Racing: It was freaking amazing: winner

Georgia Sumner-Davis with her spoils after winning the Charity Riders Oaks at Wingatui on Sunday....
Georgia Sumner-Davis with her spoils after winning the Charity Riders Oaks at Wingatui on Sunday. Photos by Matt Smith/Craig Baxter.
Resplendent (7), ridden by  Sumner-Davis, leads Tuffinup (Anna Swainson) as they near the finish...
Resplendent (7), ridden by Sumner-Davis, leads Tuffinup (Anna Swainson) as they near the finish line of the race.

The thrills were in abundance but thankfully there were no spills as nine amateur riders and a professional jockey battled out the Charity Riders Oaks at Wingatui on Sunday.

The Oaks was one of the features of the inaugural Think Pink race day, organised by the Otago Racing Club to help raise funds for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

All riders were required to raise at least $300 to compete in the race.

Sole professional rider Chris Johnson threatened to spoil the fun for the amateurs over the 800m but Wingatui track rider Georgia Sumner-Davis provided a tidy ride to win with Resplendent, trained by her employer Paul Richards.

Sumner-Davis was still buzzing after the dash down the home straight.

''It was freaking amazing - my horse was awesome, she just kept plugging the whole way,'' she said.

The 24-year-old University Of Otago physiotherapy student had a summer working for Canterbury trainer Michael Pitman before starting to ride track work for Richards at Wingatui last summer.

''It's awesome. I miss the horses if I'm just studying the whole time.''

She hopes to transfer her love of horses in to a career in equine physiotherapy.

Three women were recognised for their contribution to the South Island racing industry.

Trainer, breeder and owner Val Christophers, of Winton, and former Otago Racing Club president Diana Strang were joined by Marlborough Racing Club member Donna Green to receive their Show Gate awards.

Otago Racing Club chief executive Andre Klein said the final fundraising total was still being confirmed, but it appeared the club's target of $7000 had been reached.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement