‘Tickled pink’ to win the big one

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

VETERAN trainer Graeme Rogerson, who spoke of winning the Poverty Bay Cup in 2019, only had to wait one more year when More Wonder claimed Sunday's feature race of the Gisborne Races at Ashwood Park.

More Wonder, ridden by Ryan Elliot pipped Roll the Gold, a horse with Gisborne connections, in The Gisborne Herald-sponsored $30,000 race.

Waikato-based Mr Rogerson, a horse trainer for more than 50 years, was “tickled pink” to win the cup.

Team Rogerson, Kevin Myers and Hastings co-trainers Guy Lowry and Grant Cullen each won two races.

The result of race 2 was reversed after an inquiry, with eventual winner Capellani promoted from second place at the expense of original winner Dam Reliable. The inquiry gave Team Rogerson their first victory of the meeting.

Poverty Bay Turf Club president Rod Young said the crowd number was slightly down on last year. Punters forked out $103,000 in on-course betting.

“We had a lot of favourable comment from trainers on the track conditions” said Mr Young. “It was a credit to the club committee. They had the track and venue well prepared.”

A specialist racing photographer loved the appearance of Ashwood Park, he said.

“We obviously do it well.”

The gazebo and marquee tents and other seating options proved popular while there were good entries in the Fashion in the Field competitions, particularly the over-25 women's section.

Twelve-year-old Karma Matenga, riding Last Spring, won the Pinehollow Equestrian Charity Pony Gallop 2020.

Karma was raising funds for Gumboot New Zealand (children's mental health).