An owner-trainer aged 72 who has raced horses from one thoroughbred pedigree for nearly 40 years took the spotlight when Hello Dolly won the $120,000 Glenmorgan Hawkes Bay Challenge Stakes at Hastings.
Cambridge breeder Bill Wills has been associated with the pedigree since 1962, when he raced Nenagh who won nine races and was second in the Cuddle Stakes at Trentham.
Nenagh died of a twisted bowel the following year and Wills bought her half-sister, Romantic, for $1000 as a replacement.
Wills bred from Romantic and has since been involved with the family. Hello Dolly's victory in Saturday's group 3 weight-for-age event was his best success.
Oamaru-born Wills has spent the last 50 years in the North Island, working in a variety of occupations, including publican, farmer, stock agent and real estate agent.
Hello Dolly was at odds of nearly 16-1 and went into the 1600m event with a last-start fifth in the Mudgway Stakes (1400m) at Hastings.
The Mi Preferido six-year-old mare settled back in the 14-horse field and had only four behind her with 800m to run.
She was on a forward move around the field with 600m left and reached the lead early in the run home.
Rider Hayden Tinsley went for broke on Hello Dolly and she lasted by a long neck from the $2.40 favourite Cinder Bella.
Wills said he would now raise his sights and look to return to Hastings for the group one $350,000 Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m) on September 29.
Hello Dolly has a Hastings record of four wins from six starts. Her overall record is eight wins from 40 starts.
Cinder Bella was desperately unlucky. She settled three back on the inside for Lance O'Sullivan but was held up working into the clear.
By the time she got out the winning break had been established.
Levin trainer Karen Zimmerman is hoping for redemption in the Kelt Capital.
Three lengths away, Hill Of Grace did very well for third.
- NZPA
Racing: Hello Dolly repays faith in her family
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