Racing: Butcher wins

Zac Butcher.
Zac Butcher.
Zac Butcher, the Hamilton-based reinsman, won the 2009 New Zealand Junior Drivers' Championship which concluded at Addington last night.

Butcher (18), was declared the winner after driving two winners and a third in the three races.

Joshua Dickie finished in second on a countback from Anna Stormont, the only female representative.

Butcher won the first race with Got It Seeled.

He won the second race on 25-to-one outsider BG Town.

In the final race of the series Dickie drove the Phil Williamson-trained Lyalldale Invasion to success.

Stormont gained another second placing with the favourite Savona.

Butcher finished third on Aleksander Fredero.

Butcher is a son of successful Hamilton reinsman David Butcher, a brother of reinsman Phillip Butcher and a grandson of trainer John Butcher.

Butcher, who has driven 18 winners this season, won his first race behind Clonmel.

• Robin Butt, the West Melton horseman, ended his driving career when Bondy was beaten a half head by Here Comes Soky at Addington last night.

Butt (65) has decided not to renew his licence next season.

He drove Bondy hard to wrest the led from Here Comes Soky early but could not hold on in a dour finish.

Robin is a son of champion horseman Wes Butt.

Robin's son, David, is a trainer at Woodend Beach.

Robin's grandson, Robert, is a talented junior driver.

Robin trained 282 winners and drove 382.

He rates his best horse Locarno, who won the 1980 Miracle Mile.

Camelot, who won the 1984 NZ Cup was a top performer for Robin.

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