Impressive winners

Gallant Defender and Ruby's Rose, both progeny of White Robe Lodge stallion Gallant Guru, were impressive winners for WRL stables at Wingatui on 22/10.2015.  Gallant Defender confirmed his two second placings in four starts as a 3yr-old last season when  he overcame  a rocky passage to clear maiden ranks over 1400m. He is raced by Dean Lawrence, the immediate past - president of the Otago Racing Club with his mother-in-law, Diana Duff-Staniland, of Wellington. Gallant Defender was bought for $16,000 by Mr Lawrence as a 2yr-old from the WRL draft at the 2013 South Island sale. He is the first foal of Upclosenpersonal, winner of four races for WR and a half sister by Personal Escort to Inferno (dual Canterbury Gold Cup), Ortem Fire (stakes winner) and Megagem.

Ruby's Rose was having her first race for seven months when she  came from the rear of the field at the 350m  wide out to win a  rating 65 1400m. It was her fourth win and augured well for her 6yr-old season.

Princess Brook, by the WR stallion, Raise The Flag showed a touch of class to win a rating 75 1600m. She appeared under pressure inside the 200m but lifted to win by a length and a quarter. Her owner, Fred King and trainer Terry Kennedy have been patient with Princess Brook, now a 4yr-old and a winner three times from nine starts.

The Bishop, by deceased WR sire, Yamanin Vital, displayed his durability when the 9yr-old stayer won the listed $50,000 Spring Classic at Riccarton on Saturday (24/10/2015).