Open letter to Zurella:
"How about doing this one for dad.
It would fit in well with the Christmas/New Year spirit.
We're talking, you sweet little thing, about winning this afternoon's group one $200,000 Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie.
Imagine the thrill the old man would get if you were able to win the race that carries his name in the week that he announces his retirement.
He's a bit down in the dumps after Sir Patrick found out last week the old bloke has been firing blanks all serving season.
But at close to the human age of 90, he's very chuffed at still being able to do the job - who wouldn't at that age - even if that doesn't result in little Zabeels like you, sweetheart.
We know you know that we're joshing about the "sweetie, sweetheart" tags, you know you're a real maggot, like all top-class mares are supposed to be.
Imagine how proud that queen of all maggot queens Sunline would be of you.
You probably don't bite as hard as she used to, but you kick right up there with the best of the tarts.
The old man is particularly proud of your "shitty" nature, something he can inject into some of his stock, even though he himself didn't get the full measure of that from his father, Sir Tristram.
He loves that it takes special treatment to get you out of the birdcage and on to the track.
That it takes all the good strength of old Wilf to master your nastiness.
He loves that they have to fly Wilf to Australia to control you.
Dad particularly liked that kick on the leg you gave that nice boy Rory Hutchings in the birdcage at the Cambridge barrier trials recently.
He thought you'd broken his leg and so did we all.
Okay, you haven't won at Ellerslie, or on any other right-handed track, but we know you've been only kidding.
Sort of like that good ol' girl Madonna would do. Boy, wouldn't she like you if she knew you.
So, c'mon sweetheart darling, after all, you've given that nice trainer of yours Shaune grey hairs - he's starting to look much older than his 30 years.
They've given you the one draw to help and that Leith Innes could get a win home on a broomstick at the moment.
Ricky and Dicky at The Oaks are watching.
You want to keep on the right side of those two - you will want the prime broodmare paddock when you eventually get back there.
It's all up to you.
He's been a good bloke your old man, make him proud."
Last night Zurella was unavailable for comment.