White Robe supreme

White Robe Lodge reigned supreme in major races at the premier Grand National meeting at Riccarton. High Forty, trained by Brian and Shane Anderton, was a cut above the opposition in the $75,000 New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase on Saturday (8/8/2015) following his win in the $40,000 Koral Steeple on the first day of the meeting.  The Danzighill - Rubiette gelding was bred at White Robe by Brian and Lorraine Anderton.

The White Robe apprentice Jacob Lowry  had won the principal flat race, the $100,000 Winter Cup on Timy Tyler on the first day of the National meeting.

Lowry also won a $40,000 premier sprint on Scapolo over the three day meeting and White Robe apprentice Courtney Barnes won on Cody Cat and Kingiesstar.

Ready Eddie (Yamanin Vital - Tawnce), winner of the $20,000 0-1 hurdles on Saturday was bred at White Robe.

It was a great result for the Anderton family. Jacob is a grandson of Brian and Lorraine, who race High Forty. The stud side of the operation is managed by Wayne and Karen Stewart (nee Anderton).

High Forty gave Brian his fourth Grand National win as a trainer. Brian and Shane trained Noble Express to win the National in 1994 and Brian has trained the winners Lord Venture (1988) and Bymai (1984). Lord Venture was ridden by Shane, who joins a rare band who have won the race as a rider and trainer.

Brian has equalled the record of Ken Browne, who won the National four times as a trainer.

Brian also bred Noble Express (Noble Bijou - Clarendon Gold), Lord Venture (Trelay - Lady Venture) and Counter Punch (Yamanin Vital - Tripartite), the National winner in 2010 and 11.