N.Z. TRAINER’S GOOD DOUBLE AT RANDWICK

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28801, 23 January 1959, Page 4

N.Z. TRAINER’S GOOD DOUBLE AT RANDWICK

I From tne Australian Corresvonaent al *Tht Fr«s«.'M

SYDNEY. For the second time since he came to Australia on the present trip, trainer, A. E. Didham, has won a double at Randwick. Saturday’s success came through Woodlands Wonder, the brilliant two-year-old, and Lochie, one of the safest welter horses from New Zealand in recent yeafs. There was a special satisfaction about the wins, because they were accomplished in the presence of their owner, a Christchurch businessman. Mr D. McFarlane. Twice before Didham had cabled to New Zealand asking Mr McFarlane to come across to be present for a win, but each time the stable horses did not play their part, much to Didham’s disappointment. On Boxing Day Mr McFarlane could not be in Australia' and Woodlands Wonder struck top form and won. Didham was fairly certain of the ability of Woodlands Wonder to win on Saturday and there was not a mistake; Woodlands Wonder was much too good for the hot favourite, Beechly. and Raiburn in the second division of the Two-year-old Stakes. Woodlands Wonder is by Newtown Wonder (imp.) from Silver Words, and as the name suggests was bred at Woodlands Stud where Newtown Wonder (imp.) is the principal sire. Woodlands Wonder was Didham’s second pick at the Sydney yearling sales. He first wanted the outstanding filly, Endure, but having missed her he secured Woodlapds Wonder. Didham knows the value of a holiday in New Zealand for a horse, and sent Woodlands Wonder across to develop before entering training. While in New Zealand Woodlands Wonder was given several trials and was proved to be a galloper of above ordinary ability. Lochie won the /Lindsay Gordon Handicap in good Style from Hurry By and Nearco Lad find landed many big bets. At his previous start Lochie was unplaced

after drifting in the betting, but this time there was a very confident ring in the backing of him and he justified this confidence. Entering /the last furlong it seemed that Lochie might be beaten, but his superlative condition ,and the determination of his rider, C. Kelly, won out. Kelly, a former country jockey, broke into Sydney racing about a year or so ago. and quickly won his way to the top.