SEYMOUR trainer Dr John Heath is reaping rewards from regular forays across the NSW border. After a second placing with the eight year old gelding Altai Ranger, at Lockhart and Young on October 3 and 11; Heath scored a win on Saturday at Bombala in a benchmark 50 1400 metre event.
Closer to home, veteran Gordon Strang scored at the Yea picnics with six year old gelding First Venture, or Vinnie as he is affectionately known.
The chestnut scored his maiden win comfortably by two lengths under the guidance of rider Tracy Johnson.
The local trainer made a comeback from a shocking accident two years ago when walking his horse across the road (next to the track,) he fell and shattered his ankle.
Mr Strang was in hospital and then rehabilitation for quite some time and friends and racing enthusiasts are amazed that he is still doing what he does at 87.
The picnic meeting at Alexandra on the weekend produced several local winners despite the meeting being abandoned after four races after rain made the track slippery. In the opening event the Don Dwyer trained gelding These Boots scored his second win from as many starts for Dwyer, winning by an impressive 6.5 length margin. Kilmore’s Tyson Barton scored in the Open Trophy 1300 metres with Kahungunu, giving rider Shaun Cooper a double for the meeting.
The win by Kahungunu followed second placings at the meetings at Lockhart and Deniliquin.
