Best birthday present ever for Winnie
Turning 100 is a massive milestone.
One hundred candles on your cake, birthday cards from Queen Elizabeth and the Prime Minister and loved ones coming together from all around the world to celebrate.
But for Te Aroha resident Winnie Hannah, getting the naming rights to a race at Racing Te Aroha was the icing on the cake and the best birthday present of them all.
Last year, Te Aroha RSA held an auction as part of their fundraising for Daffodil Day.
Racing Te Aroha donated the naming rights to a race and it was bought by Te Aroha locals, Margie Dickson and her partner Peter.
‘‘It seemed appropriate to give it to Winnie as she and some of her children have been affected by cancer and her late husband Nuss and her family have been involved in racing in one way or another,’’ Margie said.
‘‘What better way to celebrate with family and friends than with a day at the races.’’
Winnie Lena Fitzpatrick was born on February 6, 1917 in New Plymouth.
She met Nuss Hannah in Palmerston North and they were married in 1940.
Nuss and Winnie had four children Patricia, John, Peter and Vicky.
For 45 years, Te Aroha has been home to the Hannah family, with many days spent at the Te Aroha raceway.
Patricia said the racing industry was always big in their family, so much so that she herself ended up marrying a horse trainer.
Winnie’s mates from Kenwyn Home, along with about 50 of Winnie’s family members and friends went along to the races at Racing Te Aroha on Thursday last week.
A marquee and Winnie’s ‘‘throne’’ a leather Lazboy, were set up so she could watch her race in style and comfort.
And as far as picking the winners of the Winnie Hannah 100th Birthday race, Winnie had her eyes on two favourites.
‘‘Number 3 and number 9,’’ she said.
It’s probably more than a coincidence that number 9, ended coming in as the winner.