  a star on both sides of the Tasman who gave Mark his first Dominion Handicap winner for Ken and Karen Breckonin 2012

The Markham family have been active in several harness roles over many years both practical and in media roles. Jeremy has mixed practical horse work with administrative roles and was formerly the  assistant Racing Secretary at Addington Raceway a role he filled very successfully.

 

One wonders where that leaves Natalie with all these changes?

Blair is starting to drive like Mango was no patience . I can't understand drivers who attack mid race and go to the front instead of sitting outside the leader and not using up their horse . Ricky May's drive on Westar Molly the other day was a good example when he sat outside the leader for the last lap instead of attacking . Blair never used to be like that 

[Thejanitor]

6 hours ago, Pure Steel said:

Correct mate. Chantal and Pete doing Super duper job lately . Don't give up on their horse ''THE Janitor' either for QLD Derby. got skittled the other night by a NSW driver in the 3 year-old race when circling the field. he's a nice horse. 

Chantal and Pete are same as your Auckland Cup winning driver there from Victoria Greg Sugars,  with his wife Jess Tubbs being the listed trainer for ''Better Eclipse' and the team.

One of Australia's best trainers , also did this for many years with Luke McCarthy placing the training ticket in his wife Belinda name , who took the credit with King Of Swings Miracle Mile wins and a gazillion other winners . This year the team is finally back in his name as trainer.

Interestingly,  Grant Dixon hasn't done this with his wife Trista ( Who does a power of work and also won the Redcliffe Cup recently) as he doesn't take many outside drives as has a very large team in work. Funnily enough Today at Albion he has taken 3 outside drives . A real rarity . I'm going along to give him some curry as he is driving a good friends horse. All 3 of his outside drives are good odds and good chance too with Grant driving them. 

Thanks for your informative reply Pure mate. Those top Brisbane trainers Turpin, Dixon Hewitt etc., must train big teams of horses? Harness racing seems to be thriving in Queensland, good stakes, Queensland carnival, G1s. Leap to Fame champion horse from Brisbane too. 

Yes, I back the Janitor Saturday last. I didn't see the race, so good to know he was checked. I will follow him. Thanks

[Lee270744]

Vicki probably just lets Shane Graham her partner do all the work these days.

Old hat mate not a partnership.

[Value Bell]

Hard keeping up with who is poking who. Looking like rabbits.

[Lee270744]

Ur right VB a mate of mine dropped his wallet near the Beehive one day and then kicked it to the ferry terminal before he picked it up.

[JJ Flash]

18 hours ago, Charlie E said:

Blair is starting to drive like Mango was no patience . I can't understand drivers who attack mid race and go to the front instead of sitting outside the leader and not using up their horse

Must be doing something right Charlie

Vrilo's success at Addington on Sunday continued a remarkable run for the country's leading driver Blair Orange.

It marked his 100th success in 2024. It's the 11th year in a row he's hit three figures, with his most successful season being the 267 wins he had in the elongated 2021 season (August 1, 2020 - Dec 31, 2021).

This year Orange is poised to make it seven driving premierships in a row. His 100 wins places him 10 ahead of second-placed John Dunn.

[Spikecity]

Doesn't seem right that the leading driver needs employment elsewhere. Yes I realize that it is primary to secure stable drives but with Mark away that doesn't seem an attractive opportunity compared to staying where he was with Barron / Cullen getting Don't Stop Dreaming. Seems like more undercurrents than what is being said

[Pure Steel]

Well with Carter Dalgety doing a 6 week USA driving award, and away for about 12 weeks in total while touring about, 

so Blair 'the Postie'  gets the Dalgety stable drives for quite a few weeks as well. So that 'should' help in get some more wins if he needs the practice and a few more wins over the youngsters .

He Has 3 Cran Dalgety drives tomorrow night at Addington so has some chance to get the ball rolling. 

