Death of Hugh Purdon

Press, 23 May 1977, Page 19

Death of Hugh Purdon

PA Auckland Mr Hugh Purdon, a prominent -horseman for many years and -the father of five sons who have -been successful in trotting <lied at the week-end. He was -aged 76. . •. Mr Purdon who came to New -Zealand from Scotland as a lad -along with members of the •Bryce family, enjoyed much success as a trainer. He spent a period based at Mangere and then trained at Pukekohe for well over 25 years. His best performer was ‘ the Cup-class horse Captain Star. Some of the other good horses he had were Downlight ■ dam of Miles' Gentry), Te Koi, Gol court and Dandy Andy. Mr Purdon had not been in good health for some time but continued to participate actively in trotting as an owner and enjoyed success in that role with Daisy Chain a couple of years back.

A much-respected and experienced horseman, Mr Purdon 11 passed on his wealth of know--1 ledge in the sport to ills five s sons, Roy, Joe, Sandy, Foster ; I and Les, who have carried on s I the family name 'to greater ; prominence. Roy the eldest son, has been 1; one of New Zealand’s leading > trainers for many years, while ! I Sandy and Les have fared par. ; ticuiarly well as drivers. Joe has t dabbled in the sport with a small •; team with good success, and 5 Foster was briefly in the game s and won as a driver before i settling in Christchurch.