Muniandy back from Malaysia

Shankar Muniandy, the senior jockey for White Robe Lodge, returned  to North Taieri yesterday (16/07/2014) after six weeks on leave in his  homeland of Malaysia.  Muniandy rode a winner at Penang during that time.

He has the mounts on Harry Hill and  Contador at Oamaru on Sunday. Harry Hill, a winner  over hurdles at Washdyke last Friday, is racing over 2200m on the flat.  The Danzighill gelding has had a second and a third over 2200m in flat races  at Oamaru this winter.

Toni Direen, an apprentice with the Anderton stable, said she would sign on for another six months when her apprenticeship is complete early in September.

" I have talked to Shane (her mentor) and Willie Harnett (national director of apprentices) and I will sign on again to ride out  my claim,'' said Direen. She has ridden 81 winners and can claim one kilogram  until she reaches 99.

The 20year-old will continue her association with  Agnus Brown at  Oamaru.  She rode Agnus Brown to a last start win at Wingatui on June 25.

Include, winner of the Dunedin and Southand Guineas this season, has returned to work at WR. Include was spelled after finishing third in the Warstep Stakes (2000m) at Riccarton in April.  She has staying potential.

Ruby's Rose, Norah, Avow, Gurus Response and Gallant Boy are  others back in  training. Norah won races  at Riverton and Wingatui during the season. Ruby's Rose won at Wingatui and Omakau. Avow won a $12,000 maiden for mares and fillies at Gore. Gurus Response was a maiden winner for  owner George Cleland at Wingatui in April. Gallant Boy had a second placing in three starts.