Death Of Old-Time Trentham Trainer

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 December 1950, Page 3

Death Of Old-Time Trentham Trainer

Apprenticed at the age of 15 to Mr Henry Redwood, of Blenheim, who was recognised as the father of New Zealand racing, Mr Charles Pritchard died at Trentham on Saturday at the age of 79. He was one of the old school of successful and highly regarded trainers and came from a family long associated with racing. Mr Pritchard was a successful jockey and later took out a trainer s licence, his conscientiousness and astuteness being rewarded early by the efforts of Saga, a good winner, and Panates, whose successes included the C.J.C. Great Easter and Stewards Handicaps and the Winter Cup. Later he was associated with the brilliant miler Autopay during part of his career. Sweet Memory was another good sprint winner whom he prepared. For many years Mr Pritchard was private trainer to Mr W. H. Ballinger. Though he retired a number of years ago, he maintained a keen interest in racing and was a familiar figure at Trentham meetings and country fixtures in the Wellington district. He was always ready to impart his sound knowledge, and many of the younger present day trainers, jockeys and racing journalists have benefited by his kind advice and wide experience. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. The funeral will take place at Upper Hutt today.