|
Guest Speaker Our guest speaker today was Adrian Gibson from the Simon Wilde stables. Adrian met Simon through cricket, when they both played for the same team. They hit it off and Adrian ended up living with Simon and as you do, off to the races every weekend. Adrian then got involved with going to the sales and purchasing yearlings for the stable. He was then responsible for syndicating them. There are lots of locals who have a share in a racing syndicate. Early on he was offered a share in a syndicated horse owned by Simon. That horse was Gold Medals, a Grand Annual and Warrnambool Brierly Steeplechase winner. Simon has 55 horses in work in Warrnambool and 25 in Ballarat with quite a number of others being spelled at Tooram rd. Stable headquarters. Preparations for the May Race Carnival begin in December with slow fitness work and getting the miles into their legs. They have a purpose built sand track hill and horses work up the hill and canter back down. They also have a pool at the complex but like to take the horses to the beach for cooling off and swimming behind the row boat. I often think how lucky we are to have that on our doorstep. Where-else in the world can you sit and have coffee watching these magnificent animals being prepared for whatever comes next. Simon is very aware of and understand issues related to using the beach and is conscious of not abusing the privilege. It is getting harder and harder to have a winner, with many trainers setting their horses for the May Race carnival. Locals want their horse to run here so they can be part of the action. Covid made it difficult to have the atmosphere usually associated with the carnival. No owners, no spectators. Only trainers, horses, jockeys and stable staff. Now that we are back, trainers get to see the excitement felt by owners, who may only have a very small part of one share of a syndicated horse. Doesn’t matter, all owners are treated the same. Simon has a great love for his horses and tries to see them all wherever he is. He is happy with the size of his stable and has no intentions of getting bigger. He still rides Gold Medals every day. There were a few questions from members, including… how are they named? Three names are submitted and Racing Victoria will choose the one they think is most appropriate. The names submitted often have links to the horse’s heritage but sometimes they can just be random. One horse ended up with the name Dinga. But I don’t care what he was called, I backed him and he came home for me on Ladies Day. Go Dinga! There are about 35 employees at Tooram rd, including casuals, young kids who muck out stables after school, strappers, stable jockeys etc. Simon Wilde has been heard to say, “you are only as good as your staff”. What happens to the horses when they finish racing? Firstly, the horse will let you know when they have had enough. They lose the zest for it and their form reflects this. All horses are rehomed or sent to the breeding barn. The cost to purchase one depends on their pedigree and racing performance. Over the carnival this week Simon has had 12 runners on Tuesday, 9 on Wednesday and 8 today. It has been a big week. Good luck with the rest of the carnival Simon. Rotary Not So Grand Annual Finalists included Glenn, Ian and Angus from East with our Jennie Miller representing Daybreak. East took home the trophy again!! Think we will have to knobble ian MacDonald next year. Quiz Sandra ran a May Races based quiz, with the winner being Adrian Gibson. Think he had a bit of insider information. Hat of the Day Was won by Cliff Heath wearing a stylish tartan tam-o-shanter was added hair Raffle Winners were Jenny Miller, Barry Moran, Mary Bouwman, Sandra Batten and Norm from East. Well at least Daybreak were winners here! Fines None this week, we will hold them over till next week. VALE We were saddened to hear of the passing of Wendy Durdin. Warren is a past member of Daybreak and his wife Wendy often attended functions with him. Our condolences go to Warren and his family. Rotary Anniversaries Sandra Batten 14 May 2003 Program for May 12 May Members Choice - Dianne Brown 19 May Guest Speaker - Sue Cassidy 26 May Members Choice - Ali Dennis MEALS ON WHEELS
14 May Ali Dennis 21 May Dianne Brown 28 May Jan Read 4 June Ali Dennis 11 June Fiona Steenhuis 18 June Dianne Brown 25 June Ann Barker 2 July Barry Moran 9 July Cheryl Bellman 16 July Ian Harper 23 July Ali Dennis 30 July Ann Barker This bag (pictured above) was left behind at the recent kids meeting, please get in contact with Chez if it is yours. |
