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The most dominant force ever seen in sled racing in New Zealand will no longer be at the end of the year.
Such is the significance that Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen disbanded the all-conquering training partnership on December 31, which will dramatically shake up the entire harness industry.
Fresh from winning all four Group I pace races during Cup week, including trifecta training in the New Zealand Trotting Cup won by Self Assured, Purdon confirmed the imminent closure for Things Monday.
Joseph Johnson / Stuff
Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen will be taking a 12-month gap year from racehorse training.
“We just feel like we’re tired and we need a little rest,” Purdon said.
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“We have worked hard for the last nine years since Nat and I have been together and I think we have won almost everything there is to win so we want to evaluate things going forward and take a 12 month break,” Purdon said . .
Joseph Johnson / Stuff
Self Assured and Mark Purdon on their way to victory in the 2020 New Zealand Trotting Cup.
Officially, the record-breaking coaches are labeling the break as a 12-month sabbatical and will evaluate their careers in early 2022.
The All Stars training operation at Rolleston has been highly successful, but it also requires a great deal of hard work and dedication to function at the highest level seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.
The operation relies on long hours, minimal days off and even fewer breaks or holidays, Purdon said.
“If we decide to return, it will certainly not be at the capacity we are [now]. “
A letter was sent out early Monday to inform Purdon and Rasmussen owners of the dramatic news.
Joseph Johnson / Stuff
Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen have coached six of the last seven New Zealand Trotting Cup winners.
Purdon and Rasmussen will continue to support Hayden and Amanda Cullen, who will lease the All Stars training operation and take over the training of most of the horses currently in the stable.
Rolleston’s state-of-the-art facility will be known as Cullen Racing Stables as of January 1.
MORE TO COME
