One of New Zealand racing’s most colourful and knowledgeable identities found himself in a new role as Tokyo Tycoon blazed to a dramatic 2YO Karaka Million win at Pukekohe last night.
Andrew Castles, known in the racing industry as Butch, is one of the thoroughbred code’s most respected names after a life spent working at all levels of administration, his current role being chief executive of the Waikato Racing Club.
But Castles was the racing manager at Auckland Racing Club when the Karaka Million was born in 2008, working with New Zealand Bloodstock to make the race a reality.
It has grown into our most important and glamorous race night and last night Castles shared in the ownership of the winner, 15 years after the first $1 million juvenile race.
“To be there helping and part of the process, alongside so many good people from Ellerslie and NZB when this race was formed, it became very special to me,” says Castles.