Willetts and Skelton start well
NZPA Melbourne The expatriate New Zealand jockeys, Garry Willetts and Bob Skelton, started the new racing season well with wins at Sandown Park on Saturday. In the 1400 m Gardenvale Handicap Willetts rode Capital Issue to victory, beating the 3 to 1 favourite, Tuck Point, by two lengths. Skelton's turn came in the 2400 m Balaclava Handicap, in which he rode the New Zealand-bred gelding. Parrdoo to a three and a half lengths win over Owhata Son.
Owhata Son was ridden by another of the New Zealand jockeys now living in Melbourne, “Midge" Didham. The five-year-old gelding carried topweight of 57kg and was having his first flatrace start in Australia after competing in three hurdle events since crossing the Tasman in June. Before the Balaclava. Owhata Son, which had raced in Otago, had won a 2800 m hurdle at Packenham and then finished second in the 3250 m Leamington Hurdle at Caulfied on July 18.
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Press, 3 August 1981, Page 22
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160Willetts and Skelton start well Press, 3 August 1981, Page 22
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