First Kiwi Two-Year-Old Race Run and Won

Monday, 02 September 2002 00:00

New Zealand's first two-year-old race of the 2002-2003 season has been won by the Australian-bred Romar Dale.

The Armidale two-year-old colt outmuscled the much smaller Little Jewel to win the 800m dash at the Wanganui Jockey Club meeting on Saturday.

Romar Dale races in the same colours as last season's leading 2YO filly, Lady Dehere.

Romar Dale is owned by Ron and Margaret Saunders who bought the youngster at the Karaka yearling sales earlier this year.

He is trained at Te Awamutu by Graeme and Debbie Sanders. The Sanders family has always enjoyed a marvellous run in the early season juvenile races at Wanganui over the years and have won the race many times with such horses as Ballroom Babe and Dandy Dancer.

"My grandfather (Bill Sanders) won the race many times and Dad (Graeme) has too," said Debbie Sanders.

Romar Dale was ridden by Mark Sweeney who won the event for the first time. Sweeney and Debbie Sanders are due to marry next month.

Media Release - TNZ