Hastings huntsman Murray Thompson (right) with Dannevirke counterpart Andy Wright at Mt Herbert Station, Central Hawke's Bay in 2003. Photo/file
Hawke's Bay Racing is honouring a huntsman and stalwart of the province, Murray Thompson, who died on Wednesday.
Thompson, 72, of Hastings, is the brother of former equestrian and thoroughbred trainer Sue Thompson.
"Murray was a wonderful horseman," said HB Racing CEO Andrew Castles. "He had been the clerk of
the course at Hawke's Bay Racing for decades and still up to recently acted in that capacity."
Castles said HB Racing took the opportunity recently to initiate a trophy over the Bostock New Zealand Spring Racing Carnival.
"It will be known as the Murray Thompson Memorial Trophy and awarded to the leading rider on the points system over the three days," he said, referring to the Bay carnival comprising the Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Raceday on Saturday, September 1, the Windsor Park Plate on Saturday, September 22, and the Livamol Classic on Saturday, October 6.
