Thornley might move north

Press, 10 March 1982, Page 26

Thornley might move north

Maurice Thornley, who combines race riding with the preparation of a small team at Riccarton, .might soon settle in the North Island. Thornley said yesterday that he owned a. property at Foxton, and if he decided to make his headquarters there he would probably move out of Riccarton after Easter. Bijou Lad, one of the most promising members of the Thornley team, had to be put down after fracturing a leg last week. The Crofter has been another contributor to the stable’s winning record, but Thornley is uncertain whether he will continue with the five-year-old if he moves away from Riccarton. The Crofter sprinted pleasingly on the course proper at Riccarton yesterday. He returned 50c for 800 m and beat Vita Crown comfortably. Trainers were allowed the use of the course next to the running rail, but there was not much action from those that raced at the Hororata meeting on Saturday and ran in race trials on Sunday. Blue Sage, a condidate for the first leg of the Ashburton T.A.B. double, was keen to quicken in the early stages of her 800 m. She hurried over the opening 200 m in 11.8 s and finished in 51.85. High Honour led his stablemate Haddock by three lengths finishing 800 in 52.25. High Honour Will make a fresh start in the Elgin Handicap. He built up nicely while spelling. Burgerville recorded 50.9 s for his 800 m. Aramis, looking bright after an easy time since the Canterbury Jockey Club’s Christmas meeting, ran 600 m easily on the plough in 38.45. He could be back to racing at the North Canterbury autumn meeting. Demolish led Octane by two lengths finishing 600 m in 37.85. Octane has done much of her work on the beach since the tracks have firmed. Blue Genes returned 38.85,

and Loriana and Master Toi came up with 39.45. Fulla Cheer worked away slowly from the 1400,. then quickened for the last 600 m in 38.85.