Premier meeting stars

White Robe Lodge had a  great day  at the premier meeting at Riccarton on Saturday (1/8/2015)with High Forty  winning  the $30,000 NZI Koral Steeplechase (4250m) and stable apprentice Jacob Lowry (17) winning the $100,000 group three eStar Winter Cup (1600m) on Timy Tyler and  the  $40,000 Giant's Steps and Linwood Pharmacy Sprint (1200m) on Scapolo.  Another stable apprentice, Courtney Barnes capped the day with a win on Cody Cat in a $25,000 rating 75 1800m race.

It was the fifth steeplechase win in a row   for the Brian and Shane Anderton-trained High Forty and the $17,500 first prize took his stake earnings for the winter to $72,025.   High Forty became the first South Island-trained winner of the Koral for 24 years. He made light of topweight of 70kg, improving on a fourth and a third in the race the previous two years.  He was led back at the head of the field by Emma Anderton, daughter of Shane and Sharon. The trophy for the race was accepted by Georgia Lowry, sister of Jacob on behalf of owners, Brian and Lorraine and Terry Burke.

The home-bred High Forty (Danzinghill - Rubiette) firmed in favour for the  $75,000 NZ Grand National Steeplehase (5600m) next Saturday when he has 0.5kg less weight.