Leading driver Blair Orange will once again be formally attached to Purdon Racing at Rolleston from next month.
“Blair will be here up to four mornings a week and will be the stable driver” Nathan said
“We had our first discussion a few weeks ago and after meeting with Ken Barron who had no objection an arrangement with Blair was agreed. He may not be able to work in the barn on some days when driving engagements clash but four t is what we are aiming for”
It hardly needs to be repeated of the past success of the Purdon/Orange partnership that this appears and ideal setup for both parties now that Mark is spending time in the North Island. Blair has continued to drive for the stable on a less formal basis in recent times especially with Natalie taking a step back and Mark’s driving is likely to be diminished so the new arrangement is of benefit to both.
“I get the chance to share the load in the barn routine knowing that someone of Blair’s quality is there and he gets to drive our best horses” Nathan said.
Blair has topped the driver’s premiership every year since 2017 and has 97 wins going into Friday racing to again lead this season.
He was an anchor for the All Stars stable or a decade before Natalie assumed a senior role with a strong of Group 1 wins and retained a close association including winning the New Zealand Cup with Cruz Bromac,probably the highlight of his career. He only acclerated his personal success on the Premiership tables as he forged his own path.
He will remain a free lance driver outside the Purdon racing stable which will be flexible.
The move to sign Blair represents a positive reaction to the loss of experience among senior staff in recent times.
Meanwhile Jeremy Markham is to join the stable later this month in a combined equine and marketing role.
“Jeremy is going to be responsible for liasing with owners keeping them updated and informed on a weekly basis with reports and videos” Nathan said. “He will be full time with the stable and available to help when available but working with owners will be his biggest priority”
Jeremy is another former All Star employee of standing most notable for his close association with the champion trotter I Can Doosit a star on both sides of the Tasman who gave Mark his first Dominion Handicap winner for Ken and Karen Breckonin 2012
The Markham family have been active in several harness roles over many years both practical and in media roles. Jeremy has mixed practical horse work with administrative roles and was formerly the assistant Racing Secretary at Addington Raceway a role he filled very successfully