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13 Feb 2010 |
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 This is the hardest piece I have ever written. Usually I sit down at the computer and I have so many words, so many ideas, so many things to say and I can’t get them out onto the screen quickly enough. The language is colourful, the thoughts full of energy and all laced with enthusiasm and a real sense of anticipation and excitement.
Today I sit here in front of the computer with a heavy heart, a mind bereft of colour and energy. I struggle for words for the first time in my life and the only ones I can come up with are dull, lifeless and hollow. None are up to the task of expressing the depth of sadness I feel nor to fittingly tribute such a wonderful person who achieved so much except his own inner content and peace. Unfortunately this piece may not be one for you to reflect on in future months and years. The language is subdued and the mood sombre but reflective of the demeanor of the writer. As I look out the window as fog shrouds the farm, it reinforces the dreary space left since the departure of my brother, workmate, mentor and pal.
Chris would always proof read my ramblings. Often he used to say to me “I’d tone it down a bit, they’ll think that horse is Phar Lap by the way you’re ‘sprooking’ it” Always the voice of understatement. I was always the one for whimsical over-exaggeration, he was always the one who kept it in check, the realist. I was the dreamer, he was Mr Practical. I had the words and notepad, he had the figures and spreadsheets. I had the ideas, he had the strategy. How I will miss my voice of reason.
I remember the day Rare Fox won at Tauranga. Foxy came back to scale and the loudspeaker boomed “Rare Fox trained by Martin Cleland and Chris Hood” I beamed on the inside and outside with pride. Two of the most important men in my life had triumphed with a shared passion, horses. Foxy, my darling horse had triumphed and in that moment in time everything was tops. How life can change.
Ironically though, just as quickly as life throws you a brick, it can also issue you with a bouquet. The first horse to appear raceday since the death of Chris was again my beloved Foxy at Te Rapa 11th September. It was always going to be an emotional day whatever the outcome. The result was delivered straight from the heavens...Foxy won and although the commentator could only say “Trained by Martin Cleland” (stopping short of the usual addition of “and Chris Hood”) we all knew that Chris was there. Tears flowed for so many reasons. We had just won but Chris wasn’t there. We were like wet embers trying to reignite.
Upon reflection on the way home in the truck, we came to the conclusion that Chris was encouraging us to go on and we have resolved to do so and we will do it in such a way so as to live up to his high expectations. I will master those spreadsheets (with a little help from his mates in Melbourne) and will complete those GST returns with accuracy and efficiency as he always had. Martin will strategize and analyse with confidence as Chris had said many times “back yourself Cleland”.
Sir James Lodge and Evolution Bloodstock will continue to do it for Chris. We will miss him every day and every win will be for him. RIP Chris.
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13 Feb 2010 |
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It is with much sadness that we announce that Chris Hood has passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.
We have not only lost a brother and brother-in-law but a training partner, business mentor and friend. He will be incredibly missed by us all here at Sir James Lodge.
RIP Chris.
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5 Aug 2009 |
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At the Te Teko trials yesterday the Sir James Lodge produced the first of their new season two-year-olds with satisfying results.
click here to read full article |
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5 May 2009 |
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The Sir James Lodge team have once again been busy securing some quality weanlings at this week’s NZB National Weanling, Broodmare and Mixed Bloodstock sale.
Following on from the purchase of eight weanlings at last year’s edition of the sale, Martin, Joanna and Chris were successful in acquiring four more youngsters to further bolster the stable numbers.
click here to read full article |
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1 Apr 2009 |
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The recent efforts of Disciple’s progeny are doing nothing but grow the confidence in Sir James Lodge’s Savabeel filly out of this mare.
click here to read full article |
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10 Nov 2008 |
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The Group 1 $325,000 One Thousand Guineas on Saturday provided further success for the underrated sire No Excuse Needed.
click here to read full article |
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1 Oct 2008 |
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The good recent run of the Sir James Lodge stable continued today with their second runner for the week placed at the Paeroa trials today.
click here to read full article |
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1 Oct 2008 |
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Rare Fox continued his solid recent form with a very strong performance on Premier raceday at Ellerslie last Saturday.
click here to read full article |
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16 May 2008 |
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The Sir James Lodge team were active participants at this week’s National Weanling Sale at Karaka, ending up amongst the top 10 buyers by aggregate and numbers purchased.
click here to read full article |
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3 Jan 2007 |
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Martin and Joanna Cleland report that their remarkable horse Sir James has sadly passed away after a short illness.
click here to read full article |
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24 May 2005 |
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Sir James Lodge has been awarded the Website of the Day Award by one of the largest Thoroughbred Racing websites in the world, Let It Ride.Com.
click here to read full article |
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