Wattlebank Lass’s win special

A raising of the whip when Wattlebank Lass won at Ascot Park today acknowledged the recent sad passing of Barbara Fahy, wife of well-known Southland breeder and owner Brendan Fahy.

“She was a loyal supporter of the Barrons, Milnes and Hunters and I’ve trained for her and Brendan for twenty odd years. She and Brendan were our first clients and it was just something pretty special for us. She was a lovely lady,” said Wattlebank Lass’s trainer driver Peter Hunter.

The Fahys provided Hunter with his first winner Only The One – a Holmes Hanover gelding out of Rakamobile. The win was at the 2003 Tuapeka meeting at Forbury Park.

Wattlebank Lass has been one of the most consistent mares in commission this winter, running placings behind some smart types in Avana, Sweet Lizzie and Braeview Kelly.

“She’s hardened up a bit from when she first started. Time has been her friend. She’s probably got better as the weeks have gone by.”

Hunter says the Art Major mare is slowing starting to grow up.

“She’s always been a bit of a hard case, from the time we broke her in. She just goofed around.”

From barrier five the Ryal Bush reinsman took Wattlebank Lass straight to the front and there she stayed, holding out favourite Endless Dream by an impressive three and a half lengths.

“She was pretty happy out there, casual, but it worked out good. She has been striking nice horses but I think she’s probably ready for the next step because she’s race hardened. We’ll give her a spell now as she’s been racing all winter.”

Wattlebank Lass is owned by Roxburgh couple Bill and Pauline Bain, their grandson and Peter and Jo Hunter.

Bruce Stewart