Brian with his new mare Willowbrook. Photo Wayne Martin.

I’m just back from holiday in fabulous Rarotonga but as the weather is awful here, my enthusiasm for working around the property is not very great.

However, as there is little urgent work to be done at this time of the year, I thought I’d bring readers up to date on my favourite hobby – harness racing.

My old mare Eliza Doolittle, the mother of Elsudoku, is no longer breeding but I have been able to keep up my interest by buying a lovely five year old (four years at time of purchase) which means I can continue my horse breeding programme.

The new mare is named Willowbrook, a bay sired by In The Pocket who was one of the top sires in Australasia for many years – also sire of Christian Cullen.

Anyway, our task at the moment is to select a sire for this year which will be Willowbrook’s first attempt at motherhood.

The selection process can be a difficult task as there are so many top sires to choose from and I’ve heard plenty of opinions as to which sire I should be sending her to.

After consulting with the Standardbred Breeders Association representative (and an old friend), Tony Dickinson as well as listening to advice from my trainer Geoffrey Small, I will most likely go with Real Desire, from the Alabar Stud at Waiau Pa.

One filly from Real Desire is the champion, Cowgirls N Indians who is presently in Australia contesting the Australasian Breeders Crown. She won her heat just a week or so back in impressive style so here’s hoping this kind of success carries on to others sired by Real Desire.

By the way, Elsudoku had his first start last month but unfortunately lost stride on the last corner after being well placed throughout the race.

He is now having a break for about four weeks and will resume before summer racing.

One event giving us pleasure at the moment is that my hens have resumed laying and from the eight we are getting about five eggs per day – hoping for even better by next month  and will let you know.

• Brian Neben publishes Rural Living, and during the weekends is an avid lifestyle farmer.