by Tayler Strong
Nui Le had a spectacular win at Wingatui on Monday in her first start from the Graeme Anderson stable and her first in the ownership of stable junior driver Rory McIlwrick.
It was one of six harness races staged by the Forbury Park club in conjunction with the Beaumont Racing Club.
Nui Le, a 4-year-old Changeover mare was leased six weeks ago by McIlwrick after nine unplaced starts for Canterbury trainer-breeder Neil Ure.
Nui Le was three wide with cover early, reached the lead at the 800m and drew away in the closing stages to win by nine lengths. The Anderson stable won with Delightful Jack at Winton on Saturday when he was having his first start for the stable.
Kimberly Butt drove October Rain and Bobbie’s Girl to win on Monday. October Rain overcame a 20m handicap and stormed home to win by six lengths.
Butt is employed by Gavin Smith, the trainer of October Rain. Bobbie’s Girl is trained by Kirstin Barclay, who has stood down from driving through pregnancy.
The Knapdale owner-trainer Kathaleen O’Connor dedicated the upset win of Ronnoco to her late mother. Ronnoco had not won in 24 starts since his previous win at Forbury Park in September, 2012.
“Mum (Lois) died in February at the age of 90 and she always followed the horses. She said you were not in it for the money,’’ said O’Connor.
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