A TASTE OF CAVIAR

Peter Davenport, whose family bred and owns world class sprinter Hay List, could hardly be described as a shrinking violet.

He would be the first to declare that Black Caviar’s emergence on the world stage is a tremendous boost to racing in this country … the best way possible to put bums on seats in an industry that he incredibly passionate about.

But, misguided or not, he’s prepared to shoot from the lip when discussion turns to Hay List’s prospects of turning the tables on Black Caviar in 2012.

The pair have met on four occasions but according to Peter, Hay List “has never been on his game when he has taken on Black Caviar”.

He admits that he’ll either end up with “egg on my face or a slap on the back”, but further clashes between the pair do take on the aura of a title bout, albeit if one is deemed a Mike Tyson or Muhammad Ali at the height of their powers.

Never one to miss a marketing opportunity, Peter has managed to secure the domain name www.blackcaviar.com.au and there’s certainly something ‘fishy’ about what he’s done with it.

Releasing a limited edition Haylist Black Caviar, the 30 gram jar of elite tucker, comes with the catchline: ‘if you can’t beat her, eat her’.

Peter reckons it’s just a bit of Christmas fun and all profits will go to another project he’s very passionate about: Living Legends.

As for Eliza Park? We’re not about to enter the debate, but it’s definitely a thrill to be standing the sires of both Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) and Hay List (Statue of Liberty).

And no, this particular scribe won’t be dining out on Peter’s caviar this Christmas: more a peanut butter on toast kind of guy.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TBV

The old axiom ‘strength in numbers’ is never truer than when you’re sitting at a parlay table.

Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria prefers to be a quiet achiever and doesn’t boast the inroads it has made over many decades, but it’s hard to continue to fight the good fight without the support of breeders in the state.

We ALL benefit from TBV’s accomplishments, but increased membership will always provide it with a far louder voice.

Membership is only $99 per year and with it you receive free admission to over 90 metrop meetings, annual copies of Stallions and the Victorian Stallions Book, discounts on horse transport and a weekly eNews update.

But more importantly YOUR membership increases the value of and returns to the Victorian bred product (very timely with the recent introduction of VOBIS Gold), engagement with new markets (read China) and the promotion of breeding to new audiences (you can only go back to the same well so many times).

TBV is also lobbying hard to turn back the tide of rising costs to breeders.

So, in the spirit of the season, give and so ye shall receive (I’m sure I read that somewhere!).

For further information visit www.tbv.com.au

THESE ARE TAXING TIMES

Tax advice from the Horse’s Mouth?

Well, we’re pretty sure it’s advice from Paul Carrazzo’s mouth, but regardless of who is dispensing the good oil, you could save yourself a lot of loot by attending the Taxation Seminar at the Magic Millions Sales Complex on Monday 9 January from 4pm.

OK, tax is a subject none of us like to even think about at this time of year – it’s bad enough to be talking about it in June.

However, just as we’re never going to be able to avoid the other half of the equation, tax is a major issue for those who buy and sell.

At the 2012 seminar, you will find out:

• ·      What are the new horse loss rules?
• ·      Which horse deductions are you missing out on?
• ·      Where are the tax breaks in racing?
• ·      When should you consider stock write-downs?
• ·      Why should you turn your hobby into a business?
• ·      How do you minimise Capital Gains Tax?

Despite his youthful visage, Paul has been around since Kingston Town was a foal and is the tax feature writer for a number of industry publications.

Cost of the seminar is $132 (yes, that includes GST!) and light refreshments will be served.

To register for the event, phone Carrazzo Consulting on 03 9329 7044 or email admin@carrazzo.com.au

GOD’S OWN ON HIGH

Finding an earn at any time of the year taint easy, but many of us feel like we’ve had the blowtorch applied to our tootsies come Christmas.

Therefore, the run of God’s Own progeny in the past week not only provides some welcome relief for supporters, but it could also be a sign from above.

Since Godliness’ win at Kyneton last Tuesday, God’s Own produced a treble with his only three runners on Wednesday – Maker’s Marque and Bartholomew (a running double at Sale) and Sons of God (below) scoring at Eagle Farm; a winner (God’s Secret) and second (San Jose) on Thursday; a winner (Lady Rum Dum) from three runners on Friday; a second (St Gabriel) and third (Happy Soldiers) from three runners on Saturday; and, yesterday, a winner, Higgs Boson (Singapore), a second, Black Jack Boy and third, Lady Pania (Moonee Valley) from six runners.

In brief, that’s six winners and five placegetters from just 17 runners in the past six days! Throw in a couple of cheques for owners from runners that ran into fourth and you have quite a stellar week.

AUSSIE WORKSAFE

This gem has come from Magic Millions’ Michelle Page who, given her location in the ‘Perfect’ state is more likely to be seen sporting the pictured footwear than her rain-swept, southern compadres.

However, while we applaud innovation of any kind, there is a feeling that you won’t find too many of them at the Gold Coast complex in January.

Evidently they are being marketing as the Steelcap Thong, made by Australians for Australians, but there is also a New Zealand version called ‘Jandols Bro’.