Rugby, racing . . . It pays to support Otago. At least, that's what I convinced myself on Friday night after I shut myself off from technology for the second half - my nerves racked by unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield challenges past - before switching everything back on at 10pm to have my wildest dreams realised.
But perhaps we just need to call on Tony Enting to attend our shield challenges, and we'd be half a chance.
Before you ask, there is a racing link. Enting is the recently retired general manager of the Waikato Racing Club, and former Otago Racing Club chief executive John Rosevear says Enting has been our blessing in disguise on two occasions.
''As a 9-year-old, he was treated to his first shield game by his father, only to see their Wellington team upset by Otago,'' Rosevear writes.
''Then, 56 years later he was one of the few loyal Mooloo supporters to venture to Waikato Stadium last Friday night, to see a similar result.''
In the unlikely event we lose the shield again - perish the thought - it sounds like the Otago union just needs to fly Enting to wherever we venture for a challenge and it's as good as done
.. . . and cheer
Rosevear is as loyal to the golden O as they come. Not convinced? He is a part-owner of the Gallant Guru galloper Blue 'N' Gold trained by Brian and Shane Anderton.
She is out of the mare Oh Tah Go who made her way to open class along with her half-sister Go Otago, both raced by the Blue And Gold syndicate. I trust you've spotted the theme by now.
The emails have flown back and forth between Rosevear and Enting over the years, with Enting sending a ''gift'' south one year which was - you guessed it - a cowbell.
But Rosevear tells me Enting was ''very gracious in defeat'' in an email sent very shortly after the game and Enting will be supporting Otago in the clash against Hawkes Bay on Sunday.
Enting's successor at the Waikato Racing Club is former Otago and New Zealand cricket captain Ken Rutherford, so it looks like Otago's hold over the Waikato could last a bit longer.
Out in the paddock
After a run at Forbury Park last night, I am getting a few days off to chew the grass, frolic in the paddock and generally do very little - although there could be some hill work to get some endurance and stamina into the legs. So there'll be no column next week, but if you have any racing news to share, call (479-3524) or email (sport@odt.co.nz) the sports department.
Lazy Fiver
Despite taking on the might of Bitobliss, Smoken Up and Melpark Major on Friday night, Motu Crusader paced home well to run third at $2.50 for the place. So, with that money in the bank, let's give Delecta Dreims a chance in the final race at Hastings on Saturday. She is one of the unluckiest horses going around, but her fifth at the same course earlier this month had plenty of merit.
