Few trainers would attempt to claim three victories in seven days over New Zealand Cup Week, let alone be successful, but John Wheeler isn’t like every other trainer.
It was a day to remember at Riccarton Park for apprentice jockey Denby-Rose Tait, the 23-year-old scoring her first career win followed by a race-day double at Wednesday’s all-weather meeting.
Prince Alby improved from a game effort in last weekend’s Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton to charge home out wide and win the major flat event at the venue on Saturday, the Heatstore Open Handicap (1800m).
JJ Rayner has often been the bridesmaid on her ventures to Riccarton Park for National week and hopes consistent jumper Lord Spencer can break her runner-up streak this Saturday.
Local trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman made a pleasing start to the Grand National Festival of Racing on Saturday with Makabar taking out the Winter Fashions Here 12 August Open Handicap (1200m).
Topweight Zelenski made light of his 58kg impost when he led all the way to take out the feature race at Riccarton on Saturday, the Greenwood Amberley Cup (1600m).
