TROTTING

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 671, 24 May 1929, Page 14

TROTTING

(By

Abaydos)

AN OLD HAND i i VETERAN TRAINER STILL 1 GOING STRONG AT I HAWERA i i J. BULLOCK’S CAREER Although now advanced in years, the well-known Taranaki I ight-harness trainer Jim Bullock is as active among his stock as any young “cock of the walk’’ who has a penchant for the horse business. veteran's association with horses dates back Avell over hlaf a century, Avhile his connection with the Corrigan establishment at HaAvera has been a long and successful one. According to Janies, he aaus fascinated with horses from his childhood days, and nothing delighted him better at that period than a flutter on the back of a gallant steed. It mattered not to young Bulock whether there Avas a saddle or not. In fact, he Avas just as much at home riding bareback, which was popular with youth of that particular age. As he reached maturer years young Bullock elected to go into the horse business *for keeps,” and the livery

stable life attracted him for a start. I-Ie soon showed liis mettle, and whether it Avas a buggy and pair, tandem, coach and four, or the six and eight-team Avagons that he was called upon to drive, it made no difference. He did the job well. A Student of Horses But it Avas the manner in which he studied horse nature and mastered many problems in connection therewith that made Jim Bullock, later, a great authority on horseflesh, and that so ably fitted him for playing a big part in the rearing, educating and development of light-f harness horses, when at a later stage of his existence he decided to lolloav the sport. Since linking up with the Hawera trotting establishment, Bullock has found plenty of scope for his energy and ability among stock of all ages, and he has a record of successes that might give pride to any man, young or old. He has produced trotting and pacing winners at courses in practically every part of the Dominion, and wherever a team from the Hawera stables is stepped out, there is alAvays a bouquet for “old Jim,” as he is noAV familiarly known to the trotting fraternity. on the condition of his representatives. His Long Suit A long suit of the veteran trainer is the reformation of wayward horses and many instances could be cited of track outlaws that have been brought to a state of submission and docility, and have become successful racehorses. While he does not don the silk, Bullock can still handle the ribbons with dexterity in a work-out, and despite tally of more than “three-score years and ten,” the hands and nerve that were paramount in his younger days are still unimpaired. During the present season Bullock has led in 16 winners', and Avith tAvo or three fixtures yet to be decided there is every prospect of the tally being increased. Each of the 16 victors has been driven by Alex Corrigan, who is admittedly one of the best reinsmen in the Dominion.. With such a powerful combination it is not surprising that the blue, gold and brown jacket, has such a successful run each season.