[JJ Flash]

2 hours ago, Spikecity said:

Doesn't seem right that the leading driver needs employment elsewhere

If your have a choice of top drives in both stables its logical to pick the stable with most success. Team AS would lap most especially in terms of stakes earned .Its obvious Ken didn't  oppose the move and given how few runners AS have during the year BO will still be a freelance at many meetings

[Spikecity]

27 minutes ago, JJ Flash said:

Team AS would lap most especially in terms of stakes earned 

That was then - this is now - huge difference with Mark gone -  top horses being moved - horses that are racing can't get warm.

Cullen based at Barrons so would have assumed Blair would have got the drive on Don't Stop Dreaming in the cup

[Iraklis]

And i see me fav OldTownRoad is also on the move down south to Bob Butt's, wonder what's that about?

 

Cheers Iraklis

[lamour]

1 hour ago, Spikecity said:

Cullen based at Barrons so would have assumed Blair would have got the drive on Don't Stop Dreaming in the cup

Possibly, but then again Olivia T may have gone to Cullens on the understanding she would be the stable driver.  If so fair enough, she has earned it. 

[Pure Steel]

4 hours ago, Iraklis said:

And i see me fav OldTownRoad is also on the move down south to Bob Butt's, wonder what's that about?

 

Cheers Iraklis

I would think a three fold answer Rakman.

1/ Bob is driving well at the moment and a bit of Beach training for the horse might be good for him too. Hope and Dunn stable's seem to get good results with that. 

2/ Good lead up races towards the NZ Cup . Like the Kaikoura Cup and Ashburton flying stakes in the early Spring. 

3/ Young Dickie seems to be the North Island Telfer stable driver , so can't be away for too long with OTR during those Spring races.

4/ With Allstars gone very quiet , and Akuta seemingly sidelined for long-term, seems a great chance for someone to 'Step-up ' in the NZ Cup race . (and run 2nd to our mighty Queenslander Leap To Fame in the Nz Cup and NZ FFA    )

[Idolmite]

12 hours ago, Iraklis said:

And i see me fav OldTownRoad is also on the move down south to Bob Butt's, wonder what's that about?

 

Cheers Iraklis

Does B Butt train on the beach? I can't imagine there will be many NZ Cup lead in races at Alex Park this year either. 

[Idolmite]

7 hours ago, Pure Steel said:

I would think a three fold answer Rakman.

1/ Bob is driving well at the moment and a bit of Beach training for the horse might be good for him too. Hope and Dunn stable's seem to get good results with that. 

2/ Good lead up races towards the NZ Cup . Like the Kaikoura Cup and Ashburton flying stakes in the early Spring. 

3/ Young Dickie seems to be the North Island Telfer stable driver , so can't be away for too long with OTR during those Spring races.

4/ With Allstars gone very quiet , and Akuta seemingly sidelined for long-term, seems a great chance for someone to 'Step-up ' in the NZ Cup race . (and run 2nd to our mighty Queenslander Leap To Fame in the Nz Cup and NZ FFA    )

I should have read your post before posting mine. But one question; how do you get 4 answers in a threefold answer?

[Pure Steel]

17 minutes ago, Idolmite said:

I should have read your post before posting mine. But one question; how do you get 4 answers in a threefold answer?

Don't worry Idol-mate . we can still count to four ok in QLD  .

Can't Spell though.  there are 4 letters in Beer but the spelling in Queensland is  XXXX  so we don't have to worry two much. veery litle efort Kneeded 

[Idolmite]

12 hours ago, Iraklis said:

And i see me fav OldTownRoad is also on the move down south to Bob Butt's, wonder what's that about?

 

Cheers Iraklis

We get Millwood Nike as a replacement for the NI though

[Iraklis]

Well Pure, Mr Butt has been handed a bloody goodun, when right my fav boy (OTRoad) can blast past most with ease  from what I hear he has battled shit feet, so I get the beach trainin; and he will get to race more against those down south for fight fitness, which will be great....he has so gotta step up soon ay JoshD mate wink wink nod nod 

 

Cheers Iraklis