Robin Butt at West Melton

Press, 30 April 1981, Page 26

Robin Butt at West Melton

\ \ RobiAutt, who for some ; years hastrained a sizeable < team at (reenpark, has dis- i posed of \s. property there and a part of the farming an training operations of is father-in-law, Jack LittenAt West Melton. Butt’s tean of 10 Las been shifted to it new quarters and the chageover will be completed thi-.week. Locarno, thistar of Butt’s team, is to Resume worknext week afte appearing to have recoverd completely from a mysgry ailment which prevents him showing his best fora in Australia last summeriEven so he managed a secorl to Friendly Footman in jie Miracle Mile at Harold a race he won 12 monthtearlier. Locarno had a'restricted campaign this seson and ■ from six starts gined two ' wins, a second ariy a third for more than §30,00. “Nobody is certin what was the matter ’■■■" One day he was as good as

gold, and the next day he could only hobble around,' said Butt. The most exhaustive examinations have disclosed no cause of the problem. Butt is hopeful that Locarno will be able to start on his seven-year-old career at the national meeting at Addington Raceway in August.

His main spring mission will be the New Zealand Cup in November, to be followed by another tilt at the Pan Am Mile, a race ha won last December. If Locarno comes through his spring and early summer racing to Butt’s satisfaction, he will make his third trip to Australia. “The small tracks over there and the style of racing seem to suit him best. He was miles below his best when he ran second in the Miracle Mile last January and I’m keen to have another go at that race,” said Butt.