It was sad to hear of the recent death from a stomach illness of Choysa, star of the Sale stable of Wayne Walters and a Flemington winner as recently as June.
Choysa won three city races last season, his tearaway racing style making him something of a cult hero. 
The Zabeel gelding and his jockey, Kate Walters, landed the biggest win of their careers at Flemington in June, a daring front-running ride netting them the $120,000 Trevor Clarke Handicap (2500m).
Travelling smoothly and holding a commanding 20-length lead as they went past Chicquita Lodge, 1200 metres from home, Choysa never looked like being caught. 
Perfectly rated by Walters, Choysa defied the chasing pack in the straight and had almost three lengths to spare on the line.
Walters was never shy about her love for the stable favourite.
“He’s just the best. I love him, that’s why I call him my second husband.” 
“He’s such a big strider, he can just travel there and he can quicken off a fast speed as well,” she said after the Flemington victory.
Choysa finished his career with 55 starts for 11 wins, six minor placings and $243,516.
Choysa was owned by the Smithies family of New Zealand’s Monovale Farm, carrying on the legacy of patriarch Paul, a respected Waikato breeder who died suddenly in July 2016 at the age of 56. 
The Smithies family own the majority of the 40-strong Walters team.
Stipes ping Reg
NSW stewards last week fined Sale trainer Reg Manning $4000 after he pleaded guilty over the positive swab returned by Bilby prior to his fourth at the Sapphire Coast on May 6.
A prohibited substance, namely 4-hydroxy xylazine, was detected in the urine sample.
In assessing penalty consideration was given to Manning’s “exemplary disciplinary record both as a trainer and an amateur rider over a 40-year period”.
In 2017 Queensland stewards warned trainers that 4-hydroxy xylazine can stay in a horse’s system longer than might be expected.
It is contained in sedatives commonly administered to horses undergoing veterinary procedures.
Amazing again
With no racing in the district, the biggest thoroughbred prize in Gippsland last weekend was the $500 on offer to the winner of the Off The Track event at the Bushy Park Royal Qualifier at Wandocka (15 minutes from Sale). 
The winner was the Tanjil South-based Michelle Paynter and her well performed 15-year-old gelding DP Amazing. 
Off The Track equestrian events are restricted to former racehorses.
The winner of three races from 33 starts in WA as Chesta Piniton, DP Amazing was the winner of the 2017 Off The Track series final.
The event was supported by Bunyip-based Ampulla Lodge, Cranbourne-based Greg Eurell Racing and the Sale Turf Club. 
The show was part of a new sponsorship partnership between Racing Victoria’s Off The Track program, Victorian Agricultural Shows and Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria.