RaceCafe..#1...Tipsters Thread.... Share Your Fancies For Fun...Lets See Who The Best Tipsters Here Are.
Black Kirrama

Matamata 100 Years of Racing

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Add your thoughts and memories in this Thread.

My era is 1950  to about 1978 !

Add to my lists with your memories. !!

THE PEOPLE :

                         Trainers. Bob Autridge, Frank Cobb ,Bill and Dawn Ford, Terry  Alcock, Rory McGovern, Ray Bain, Russel Campbell, Norm Crawford, Gillie Autridge.

                          Mr  Wally Townsend,     Miss Edgar Jones and the young upstarts  DJ O'Sullivan. and Jim Gibbs !

                         And of course there were a  multitude of Owner Trainers. Hec Tapper and then his private trainer Howie Mathews .

                         Hugh McCarvill ( Mannix )..............(add here )

 

                         Jockeys: John Humphries, Ray Johnson, Laurie Cavanagh, Sir Roger Lang, Keith Opie.........( add here )

                         Float Drivers : Cameron Horse floats ruled.The depot was opposite our home in Beatty Ave. Ross Stanaway a magnificent person. Father of  Peter.....  (add here)

                         Studs:  Balcarres  ( The wonderful Lindsays  Z  Bay )  Rockfield  (Bill and Beet Holmes, Blue Carnation, Crepeeno, My Pal )

                                                      Blandford  ( Gigantic, Shifnal, Henry's Choice !!) Fayette Park ( Grosvenor  etc. Maizie would have made it work !)

                        The Veterinary SurgeonsColin the master Thompson: Jim Marks the Professor.But Les Dickinson  (?)was also an amazing vet.  ( info  here ?)

 

                          The Media:  Frank Wilson, John Costello, Dean Knowles,  Lex N.

                                            Matamata Track reports of Gallops Jock Somervell, Frank Wilson, Dean Nowell, may be a MR Ross Fisher.

                       Champion exponents of the Galloping  will to win : 1950 to 1978 from Matamata.

                                          Fair Filou, Fair Fleet, Geyser Land , Kangaroo Town, Mannix   ( add more here...........)

Racing Families: Tims, Brown,Whale ,Swap, Fred Saunders,  Pollin (?)

 

Hey have fun and add to this special day with your memories.

Rev

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2 hours ago, Black Kirrama said:

Add your thoughts and memories in this Thread.

My era is 1950  to about 1978 !

Add to my lists with your memories. !!

THE PEOPLE :

                         Trainers. Bob Autridge, Frank Cobb ,Bill and Dawn Ford, Terry  Alcock, Rory McGovern, Ray Bain, Russel Campbell, Norm Crawford, Gillie Autridge.

                          Mr  Wally Townsend,     Miss Edgar Jones and the young upstarts  DJ O'Sullivan. and Jim Gibbs !

                         And of course there were a  multitude of Owner Trainers. Hec Tapper and then his private trainer Howie Mathews .

                         Hugh McCarvill ( Mannix )..............(Ray & Nancy Vincent, Harold & Peter Ryan, Sam & Marji Brosnan, Bob McCosh, Kevin Old, Keith Reddaway)

 

                         Jockeys: John Humphries, Ray Johnson, Laurie Cavanagh, Sir Roger Lang, Keith Opie.........( Steven Stacey, Kim Burke, Trevor Harrison, Graeme Forbes,  )

                         Float Drivers : Cameron Horse floats ruled.The depot was opposite our home in Beatty Ave. Ross Stanaway a magnificent person. Father of  Peter.....  (add here)

                         Studs:  Balcarres  ( The wonderful Lindsays  Z  Bay )  Rockfield  (Bill and Beet Holmes, Blue Carnation, Crepeeno, My Pal )

                                                      Blandford  ( Gigantic, Shifnal, Henry's Choice !!) Fayette Park ( Grosvenor  etc. Maizie would have made it work !)
Evergreen Lodge ( One Pound Sterling and Icelandic ) Wairere Lodge (Exceptionnel & Honey Lord) Ballingarry Stud (Tazrula)  Oaklands Stud Palm Beach, Acharacle, Star Wolf, St Puckle, Belmura, Biscayo, Peymour, Mighty Gurkha ) Fieldhouse Park Stud ( Grosvenor, So Vain,)

                        The Veterinary SurgeonsColin the master Thompson: Jim Marks the Professor.But Les Dickinson  (?)was also an amazing vet.  ( info  here ?)

 

                          The Media:  Frank Wilson, John Costello, Dean Knowles,  Lex N.

                                            Matamata Track reports of Gallops Jock Somervell, Frank Wilson, Dean Nowell, may be a MR Ross Fisher.

                       Champion exponents of the Galloping  will to win : 1950 to 1978 from Matamata.

                                          Fair Filou, Fair Fleet, Geyser Land , Kangaroo Town, Mannix   ( add more here...........)

Racing Families: Tims, Brown,Whale ,Swap, Fred Saunders,  Pollin (Brosnans, Ryans, Autridges, Vincents, Olds, )

 

Hey have fun and add to this special day with your memories.

Rev

Probably many others I can't think of at this time?

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Add your thoughts and memories in this Thread.

My era is 1950  to about 1978 !

Add to my lists with your memories. !!

THE PEOPLE :

                         Trainers. Bob Autridge, Frank Cobb ,Bill and Dawn Ford, Terry  Alcock, Rory McGovern, Ray Bain, Russel Campbell, Norm Crawford, Gillie Autridge.

                          Mr  Wally Townsend,     Miss Edgar Jones and the young upstarts  DJ O'Sullivan. and Jim Gibbs !

                         And of course there were a  multitude of Owner Trainers. Hec Tapper and then his private trainer Howie Mathews .

                         Hugh McCarvill ( Mannix )..............(Ray & Nancy Vincent, Harold & Peter Ryan, Sam & Marji Brosnan, Bob McCosh, Kevin Old, Keith Reddaway, Ron Khan)

 

                         Jockeys: John Humphries, Ray Johnson, Laurie Cavanagh, Sir Roger Lang, Keith Opie.........( Steven Stacey, Kim Burke, Trevor Harrison, Graeme Forbes, Tony Gillies, Tracey Reddaway, Tracey Khan, Don Margison,  )

                         Float Drivers : Cameron Horse floats ruled.The depot was opposite our home in Beatty Ave. Ross Stanaway a magnificent person. Father of  Peter.....  (Bob Jefferies?)

                         Studs:  Balcarres  ( The wonderful Lindsays  Z  Bay )  Rockfield  (Bill and Beet Holmes, Blue Carnation, Crepeeno, My Pal )

                                                      Blandford  ( Gigantic, Shifnal, Henry's Choice !!) Fayette Park ( Grosvenor  etc. Maizie would have made it work !)
Evergreen Lodge ( One Pound Sterling and Icelandic ) Wairere Lodge (Exceptionnel & Honey Lord) Ballingarry Stud (Tazrula)  Oaklands Stud (Palm Beach, Acharacle, Star Wolf, St Puckle, Belmura, Biscayo, Peymour, Mighty Gurkha ) Fieldhouse Park Stud (Grosvenor, So Vain,)

                        The Veterinary SurgeonsColin the master Thompson: Jim Marks the Professor.But Les Dickinson  (?)was also an amazing vet.  ( info  here ?)

 

                          The Media:  Frank Wilson, John Costello, Dean Knowles,  Lex N.

                                            Matamata Track reports of Gallops Jock Somervell, Frank Wilson, Dean Nowell, may be a MR Ross Fisher.

                       Champion exponents of the Galloping  will to win : 1950 to 1978 from Matamata.

                                          Fair Filou, Fair Fleet, Geyser Land , Kangaroo Town, Mannix   ( add more here...........)

Racing Families: Tims, Brown,Whale ,Swap, Fred Saunders,  Pollin (Brosnans, Ryans, Autridges, Vincents, Olds, )

 

Hey have fun and add to this special day with your memories.

Rev

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10 hours ago, Black Kirrama said:

Add your thoughts and memories in this Thread.

My era is 1950  to about 1978 !

Add to my lists with your memories. !!

THE PEOPLE :

                         Trainers. Bob Autridge, Frank Cobb ,Bill and Dawn Ford, Terry  Alcock, Rory McGovern, Ray Bain, Russel Campbell, Norm Crawford, Gillie Autridge.

