Apprentice celebrates new job with win

Press, 12 October 1987, Page 35

Apprentice celebrates new job with win

By DAVID MCCARTHY

The former Southland apprentice, Debbie Petherick, aged 19, joined the Balcaim stable of John Parsons last week and celebrated the occasion by bringing Aquanita home at good odds at the Phar Lap Raceway last Friday. The Beaufort Sea mare scored at over 30-1 and Petherick had brought home another long-priced winner for the stable at Wingatui In August in Beaualan which is also by Beaufort Sea. Aquanita, raced by her breeders Messrs Alan Dunn and Max Williams, was a very backward foal which is the reason she has taken so long to show her worth. Her breeders have had considerable success as owners in the past with horses such as Suttle and the St Leger winner, Shantung. Mr Dunn’s son, Robert, is a

prominent trainer of standardbreds. Aquanita had been prominent at local trials but fell from favour after running keenly and fading at Orari. Petherick was formerly with Kelly Thompson at Longbush and another southern rider, Kelvin Wood, who is riding at about 54kg at present, has also joined John Parsons’ staff. Willie Harnett, who has been associated with the stable for some time, travels to Melbourne next month for what he describes as a “working holiday.”

“I will be doing some riding hopefully and seeing just what the scene over there has to offer,” he said. His elder brother Nick, who has done so well since shifting to Victoria some years ago, will be travelling to England to ride about the same time.