Gibbs breaks $2M barrier

Press, 31 July 1989, Page 29

Gibbs breaks $2M barrier

Auckland correspondent It seemed appropriate that the Takanini jockey, Greg Childs, was a helping hand in top trainer, Jim Gibbs, breaking the $2 million barrier for the season at the Taumarunui Racing Club’s meeting at Te Rapa on Saturday. Childs, who was the staple rider for Gibbs for a few years after ending' his apprenticeship, rode the Gibbs-trained Mickey’s Town to win in the $40,000 Taurmarunui Gold Cup. “That puts me a few hundred dollars over the $2 million,” said a delighted Gibbs after the event. “Both my runners today (Regal City and Mickey’s Town) had to win for me to get the $2 million and they did it.” Childs gave Mickey’s Town a beautiful run, settling the five-year-old in third spot, then improving him into second with 700 metres to run.

Into the straight Childs urged Mickey’s Town to the front and from there on it was a matter of what the margin would be. As it was, he scored by 2*4 lengths from Star Harvest, a strong-finisher, while King Aussie was a game third, I*4 lengths away. “I’m so rapt for Jim,” said Childs as he returned to the jockey’s room after weighing in. “Jim helped me a lot when I came out of my time and it’s good to be on the horse who gave him the $2 million.” During his time with Gibbs, Childs rode many top-class performers with two of the best being Maurita and Zepherin (both winners of the New Zealand Oaks). He also rode Valencia to victory in another Group One, the A.R.C. Railway Handicap. Childs was lucky to be riding at all on Saturday as he as given one-day

suspension at the Whangarei meeting at Ruakaka the day before. A deferred suspension enabled Childs to fulfil his engagements on Saturday and the result was two winners — Mickey’s Town and Sovereign Jake. “That gives me 87 wins for the season and that’s two more than my previous best,” said Childs after his win on Sovereign Jake in the final event. Mickey’s Town, a son of ■ Icelandic and the Irish-bred mare, Walnor, is owned by an Aucklander, Barney McCahill, who has had plenty of success with horses over the years including, owning a half-share in McGinty. Mickey’s Town joined Gibbs’ team earlier this year and he has recaptured his best form through the change of environment and a variety of work. “I’ve been giving him some schooling

and he jumps well,” said Gibbs. “He ’•eally likes it.” Mickey’s Town’s dam has left two other winners, Brilliant Beauty (in Australia) and Exchequer. The latter ran third on Saturday at Oamaru.

Mickey’s Town’s dam has left two other winners, Brilliant Beauty (in Australia) and Exchequer. The latter ran third on Saturday at Oamaru. Being the first trainer to break a stakes record is nothing new for Gibbs. Two years ago he became the first New Zealand trainer to reach $1 million in stakes for a season (racing solely in New Zealand). The 1988-89 term has, indeed, belonged to Gibbs as he has won a series of features. Saturday’s Listed success took his tally in Group and Listed events to 13, which includes the DB Auckland Cup (Spyglass), the DB Draught Avondale Cup (Maurine) and the Bayleys Easter (Regal City).