                          Mr  Wally Townsend,     Miss Edgar Jones and the young upstarts  DJ O'Sullivan. and Jim Gibbs !

                         And of course there were a  multitude of Owner Trainers. Hec Tapper and then his private trainer Howie Mathews .

                         Hugh McCarvill ( Mannix )..............(add here )

 

                         Jockeys: John Humphries, Ray Johnson, Laurie Cavanagh, Sir Roger Lang, Keith Opie.........( add here ) longshot Molloy, Howie Mathews. Pat Haitana, Gary Bell 

                         Float Drivers : Cameron Horse floats ruled.The depot was opposite our home in Beatty Ave. Ross Stanaway a magnificent person. Father of  Peter.....  (add here)

                         Studs:  Balcarres  ( The wonderful Lindsays  Z  Bay )  Rockfield  (Bill and Beet Holmes, Blue Carnation, Crepeeno, My Pal )

                                                      Blandford  ( Gigantic, Shifnal, Henry's Choice !!) Fayette Park ( Grosvenor  etc. Maizie would have made it work !)

                        The Veterinary SurgeonsColin the master Thompson: Jim Marks the Professor.But Les Dickinson  (?)was also an amazing vet.  ( info  here ?)

 

                          The Media:  Frank Wilson, John Costello, Dean Knowles,  Lex N.

                                            Matamata Track reports of Gallops Jock Somervell, Frank Wilson, Dean Nowell, may be a MR Ross Fisher.

                       Champion exponents of the Galloping  will to win : 1950 to 1978 from Matamata.

                                          Fair Filou, Fair Fleet, Geyser Land , Kangaroo Town, Mannix   ( add more here...........)

Racing Families: Tims, Brown,Whale ,Swap, Fred Saunders,  Pollin (?)

 

Hey have fun and add to this special day with your memories.

Rev

 

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Jockeys

Choc Hounsell, Mick Austin, Ian Burrow, Bill Cardwell, Dean Simonsen, Don Graham, Buzz Leggett, Brian Coppins, Anthony Beckham, Anthony Ford, Lance Rokela, Gary Cross, Gary Carson, Max Hinton, Nigel Landers, David Moore, David Raklander, Colin Martin, Wayne Walters, Ian Rowe and Chris Freakley.

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1 hour ago, gubellini said:

Jockeys

Choc Hounsell, Mick Austin, Ian Burrow, Bill Cardwell, Dean Simonsen, Don Graham, Buzz Leggett, Brian Coppins, Anthony Beckham, Anthony Ford, Lance Rokela, Gary Cross, Gary Carson, Max Hinton, Nigel Landers, David Moore, David Raklander, Colin Martin, Wayne Walters, Ian Rowe and Chris Freakley.

plus Dan Weatherlry, Geoff Dickinson, Trevor Harris

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2 hours ago, gubellini said:

Jockeys

Choc Hounsell, Mick Austin, Ian Burrow, Bill Cardwell, Dean Simonsen, Don Graham, Buzz Leggett, Brian Coppins, Anthony Beckham, Anthony Ford, Lance Rokela, Gary Cross, Gary Carson, Max Hinton, Nigel Landers, David Moore, David Raklander, Colin Martin, Wayne Walters, Ian Rowe and Chris Freakley.

Jim, I heard Sir Keith Opie mention Chris  Freakley after Bothered won at Te Aroha .Keith was full of praise for Chris' horsemanship skills in getting his very good mare

to win. Chris was a very competitive rider in his day.

 I still have a video of the Te Aroha Trials with Chris and Sir Peter Tims having a misunderstanding.After the finishing post.Whip use.

As you know, I was a Private Video Operator. I had no contract at that time with Te Aroha. The Head Stipe in attendance at the trials  was Mr G L.
Ted may remember the day. Chris was stood down.

So rapt he is still riding for Sir Keith !

 

( Edited:  This post was meant to be a Personal Message to you and Ted )

 

 

Edited by Black Kirrama
Correction

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19 minutes ago, slam dunk said:

Revel,  Notice you have omitted farriers

Bill Autridge...a true Black Smith ! Bob his son, obviously amongst the best. Laurie Lynch was later  and in Cambridge.

Who else ? Farriers were Great men ,weren't they ? with bad backs later in life .

