Joni Mitchell might have been writing about parking lots taking over the beauty of Hawaii (thank you Wikipedia) when she wrote Big Yellow Taxi.
But there’s a line in there that’s pertinent — believe it or not — to New Zealand racing: "You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone."
Dexter Dunn is only "gone" for a few weeks while he enjoys a holiday overseas, so we don’t need to panic just yet.
But it’s easy to just remark on his premiership wins like they’re something that happens every couple of weeks.
Which reminds us, it’s bottle day today for the recycling.
But consider this.
Almost 30 years ago, Maurice McKendry put up a phenomenal figure (for the time) of 161 wins in the 1988-89 season.
Dexter Dunn has broken that figure for the past eight seasons and cracked the 200 mark five of those eight times.
It’s getting to the point where it’s almost a surprise when he doesn’t notch a double ton.
Of course, he’s also the defending world driving champion and will be joined by the outstanding reinsman, Mark Purdon, in Canada for next year’s series.
... Dunn well
Luckily for us, Dexter is still doing the majority of his driving in New Zealand. Following our brilliant young jockey James McDonald can be slightly harder — particularly during his northern hemisphere stints — and chances are his excellent results with Godolphin over the last couple of months means he will be even more popular around the world.
Things are by no means perfect in either equine code — far from it — but the exploits of these two lads with the reins gives a little boost when we are in the depths of winter and feeling a tad flat.
Have Faith or a good Bet
The voting for horse of the year at the Harness Racing New Zealand awards last weekend was as close as many expected.
Monbet eventually got the nod 15-12 over Have Faith In Me, although this writer’s vote was among the 12 for Have Faith In Me.
No sleep is being lost here in Dunedin over the result, though. Harness racing fans should just be excited that the award came down to two brilliant 4yr-olds.
Add to that the fact both stars are geldings and the industry should be in for two or three more seasons of sheer class from these standardbred heroes.
Speaking of awards ...
Just a reminder the Otago Harness Racing Awards are on next week at Forbury Park on August 13, and planning is also under way for the Otago thoroughbred racing awards on August 27.
Lazy Fiver
Less said about Maia’s Angel, the better.
Stunin Dude can overcome his 10m handicap in the Kurow Cup on Sunday.
