Memory of Val Christophers lives on with Chookie’s Girl

Val Christophers died two and a half years ago but her long association with White Robe Lodge continued when Chookie's Girl won a 2200m maiden impressively at Wingatui on June 2, 2019.

Chookie's Girl, who was having her fourth start is trained by Brian and Shane Anderton for the Estate of Christophers. Chookie's Girl is a 4yr-old mare by WRL sire Raise The Flag and the first foal of Danz A Rook, who won nine races to 2200m when owned and trained by Christophers. Danz A Rook was by former WRL sire, Danzighill, who left Belle D'Or, winner of seven races for Christophers. Chookie's Girl wore the Christopher colours of cerise with black sleeves and cap.

Val and Lorraine Anderton bred Valraine (As Before -Golden Honey) in 1976. The same year Val bred  Double D'Or, who became the first winner sired by the champion WRL sire, Noble Bijou when successful as a 2yr-old at Oamaru in May, 1979. Double D'Or was South Island filly of the year as a 3yr-old. She  left Menier D'Or (by Tawfiq). Valraine began racing at four and won seven races when trained by Brian Anderton. Valraine left Raineval and the jumps winner Bluecliffs for Lorraine and Val. Raineval produced Anquilla (by Random Chance), winner of eight races for the partnership. 

WRL stallions sired the three jumps winners at Ellerslie on June 3. Max (Gallant Guru- Vitique) won the $50,000 McGregor Grant Steeplechase; Tommyra (Raise The Flag - Hippo Priscilla) the $50,000 K S Browne Hurdle) and Arite Guru(Gallant Guru - Arurite) the $10,000 Maiden Hurdle. Gallant Guru has also been represented by recent winners Ruby Guru (Sunshine Coast), One More Again in Macau and O'Great Swift  in Perak. Raise The Flag has also left Raff, a maiden winner at Riccarton. It was the ninth win for Ruby Guru (ex On The Make).