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7 hours ago, von Smallhaussen said:

plus Dan Weatherlry, Geoff Dickinson, Trevor Harris

 

8 hours ago, gubellini said:

Jockeys

Choc Hounsell, Mick Austin, Ian Burrow, Bill Cardwell, Dean Simonsen, Don Graham, Buzz Leggett, Brian Coppins, Anthony Beckham, Anthony Ford, Lance Rokela, Gary Cross, Gary Carson, Max Hinton, Nigel Landers, David Moore, David Raklander, Colin Martin, Wayne Walters, Ian Rowe and Chris Freakley.

 

On February 18, 2019 at 4:00 PM, Black Kirrama said:

Add your thoughts and memories in this Thread.

My era is 1950  to about 1978 !

Add to my lists with your memories. !!

THE PEOPLE :

                         Trainers. Bob Autridge, Frank Cobb ,Bill and Dawn Ford, Terry  Alcock, Rory McGovern, Ray Bain, Russel Campbell, Norm Crawford, Gillie Autridge.

                          Mr  Wally Townsend,     Miss Edgar Jones and the young upstarts  DJ O'Sullivan. and Jim Gibbs !

                         And of course there were a  multitude of Owner Trainers. Hec Tapper and then his private trainer Howie Mathews .

                         Hugh McCarvill ( Mannix )..............(add here )

 

                         Jockeys: John Humphries, Ray Johnson, Laurie Cavanagh, Sir Roger Lang, Keith Opie.........( add here )

                         Float Drivers : Cameron Horse floats ruled.The depot was opposite our home in Beatty Ave. Ross Stanaway a magnificent person. Father of  Peter.....  (add here)

                         Studs:  Balcarres  ( The wonderful Lindsays  Z  Bay )  Rockfield  (Bill and Beet Holmes, Blue Carnation, Crepeeno, My Pal )

                                                      Blandford  ( Gigantic, Shifnal, Henry's Choice !!) Fayette Park ( Grosvenor  etc. Maizie would have made it work !)

                        The Veterinary SurgeonsColin the master Thompson: Jim Marks the Professor.But Les Dickinson  (?)was also an amazing vet.  ( info  here ?)

 

                          The Media:  Frank Wilson, John Costello, Dean Knowles,  Lex N.

                                            Matamata Track reports of Gallops Jock Somervell, Frank Wilson, Dean Nowell, may be a MR Ross Fisher.

                       Champion exponents of the Galloping  will to win : 1950 to 1978 from Matamata.

                                          Fair Filou, Fair Fleet, Geyser Land , Kangaroo Town, Mannix   ( add more here...........)

Racing Families: Tims, Brown,Whale ,Swap, Fred Saunders,  Pollin (?)

 

Hey have fun and add to this special day with your memories.

Rev

Marble races at Rory (Hori) McGovern's on Sunday afternoons back in the '70's before Sunday racing came about. Ken Hounsell ( Jomo Kenyatta)  was the marble race starter on Sundays, everyone brought their own favourite marble to bet on, a few $$'s changed hands. Keith Opie was riding Gold Braid ( Battle Waggon ) to win the Sire Produce. Tom Fallon and Harry Green were also hanging around  the joint then. Rory had Dunmoy and Dyak going well at the time

Great thread Rev.

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5 hours ago, Tony McGovern said:

 

 

Marble races at Rory (Hori) McGovern's on Sunday afternoons back in the '70's before Sunday racing came about. Ken Hounsell ( Jomo Kenyatta)  was the marble race starter on Sundays, everyone brought their own favourite marble to bet on, a few $$'s changed hands. Keith Opie was riding Gold Braid ( Battle Waggon ) to win the Sire Produce. Tom Fallon and Harry Green were also hanging around  the joint then. Rory had Dunmoy and Dyak going well at the time

Great thread Rev.

What a Bloody Legend you are Tony ! What about The Official Starters at Matamata ?

Fred Hain  who was before him ?  Judges:    Frank Wilson, ....Harry Clarkson ?....Jim Lambert,

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6 hours ago, crustyngrizzly said:

 Dave Finlay apprentice, used to be with Fred Beguely

Anybody mentioned Gary Willetts

Yes: Gary Willets has been noted. There was a great interview on Des' Monday Track side show.With "Wealthy Willets."

