Racing: Richards in 1000 club

It was more than fitting that Otago jockey Paul Richards should post his 1000th New Zealand win on his home track aboard a Brian and Shane Anderton horse.

Richards, 41, reached the four figure-mark on Pashmina in a 1600m maiden at Wingatui on Sunday.

"I couldn't have written the script better - my home track and a Brian and Shane Anderton-trained horse," an emotional Richards said.

Brian Anderton, who has had Richards as the stable's first choice rider since 1987, was also delighted to be associated with his 1000th winner.

"It is something I really wanted to do, to give Paul his 1000th win," Anderton said.

Richards has been based at Wingatui since 1982.

Among the good winners he has ridden for the Anderton stable are Random Chance and A Gordon For Me.