Jockeys honour Singer
Jumps jockeys have worn black arm bands at Te Aroha on Sunday as a mark of respect for their former colleague Cody Singer.
Singer, 26, died Tuesday last week, but Sunday’s open hurdle and open steeplechase was the first race day appearance for jumps jockeys since Singer’s death.
The Wairarapa-based Singer, who rode Cape Kinaveral to victory in the 2012 Grand National Steeplechase, retired from race day riding back in 2014 following a serious injury but remained a popular figure in the jumping scene. His funeral will be held at The Salvation Army Worship and Community Centre in Levin.
Singer rode 36 winners in a career that began back in the 2005/06 season before retiring on medical advice.
Meanwhile, the open hurdle at Te Aroha was won by the John Wheeler-trained Stormin Norman.
Wheeler’s wife Linda, told Trackside TV that Stormin Norman, who was having his first start since returning from Australia, is a chance to contest Saturday’s Great Northern Hurdle if he comes through Sunday’s win in good order.
In the open steeplechase, Thenamesbond made the most of a drop back in class to score his second win over the bigger fences at just his fourth start. The race was hampered by riderless horses Mr Kanton and Brok Bak leading the field for much of the 4200m journey.
Neither of the horses or their jockeys were injured.
‘‘Singer rode 36 winners in a career that began back in 2005/06.’’