Racing: Manning continues winning run

Tauranga horseman Stuart Manning achieved another first when Diamondsareforever was successful at Waterlea on Friday.

It was the sixth time Manning had won when racing a horse on a South Island track for the first time.

His innings began at Kumara in January, when he won with Electric Kai. The same horse won at Hokitika four days later. Manning completed the circuit by winning the Greymouth Cup at Omoto with Bruce Almighty.

He campaigned at Gore the following week and won with Bruce Almighty (Gore Cup) and Bettieboop. He then won the Taranaki Cup with Bruce Almighty in February.

Manning returned south for the Riverton Easter meeting, but could manage only a third placing (Bruce Almighty in the Riverton Cup) at the two-day meeting. He called in to Wingatui on the way home and won with Diamondsareforever.

Manning's plunder continued yesterday, when Bruce Almighty won the Marlborough Cup at Waterlea.

"I am thinking about starting Bruce Almighty in the Canterbury Gold Cup [Riccarton, May 8]," he said, "and then I will have to head home."