Bell Block Horse Trainer Collects his Gong

Bell Block’s John Wheeler has forged an outstanding reputation as a trainer of great gallopers and has been a guiding hand for New Zealand horse racing administration. The 62-year-old Bell Block man on Thursday 23rd May 2013 received the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit award that was announced in the 2013 New Year Honours. It was for services to horse racing. Mr Wheeler has for more than three decades been regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading horse trainers and has helped to set the standards for racing both here and overseas. He received his full professional trainer’s licence in 1981 and since then his horses have won a host of prestigious races. In a testament to his total commitment to the industry, Mr Wheeler has served on the committee of the Taranaki Racing Club, or Taranaki Thoroughbred Racing, since 1991, the executive board of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and is a past president of the New Zealand Trainers’
Association. The latest accolade follows his induction in 2010 into the New Zealand Racing’s Hall of Fame. Mr Wheeler’s interest in racing was kindled at an early age, following the interest of his parents, the late Ray and Peg Wheeler. He has trained more than 1000 winners, 909 of these in New Zealand and further 100 or more in Australia. The best horses he has trained – Poetic Prince, Rough Habit, Veandercross and jumper St Steven – were stars of the turf in their time. Enjoy this video below of Bell Block’s John Wheeler, one of New Zealand racings favorite sons on his big day.