Val Christophers had long association with White Robe Lodge

Val Christophers, who died at Winton on Tuesday (22/11/2016) at the age of 82, had a 40 year association with White Robe Lodge, as a successful thoroughbred breeder, owner and trainer.

"She was a close friend and we had a good association,'' said Lorraine Anderton, of WRL. "Val was a very strong person and straight to the point."

Lorraine and Val bred Valraine (As Before -Golden Honey) in 1976. The same year Val bred  Double D'Or (ex Laristan), who became the first winner sired by the champion WRL sire, Noble Bijou when successful as a 2yr-old at Oamaru in May, 1979 from the Gore stable of Rex Cochrane. Double D'Or was the South Island filly of the year as a 3yr-old. She left Menier D'Or (by Tawfiq), in turn the dam of Trust D'Or, who, won the 2000 Winton Cup when trained by Val.  Valraine began racing at four and won seven races when trained by Brian Anderton. Valraine left Raineval and the jumps winner Bluecliffs for Lorraine and Val. Raineval produced Anquilla (by Random Chance), winner of eight races for the partnership. Val bred Belle D'Or (by Danzighill) from Anquilla. She owned and trained Belle D'Or to win the 2014 Winton Cup and 2013 Otago Cup at Wingatui. She won eight races with the Danzighill mare Danz A Rook. Mann A Rook also won eight races for Val.

The best winner raced by Val was Chook A Rook, who won 16 races from the Cochrane stable. Chook A Rook, co-owned by the late Bruce Hamilton, was ridden in three of his class one race wins in the 1980s by Shane Anderton.