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Stakes task ahead for 2YO winner; Westbury launch Gamechanger initiative; Changing of the guard at NZ Racing Hall of Fame
Stakes task ahead for 2YO winner
Vibrato shook off his rivals at Rotorua on Wednesday to score a comfortable victory in the At Cook Contraction 2YO (1230m).
The son of Sacred Falls led from the jump under a steady ride from Jonathan Riddell and strode away from his only challenger, Elliot Power, to win by two and a half lengths.
The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Vibrato was having his second career start, with Forsman saying the conditions at Ellerslie earlier this month did not suit the two-year-old gelding.
"He didn't have any favours that day," Forsman said.
"He drew wide and was caught off the track and probably going right-handed he just got a little bit lost.
"Once he found the front today, and the rail, it was a big help."
Forsman indicated they would now consider a start in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki on July 27.
"It was what we were talking about pre-race (the Ryder Stakes)," Forsman said.
"I said if he handles the ground it is probably a race you have to consider. It is certainly a good option to have.
"I think the Sacred Falls are really coming along and they will be coming into their own over the next few months."
Vibrato is the second winner for four-time Group One winner Sacred Falls and is raced by David Seldon and his father Bob.
Seldon purchased the gelding as a yearling at Karaka for $45,000 from the draft of Waikato Stud.
Seldon is one of the principals of the Australian branch of American horse feed company, Performance Horse Nutrition, and he supplies feed to the Baker-Forsman stable.
Westbury launch Gamechanger initiative
Westbury Stud have developed two acceleration programmes to attract and retain talent in the thoroughbred industry.
The initiative will recognise and inspire personal growth by creating career pathways and building skills and experience.
The Gamechanger programme will award an existing Westbury Stud staff member with a 12 month programme where they will spend time in each of the farm's departments before travelling overseas to a sister stud in the northern hemisphere.
The Westbury Cadet programme will target school leavers and those new to the industry. The successful candidate will spend six months with Westbury where they will be exposed to all aspects of stud life, gaining valuable skills and work experience. At the conclusion of the programme a permanent position will be offered to suitable graduates.
"It is important to encourage and grow people in this industry," Westbury Stud General Manager Russell Warwick said.
"We're committed to giving our employees every opportunity to develop their passion for thoroughbreds, develop a high-quality and multi-skill set, and develop a life-long career."
Changing of the guard at NZ Racing Hall of Fame
Chris Luoni, the driving force behind the establishment of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, is stepping down as Chairman after serving seven years in the post but will continue as a director.
"Chris was the catalyst behind establishing the Racing Hall of Fame," past Chairman and director Gerald Fell said.
"I was the first Chairman of the Hall of Fame and between us we drove the development of it.
"I retired and Chris took over, and it has just got stronger and stronger."
The biannual event, which was first held in 2006, will next take place in May 2020.
Stepping into the Chairperson role is Cherry Taylor, co-owner of Trelawney Stud and manager of her insurance company C N Taylor Consulting. Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge of the thoroughbred industry and has extensive experience as a member of several other boards and committees.
"We are very happy that Cherry is coming on board," Fell said. "We are very pleased to have someone as enthusiastic as she is."
Marie Leicester has recently been named as patron. Leicester, a successful owner-breeder, stepped down as a director of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame earlier this year and was invited to become the patron to recognise her massive contribution over the last 12 years.