Bill Ford his early mentor.

But during  that radio show he said ' HIGH GLEE '  ( Trained by Bill) was the best sprinter he ever rode !

Gary  rated her over Manikato !

Matamata and Dennis Ryan should look at a High Glee Stakes in her honour.

Sound Cloud has the recording from Monday.

Edited by Black Kirrama

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One skinny 14 year old who rode High Glee at the Matamata track for Bill Ford was Maurice Williamson.  Maurice later grew up and became a cabinet minister.  John Key so hated the racing game that he gave the racing portfolio to Nathan Guy, whereas Williamson's knowledge of the racing game would have been so far ahead of Guy.  Few people would be aware of the vindictiveness displayed by John Key.

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13 hours ago, Tauhei Notts said:

One skinny 14 year old who rode High Glee at the Matamata track for Bill Ford was Maurice Williamson.  Maurice later grew up and became a cabinet minister.  John Key so hated the racing game that he gave the racing portfolio to Nathan Guy, whereas Williamson's knowledge of the racing game would have been so far ahead of Guy.  Few people would be aware of the vindictiveness displayed by John Key.

Quote

3o years as an M.P and apart from a gay rainbow speech he achieved nothing,obviously he would have fitted in quite well as minister of Racing.

If he was interested at all he could have requested the role.

 

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Jockeys

Fred Watts, Wayne Smith, Paul Asher, Damon Anaki, Roger Elliott, Peter Rowlands, Simon Royal, Dean Simonson, Choc Hounsell, Shelton Puni Hounsell, Tom & John Fallon, Malcolm Murdoch, Ivan Illingsworth, Mervyn Green, Gary Mulcahy, Michael Fisher, Harry Wana, Michael Ropiha, Laurie Cavanagh, Jim Fantail Tony Michael  Steven & Jamie Gillies,  Graeme Walters, Peter Ryan, Bob Stephen & Toby Autridge, Bill Short, Ray Johnson, Date Donalson, Kevin Scott, Max Hinton, Brett McDonald, Mike Darragh, Peter Wilson, Bryce Gibson, Leigh Massey, John Moody, Don Graham, Kerry Dye, Shane Dye, Vic Dye, Gordon Murray, Brian Tims, Gary Tims, Buzz Leggat, Wizz Doyle, Lance Rokela, Trevor & Brian Harris, Roger Verry, 

Local Legends   Allan & Cam Robinson, Bill Brown, Bill Tims, Ned Brown, Jim Martin, Hec Tapper, 

 

 

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On 2/19/2019 at 5:01 AM, gubellini said:

Jockeys

Choc Hounsell, Mick Austin, Ian Burrow, Bill Cardwell, Dean Simonsen, Don Graham, Buzz Leggett, Brian Coppins, Anthony Beckham, Anthony Ford, Lance Rokela, Gary Cross, Gary Carson, Max Hinton, Nigel Landers, David Moore, David Raklander, Colin Martin, Wayne Walters, Ian Rowe and Chris Freakley.

Some characters in that line up Gubellini!!

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On February 20, 2019 at 3:20 AM, Black Kirrama said:

What a Bloody Legend you are Tony ! What about The Official Starters at Matamata ?

Fred Hain  who was before him ?  Judges:    Frank Wilson, ....Harry Clarkson ?....Jim Lambert,

Don't think Fred ever pushed the button at Matamata as it was then under Auckland district? When I worked on the gates there in the early 70's Jack Mudford was in charge with Vic Dye as dep.. When Jack retired Fred was already gone so it switched to Jim Flood and J.S.Humphries. 

As for Jockeys, I reckon Howie Mathews was around in those days as well, BS Compton was riding local horses but might not have been based there?

Many a day(night!) playing cards after the trials or races back then with J.B. Christophers & Jack MaCininny(SP), and a beer or two.

I'm in Hong Kong at the moment and was talking to Paul O'sullivan last night at HV about how many times the Matamata Breeders Stakes days have copped a hiding from the weather Gods, not looking good again for this weekend, here's hoping.

P.S. What about the after match functions at the Criterion Hotel in Paeroa following race meetings up that way,  G Dickinson( now gap man at Matamata), ex jockey, ex barman working for Bertie Duncan and Ola, probably another thread but fond memories.

 

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