MR AND MRS RACING: THE O’SULLIVAN FILE

Where it started: Twenty- eight years ago when he saw her practising waltz steps at the race course. She says: “He laughed, but he told his brother he would marry me some day.” He says: “I thought it was funny seeing her dance. I also thought she was different from other girls I had dated.” High times: In 2006, Lance was part of the inaugural class inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame. Bridgette was the ambassador for Ellerslie Racecourse. Lance was later also inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2002 was awarded an ONZM for services to thoroughbred racing. Tough times: In a fall at Moonee Valley in Australia, Lance broke his femur. He was told he would never ride again and would walk with a limp. Bridgette was pregnant with their second daughter. He was back in the saddle within 18 months. Little known facts: He played junior rugby at Matamata College for three years because he could never pass the grade weight. She has a photographic memory, which helped them win Treasure Island: Couples at War in 2005. Lance’s thoughts on the racing industry: “It’s not the same today. Top horses and jockeys are heading overseas. Today 60 per cent of horses racing in Hong Kong are New-Zealand bred, but in the top tier, only 10 per cent are from New Zealand. However, I’m an optimist. If the industry does everything recommended in the report by Australian racing expert John Messara, things could be turned around.”