A barnstorming finish from near last on the home turn by promising galloper Phyllite brought up a special milestone for training partners, Brian and Shane Anderton at Riverton on Saturday.
The win became the 1000th for the father and son combination since they began their partnership back in the 1993/94 racing season.
Over the following twenty-nine years there have been plenty of highs and lows for the pair but the emphasis on hard work and attention to detail instilled in him by his father is something that Shane Anderton has never forgotten.
“It’s pretty amazing to think we have reached this milestone although we have been at it a fair while,” he said.
“In those early days I was still riding jumpers, so doing the horses in a formal partnership with Dad was just adding another dimension to our relationship.
“Dad has always been about working hard and reaping the benefits of that.
“There is always something to do around the farm or the stables, so we were taught how to work as kids and that was how you made it through when times are tough.
“I can still remember the day Dad came to me and said we were going into partnership.
“It was a big decision, but we’ve made it work.
“Like any relationship there are times when you disagree on things, but we’ve always been able to work them out and get on with the job.”
Anderton was quick to pay tribute to the many staff involved in the stable operation over the years including the numerous apprentices who had performed with distinction under the guidance of the Andertons.
“We’ve been very lucky that not only have we had some terrific horses over the years, but we’ve also had fantastic and loyal staff,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of apprentices who have gone on to successful careers as senior jockeys, who still ride on a regular basis for us.
“It was probably quite fitting that Corey Campbell was on Phyllite yesterday as he is one that fits that bill.
“Dad has slowed down a bit recently and is currently recovering from a knee replacement, so he is not quite as hands on as he once was and that is where our staff have stepped up as well.
“I think the best thing about our operation is the farm (White Robe Lodge) has plenty of facets to it with the cattle and stud operation and that can let you get away from the racing side of things when you need a break.
“There’s always something to be done on the tractor and I like getting out and feeding the cattle or doing that tractor work as it gives me a nice release from the pressure of the racing team.”
Anderton admits there have been many notable performers for the team over the years and struggles to single out anyone in particular although he has a soft spot for multiple stakes winner Tommy Tucker.
“We’ve had plenty of good horses and won some big races so it’s hard to name just one or two,” he said.
“I guess one of my favourites is Tommy Tucker who won 16 races and was just a real warrior, but you could also put horses like Gallant Boy and Patrick Erin in that category as well.
“I guess that while we have hit a very special mark, tomorrow is another day and it will be business as usual.
“We had quite a few good chances in at Riverton and yet it still came down to the very last race to get that 1000th winner.
“I actually wouldn’t have minded if we had missed as the next meeting is at home at Wingatui and it would have been even more special to do it at home, but it still feels pretty awesome all the same no matter where that winner came from.”
Anderton is keen to secure plenty more wins over the coming months and nominates three-year-old Ruby’s Lad and enigmatic galloper Exchange as members of the stable to watch.
“Ruby’s Lad has won two of his three starts and we think he is a pretty smart customer,” he said.
“That was a good win on his home track on Boxing Day and he is in line to contest some of the local stakes races down here over the next few months.
“Exchange has had a few issues, but we think we have worked them out now.
“We took the nose band off him last time and he won impressively on Boxing Day as well.
“We are thinking about tackling the White Robe Lodge Handicap (Gr.3, 1600m) in February with him.
“That is a race we have such a special connection with, so if he could win it that would make for a pretty awesome result.”