Blair Orange knows Ascot Park well and he drove RnR Windermere to her strengths in an inch perfect performance for an all the way win today.
The big Rocknroll Hanover mare is best in front according Andrea Tither who part owns her with husband and trainer Jack.
“Three times in front for three wins,” she said.
RnR Windermere qualified at three and won her first race as a five year old.
“She’s taken a lot of time. She’s six and has just come right. But she’s very big and has been growing all the time. The whole breed is a bit like that. Jack has got more patience than me.”
She’s out of the maiden Christian Cullen mare Sheza Windermere who’s been an excellent broodmare for the Tithers.
Her first foal VC Windermere won four of his eighteen starts while the mare,s next foal BD Windermere won four races here and another five in Australia. Blow A Cloud followed, and won four races in New Zealand and another nine in Australia. He’s since headed to America where he’s also won races.
Returning to the birdcage – Photo Bruce Stewart
The race was part of the Woodlands Stud sponsored Invited Drivers Series and Andrea says once they drew Orange they were confident the mare would perform well.
“We were pretty happy when we drew him. Putting the sliding blinds on has really done the trick too.”
The only other horse the Tithers have in work is a three year old by A Rocknroll Dance out of Sheza Windermere.
“He’s a nice horse but he’s going to take time too.”
The Invited Drivers Series was won by the South Of The Waitaki Team with sixty two points while the individual competition was won by Nathan Williamson with twenty nine points. Samantha Ottley was second with fourteen points.
Bruce Stewart