KEY POINTS:
Trainers Tony and Lyn Prendergast bridged a 21-year gap when they won the Champagne Stakes with Ashbury Syd at Wingatui on Saturday.
The husband and wife trainers won the race in 1975 with Wakanui, when based at Wingatui. Wakanui, by Summer Magic out of Hot Chestnut, was bred by Lyn Prendergast and raced on lease by David Thomas of Ashburton.
The Prendergasts shifted to West Melton, Canterbury, in 1983. They train Ashbury Syd for breeder Josie Harley, who made the trip from Nelson for the race.
"It is a big thrill because I foaled the horse," Harley said.
Ashbury Syd is a half brother by Tuscany Flyer to Ashbury Ellen (by Quality Gold), who was relegated from first to second in the Ashburton 2-year-old Classic in March 2002.
* The Queensland Oaks is on the drawing board for O'Reilly Rose, winner of the listed Dunedin Guineas (1400m) at Wingatui.
"She is a staying type and we have high hopes for this filly over more ground," said Dawn Williams, her co-trainer.
O'Reilly Rose, who was three wide in mid-field, lodged her challenge further out and won by a neck from Coup Callum, who came from last on the home turn.
O'Reilly Rose has won three of her five starts.
- OTAGO DAILY TIMES
