Waikato attracts expatriate jockeys

Press, 21 January 1982, Page 18

Waikato attracts expatriate jockeys

PA Auckland The former New Zealand jockeys. Brian Andrews. ‘'Midge" Didham and Gary Willetts, will ride at Te Rapa on February 23.

The three have accepted invitations from the Waikato Racing Club to appear on the second day, a Tuesday, of the club's international meeting. The feature race will be the Lion Brown Sprint, a weight-for-age 1400 m event worth $31,000. and the Dalgety New Zealand International Stakes, a weight-for-age 2000 m event for a stake of $25,000.

Dalgety Bloodstock. Ltd. is assisting the club to bring the overseas riders to New Zealand: Andrews from Hong Kong, and Didham and Willetts from Melbourne. The club's secretary, Mr Tony Enting. said that the club would be looking to arrange rides for' the visitors, especially in the principal races.

“It should not be difficult," he said. “They represent the best and are well known to many owners and trainers here?’

Didham, of Wingatui. was

the first of the trio to try his luck in Australia, some 10 years ago, and Andrews and Willetts, both Aucklanders, followed in the mid-19705. All three have been conspicuously successful, Andrews having gone further afield a couple of years ago. The feature event on the first day of the meeting, Saturday, February 20, will be the Second White Horse Whisky Stakes for grey and roan horses. The stake has been increased this year from $lO,OOO to $12,000. and a free service to McGinty's sire. One Pound Sterling, will be attached to the winning stake.