The Organ Donation Saves Lives syndicate, whose members include Aaron Coull, a heart transplant recipient, had success with Selena Franco at Cromwell on Saturday.
“To own a horse was on the wish list of Aaron when he had a heart transplant a few years ago,’’ said Todd Butts, manager of the Christchurch –based syndicate.
The syndicate, comprising 23 couples, linked with Spreydon Lodge and trainer Steven McRae to lease a horse and won two races with Nerida Franco last year before she was sold to the United States.
Selena Franco was a subsequent venture. She was having her second start when she led through 2600m in the hands of Craig Thornley.
She is a 4-year-old by McArdle and the first foal of San Rafaella, who seven races with McRae and three in Australia where she took a record of 1.52.3 at Menangle.
Coull owned and trained the greyhound Cool Tee Jay, who won 37 races before she was retired in 1994. She is in the canine Hall of Fame.
The Wyndham Harness Racing Club hosted the race meeting on Saturday and three of the committee members had the thrill of winning races.
Ian Hunter, a member of the committee for 43 years and a life member, is the owner of Gotta Del, who won in dashing style.
Bathan Muir and Brendan Duffy are in the ownership of Glenferrie Classic, who prevailed in the Alabar Cromwell Cup. Brendan was in charge of the punters club and wagered $400 to win on Glenferrie Classic, who paid $3.30.
Phil Williamson had his 500th training win in New Zealand with trotters when Astral Ruler held on by a nose. Astral Ruler, driven by son Nathan Williamson, led over the last 1400m.
It was third win for Astral Ruler, raced by long time stable patron, Bill Stevenson, of Oamaru. Phil had his first win with a trotter with Role Model at Addington in 1995. Role Model had earlier won six races as a pacer.
Williamson has also won good races in Australia with Springbank Richard (Victoria Trotting Derby) and One Over Kenny (The Holmfield).
The 3-year-old trotter President Roydon won in style on Saturday at his second start.
“He started out with Mark Purdon and then had a wind operation,’’ said Brett Gray, who trains President Roydon for Merv and Meg Butterworth. President Roydon was a $10,000 premier sale purchase.
Tayler Strong