Rare double for Owner-Breeder

Christchurch owner-breeder Pat Smith achieved a rare double when the brothers Gallant Boy and Patrick Erin, both sons of Gallant Guru - Mega Babe, won at Ascot Park, Invercargill on Saturday (10/12/2016).  Both horses are trained by Brian and Shane Anderton and the brothers were ridden by stable apprentice Jacob Lowry. The win in a $25,000 rating 85 1600m was the sixth for Gallant Boy. Patrick Erin ($20,000 r65 1400m) has won twice. Mega Babe (Personal Escort - Red Diamond), who died in 2013, has also left the winners Beijing Boy, Tunza Vitality and Gallant Babe. Mr Smith is now breeding from Gallant Babe (by Gallant Guru) and she is in foal to Ghibellines, who stands alongside Gallant Guru at White Robe Lodge. Mr Smith sent Red Diamond (Faith Guest - Red's Image) to breed at WRL in 1995 after she had won three races, two for Garth Jackson and other for Pam Robson when trained at Riccarton.

Satin Guru, the son of Gallant Guru - Vital Satin, won a R65 1400m fresh up at Wingatui three days earlier from the WRL stable for Luggate breeders, George and Christine Cleland. Lowry was again the successful rider with Satin Guru brave in a close finish. Satin Guru, who had not raced for six months, has now won three races. Mr Cleland and Brian Anderton are both committee members of the Otago Racing Club.