Perfect Tonic for Owner and Trainer
- Tuesday, 13 August 2002 00:00
Ayrgo is owned and trained by Mrs Blackie, who rises every morning at 5.15am in time to have her charge ready to work at the Riccarton track by 6 o’clock.
Not that Ayrgo is Mrs Blackie’s only daily interest, but her pre-dawn routine enables her to "do other things", such as keeping house and helping to care for her grandchildren.
Mrs Blackie has been involved with horses of some description since her childhood, beginning in pony club and graduating to an administrative role in that organisation.
While a relatively "late starter" in the racehorse ranks, she has enjoyed more than her share of success.
She won several races with Ayrgo’s half-brother Palago before a broken leg halted his career, and Saturday’s listed race success was the eighth from 32 starts for Ayrgo.
The eight-year-old was ridden on Saturday by Riccarton-based jockey Terry Moseley, who not only has the regular raceday mount, but is also a great ally for Mrs Blackie in her daily training schedule.
"We all got a great kick out of winning on Saturday, especially in front of the home crowd," said Mrs Blackie. "Just about everybody I met afterwards said they had a nice collect."
Media Release - NZTM