Posted by Blogger Name. Category:
2011 General Election
,
Bellazeel
,
Conflict of interest
,
Racing industry
,
Winston Peters
Winston Peters may not have been an MP prior to the 2011 General Election. But he certainly was a party leader campaigning for re-election. Which makes this an interesting story:
Royal Flight was the omen bet for Saturday's Francolin Stakes at Riverton.
The matriarch of Royal Flight's illustrious maternal line is Francolin, who was owned by the late Dave Tweedie, a past president of the Riverton Racing Club.
Royal Flight gave Wingatui apprentice Toni Direen an important win in Saturday's $20,000 fillies and mares' event. Direen works for trainers Brian and Shane Anderton who intend to start Royal Flight at the $45,000 Great Easter Stakes at Riccarton on May 7.
New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters was on course and had a wager on Royal Flight. Mr Peters was invited to the Riverton Easter races by a Southlander he met at the Karaka yearling sales. Mr Peters, who couldn't recall the name of the Southlander, said he would make two more visits to Southland before the New Zealand general election in November.
He addressed members and supporters of New Zealand First in Invercargill on Saturday morning.
Mr Peters would not reveal details of his party's racing policy.
However, he did say: ''Owners and the punters have to be looked after. Owners are investors and they have to get a better deal (in racing).''
Was Winston Peters one of a syndicate of owners of Bellazeel when he made representations for better treatment of racehorse owners?
Given that the horse sold at Karaka in January 2010, and as at 5.30pm yesterday Peters was still listed as an owner, we'd say the answer to that is a resounding "Yes".
Mr Peters of course, would have a different view of things. But would you trust him to give an honest and unequivocal answer?
