Bad Round NZ | Good Things Do Come in Small Packages!
Bad Round NZ, a 2012 foal out of USA sire Badlands Hanover began his racing career in New Zealand where he had two starts with trainer and breeder Terry McDonald. He was purchased by Lyn Fitzpatrick in late 2015 and travelled to New South Wales to be trained by Lyn’s son, Blake. Under Blake Bad Round NZ had nine starts, including four wins in a row before being acquired by John and Debbie Padberg in April 2016. He raced his remaining 187 starts under Debbie Padberg. He retired in July 2021 with 196 Australian starts, 16 wins, 20 thirds, 18 seconds having earnt his connections $193,473.
Making a point of rehoming all her horses herself Debbie waits until she finds the right fit for the horse and implements a strict to-be-returned rule if they aren’t suitable. Debbie recalls that Bad Round NZ, stable name The Terror, was a funny little character to have around that everyone loved.
“Everyone loved driving him, he was a safe little horse. He wasn’t a star racehorse but he tried all the time; he had that personality.” Remembers Debbie.
Earlier this year Jennifer (Jenny) Smith had been on the lookout for a standardbred under 15hh and with character. After three months, she ran into friend Kathy Boyle who works at the Northam Racing Club and told her of her as-yet fruitless search. Kathy knew Debbie was keeping an eye out for a suitable home for The Terror and put her in touch with Jenny. Debbie told Jenny about the gelding’s cheeky personality, and that he’d been under saddle briefly three years ago. After seeing videos and photos of him at the track Jenny purchased The Terror and he was home with her a short two weeks later.
“He was a beautiful sound little horse with lots of personality. We could have kept racing him because he was so sound but we knew Jenny’s would be the perfect home for him so we let him go.” Debbie said.
Jenny says The Terror arrived in amazing condition; race fit and glowing with health. The Terror was renamed to a less intimidating Rodney and he began his re-education. Jenny took guidance from Mike Jacobson at Sunninghill Equestrian Centre and Isabell Smith from Baywood Performance Horses. Jenny said both Mike and Isabell loved working with the gelding and did not see his breed as a handicap.
Rodney and Jenny enjoy attending Avon Valley Adult Riding Group and trail riding together. After one month off the track Rodney competed at the Northam Agricultural Show where he won Champion Standardbred! More recently Jenny entered him in the 45cm class at the Avon Valley Adult Rider’s Hunter Trials having only jumped for the first time the week before. Rodney took to the course confidently and even won Champion Standardbred across the heights.
“He tries so hard to please me. I think it’s great that OTTWA have classes for these special horses.
Rodney The Terror is now having a well-deserved rest. He’s spoilt here and he deserves it.” Jenny said.
While Rodney is now enjoying his summer holiday Jenny looks forward to building on his education and getting out competing next season.
What a super start this super standardbred has had! We can’t wait to see him out enjoying his second career with Jenny in 2022.
