Bloss' owner, harness leader Ralph Kermode dies

Former Harness Racing New Zealand president Ralph Kermode, who managed the syndicate that raced the mighty mare Blossom Lady, died at Palmerston North today.

HRNZ chairman Pat O'Brien said Kermode, who was in his mid-70s, had battled gallantly after a recent illness.

"It is a very sad day as Ralph provided a great contribution to the industry in so many ways, but most importantly he was a great friend to everyone he met."

Kermode was a long time member and former president of the Manawatu HRC and served on the HRNZ executive from 1991 to 200, the last three as president.

He had his greatest moments in the industry with Blossom Lady, one of the country's greatest pacers, who won 43 races from 155 starts for $1.33 million in stakes.

She won the 1992 New Zealand Cup and NZ Free-For-All, two Hunter Cups in Victoria, an Easter Cup and six Interdominion heats.

"She was the sort of horse an owner dreams of having," Kermode told Harness Racing Weekly when she retired in 1996. "She was so honest. She would never run a bad race. She had bad luck, but you'd always know she would perform."

Kermode was also a long time member of the NZ Equine Research Foundation and many other industry working groups.

` `Ralph was a true gentleman, always professional in his dealings to ensure the interests of harness racing in all regions and at all levels were considered," said O'Brien.

Kermode is the second harness industry leader to die in the past fortnight.

Don Nyhan, who trained star pacers Johnny Globe and Lordship, died on October 25, aged 99.