There is a further development regarding leading IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup chance Don’t Stop Dreaming (Joy of the weather).
Last week it was announced that the four-year-old, trained by Mark and Nathan Purdon, was hampered by ongoing foot problems and would take a “short break” in the hope of being fit for the country’s biggest race at Addington Raceway on Tuesday 12 November.
The plan was for the horse to stay at their stable in Rolleston.
It has now been announced on the Purdon Racing website that Don’t Stop Dreaming is moving north to be with Mark in Matamata where he now lives.
Mark already coaches stable stars Oscar Bonavena and Millwood Nike.
The decision to move Don’t Stop Dreaming was made after Mark was in Christchurch over the weekend.
“I left it to Nathan, his decision was not mine,” Mark told the Purdon Racing website.
“He’s never been an easy horse to train. Some days he’s fine, some days he’s not so good. He’s a high maintenance horse. Nath thought about what would be best given the circumstances and came to the conclusion that the best solution would be for him to get up with me.”
Purdon moved to Waikato earlier this year for largely personal reasons. His partner is respected veterinarian Barbara Hunter, partner at Matamata Veterinary Services.
“He’s still very much in the running for the (NZ) Cup. It will be easier overall if he’s up here near expert help. Nathan has a lot on his plate already and he’s doing a great job.”
Don’t Stop Dreaming, the second favorite at $6 in the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup behind Australian superstar Leap To Fame ($1.60), will travel north this week.
Out of Trotting New Zealand
