Hugh Fisher, attending his 60th Auckland Cup Day yesterday, says he's not a big punter. Photo / Kenny Rodger
As far as long-term consistency goes, Hugh Fisher probably had the edge over much of the on-track talent at Ellerslie yesterday.
It was the 77-year-old spectator's 60th Auckland Cup on the trot.
Despite his many years trackside, Mr Fisher has backed only about 10 winners in the big
race.
"I just like following the horses and having a little bet - I'm not a big punter," said Mr Fisher.
Yesterday, was no exception.
He told the Herald he was putting his money on Resolution, which ran third. Prize Lady, ridden by Mark Sweeney, won - the first time since 1970 the same horse won two years running. Gallions Reach was second.
Mr Fisher was one of more than 10,000 people who watched the cup live at the racecourse yesterday.
The event attracted a lot of famous faces, including New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, glamorous businesswoman Josephine Grierson and past Dancing with the Stars runner-up Shane Cortese.
For many - such as the inaugural couples couture award winners Dean and Julie Whimp of the North Shore - it was a chance to dress up to the nines.
Mr Fisher wore the same style of smart shirt and pants he donned when he caught a ride from Thames to Auckland for his first race in 1948.
One of his proudest moments trackside was when brother Ross Fisher won the cup on Ruato in 1961.
"I backed that one," he said.
Mr Fisher's a fan of the timing of the March festival. "[Auckland Cup] used to be on Boxing Day, then they changed it to New Year's Day - and I came up with about 20 hangovers. So I'm glad it's on a Wednesday."
