Contribution to racing recognised
Vicki and Wayne Pike’s half century contribution to racing, including 30 years in the Waikato, was recognised at the Cambridge Jockey Awards.
The former hoteliers from Hawke’s Bay moved to the Waikato to expand their racing interest three decades ago.
The couple were awarded the Alan Bremner Memorial Contribution to Cambridge Racing Award.
‘‘It was both a surprise but really special to be honoured like this,’’ said Wayne.
‘‘We have been in the game a long time, it’s been good but most of all, enjoyable.
‘‘We had lost a lot of money in the stock market crash in the 1980s so we had to start all over again,’’ said Vicki.
‘‘But with the support of family and the Cambridge community, we were able to climb back up.’’
The couple continue their success on the track and as breeders.
Top jockeys, trainers, and breeding stables also received honours at the recent awards event.
Top trainer Andrew Forsman accepted the trophy on behalf of the owners of this year’s Horse of the Year which went to the fouryear-old mare Bonneval.
Bonneval has returned more than $1.5 million to its owners Terry Jarvis, John Rattray and Alan Morrison.
Forsman indicated the mare is in top form but was unsure if she would make her way across the Tasman for the Melbourne Cup.
‘‘She was more of an autumn horse, and not a spring one.’’
As an experienced trainer, he admitted he was unsure what makes Bonneval tick.
‘‘She was a stand out yearling and has now developed into an outstanding horse.’’
Bonneval was also named as the Herbert Morton leading three year old, she also received the NZ Bloodstock and Westbury Stud Group One Awards.
Forsman and Murray Baker were named as the Bruce Macdonald leading trainers.
Other winners on the night were jockeys Aaron Kuru, Viktoria Gau, Danielle Johnson, and trainer Samantha Logan.
Australian businessman Gerry Harvey was recognised as the breeder of the most Cambridge trained winners.