KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's fastest pacer is coming out of retirement.
But don't expect the owners of Pay Me Christian to be too happy about that.
The 5-year-old stallion will return to training after infertility concerns have ended his stud season and almost certainly his entire stud career.
Tests before the new breeding season revealed problems which would have stopped Pay Me Christian from serving a commercial number of broodmares.
That left Canterbury-based Nevele R Stud with little choice but to return him to the track.
Nevele R bought a half share in Pay Me Christian for close to $500,000 18 months ago and his stud career appeared to receive a huge boost when he set an Australasian mile race record 1:52.8 at Newcastle last November.
He was expected to serve over 100 mares at a $3500 fee.
Instead, he is likely to resume his racing career in Australia.
Because Pay Me Christian was purchased while still racing, the Herald understands Nevele R still retain a half share even though he has little value as a stallion.
Nevele R announced yesterday they have spoken to Pay Me Christian's other owners and former trainer Paul Kerr, who believes the stallion's racing future lies in Australia.
So he is likely to be sent back across the Tasman soon after concerns over the Equine Influenza (EI) there end.
If he can return to his best form Pay Me Christian would be a likely target for Harold Park officials as they contemplate this year's Miracle Mile field. He was a stunning fourth in the race last season. He could also be aimed at the Interdominion series.
* The lack of horse racing in Australia this week because of the EI crisis means Australian TABs will bet on all 10 races at Cambridge harness tomorrow night.
That will provide the Cambridge-Te Awamutu HRC and Harness Racing New Zealand with a financial windfall, especially with Australian authorities working hard to provide form guides to inspire Australian punters to bet on the meeting.
