Premature foal

Press, 8 July 1976, Page 14

Premature foal

PA Auckland Girly, the foal, has a probelm and it ’ all stems from the fact that she came into the world; too early; four weeks too early,] to be exact. Girly’s mother, top trotter of' yesteryear. Light Oak, foaled at 11.30 a.m. on June 30, and that’s where the problem began, be-; cause any self-respecting marel knows that foals just aren’t! born until after August 1; the official birthday of all thoroughbreds and Standardbred stock in New Zealand. Girly will be just one month; old on August 1, but as far asi the record book is concerned, this leggy, little foal Is one year old on that day. Girly’s owner, Manukau city; councillor, Mrs Pearl Baker, doesn't much care whether she’s | a month or a year old, she's just delighted she’s a girl. Light Oak has foaled five times, but this is her first daughter. | For this reason. Girly may never follow in her mothers I , record-breaking hoofprints, as she may be kept for breeding purposes only. Light Oak. now a sprightly 19-1 year.old, scored her first win as a four-year-<?ld In 1951 and notched 15 wins until 1966. | She was one of the top trot-1 ting mares of her time, breaking! I several New Zealand track re- | cords. i