October
JulyGood memories
Richo’s story on Robbie Laing (15/7) no doubt brought back memories for older racegoers.
Who could forget Sir Pentire’s Grand Annual Steeple win first up after two years, with Bill Williams dashing for home in a stunning performance. This horse had won the VRC St Leger six years earlier for the same connections with Nash Rawiller in the saddle.
Richo’s story mentioned Princess Abassi (dam of Lord of the Sky), who KOd punters at a Flemington midweeker on July 25, 2001, when ridden by Luke Nolen.She started at 200/1 and paid $323 for the win on the local tote — udoubtedly the largest dividend in Melbourne since the TAB went to $1 units.
The filly was having her third start and was trained by John North at Cranbourne.
The horse that Richo alluded to and gave Robbie Laing his first official winner was Bencreato at Werribee on September 6, 1980, in a 1000-metre flying.
Bencreato raced on to record a dozen victories including the listed Metric Mile at Flemington.
Ballarat (Vic)