History repeated by Star Ward

Press, 12 September 1987, Page 35

History repeated by Star Ward

History looked like repeating itself after Star Ward’s win in the Thomas’s Fashion Maiden at Waterlea yesterday. At last year’s meeting Neil Coulbeck, the trainer of the Standaan gelding, was the only southern licence-holder to win on the first day of the meeting (with Full of Surprises) and he carried the same accolades yesterday until Black Heath’s victory in the second leg. Star Ward led all the

way in the hands of Katy Crowe and beat an honest Lightning Lad easily, the latter posting his twelfth placing in 19 starts but without a win to his name yet. Star Ward is raced by Mr Eugene Renner, who has dabbled in both the racing and trotting codes in recent years with mixed success. Yesterday’s win was his first since Alvaro King was successful about six years ago.

Mr Renner’s son, Peter, is a well-known steeplechaser.

The win was a tonic too for Crowe, who suffered serious injuries in a fall last November and who has only recently returned to race riding.

“It was nice to win but I can’t say it took much from me. He won it on his own,” was her generous statement after the end-to-end victory.