Prizewinner's would-be killer still a mystery

Sir Slick has career winnings of $1.8 million. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The trainer of a prizewinning galloper that was the target of a possible assassination attempt says it is unlikely the would-be killer will ever be caught.

Paul Allbon was putting Sir Slick into a stall at his Te Aroha stables after a race meeting last month when he noticed him acting "a little bit weirdly".

When he checked the stables, Mr Allbon noticed a "glittery" substance on the edge of Sir Slick's feed bin.

The substance - which turned out to be shards of glass - was also found on another nearby bin.

Mr Allbon denied earlier reports that the glass was mixed in with the horse's feed.

Police were called, but the investigation has stalled because of a lack of evidence - and lack of suspects, Mr Allbon told the Weekend Herald yesterday.

"Everyone has got their theories, I guess, but we are clutching at straws, really."

Te Aroha police were contacted for comment on this story, but did not return Herald calls.

The sabotage has prompted a security review at Mr Allbon's Te Aroha property, with cameras to be installed in the stables and later at the front gates and on the driveways.

Eight-year-old Sir Slick's determination has earned the galloper the name "People's Champion", and seen him amass more than $1.8 million in stakes.

But Mr Allbon said the industry was becoming more competitive, and the list of suspects could range from a rival trainer to a disgruntled punter.

"In this game, people can get quite jealous that you've got a good horse," he said.

Co-owner and co-trainer Graeme Nicholson said some people might disagree with his handling of Sir Slick, which at times has been seen as tough and excessive, despite the huge returns.

"I know I've got some enemies, but why would they do this to the horse?"

The trainer said he should have done something immediately, but for a time decided to ignore the incident.

Friends, he said, pushed him into action.

"What I should have been paying attention to is what might have been in the glass bottle."

Sir Slick will race next in the $70,000 Higgins Challenge Stakes at Palmerston North next Saturday.