Every month HRNZ selects a breeder and owner of the month. It is done at random, with the only proviso being that their horse must have won during the month.
November’s breeding winner was Grant Smith from Ashburton after Selsey Anne’s impressive win on debut for trainer Mark Jones at Kaikoura on November 4. The Lather Up two-year-old filly came from last to win at South Bay by a length for driver Robbie Close. She has not been seen on race day since.
Stewart Gillan is the owner of the month after Cathy Freeman won at Manawatu for trainer Scott Dickson on November 19. It was the Sweet Lou filly’s first win in eight starts.
He also bred the filly (Sweet Lou – Tres Vite) along with Kevin Watson.
“We have raced a few from this breed starting with buying Tres Bien Franco at the yearling sales.”
A seven race winner, Tres Bien Franco is Tres Vite’s dam.
From Winton Gillan watched Cathy Freeman’s maiden win on Trackside.
“We were thrilled to see her win, unfortunately she’s not as fast as her namesake.”
As a 27-year-old Cathy Freeman became an Australian sporting legend when she won the 400 metre gold medal at her home Olympics in Sydney in 2000 in a time of 49.11 seconds.
“We’ve had shares in many horses – Thefixer, Titan Banner, Eamon Maguire.”
“I really enjoy racing horses, have met many good people and always look forward to having a horse race.”
Plaques have been sent to both of November’s winners – congratulations.
