Richie does his family proud

Richie McHorse’s return to winning form has done his younger half-brother a favour.

The son of Redoute’s Choice bounced back to his best at Ruakaka on Saturday to triumph in the Whangaripo Valley Free Range Eggs Cup (1600m).

Out of the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Boundless, he is raced by his breeders Trelawney Stud who will offer her Savabeel yearling (Lot 80) during the Book 1 Sale at Karaka on January 28.

Richie McHorse is trained by Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs after winning twice from the Tuhikaramea stable of Graeme and Debbie Rogerson.

“He’s had a few issues and was out for a long time,” Gibbs said. “That’s why he’s here and does all his work on the beach.”

Richie McHorse settled toward the back of the field at Ruakaka and, off a genuine pace, he unwound strongly to down Poppy Star and Time Lord.

He was one of five winners for local trainers Logan and Gibbs after earlier successes with Bruce Arthur, Tavlin and Romancer with their day completed by the highly-regarded Danzdanzdance, who led all the way to claim the Trigg Construction Maiden (1400m).

“We labelled her a Derby or Oaks filly a long time ago,” Gibbs said. “Her first start was an enormous run for third, but she lightened up so we put her aside after that.”

Dandanzdance was partnered by Cameron, who also won on stablemates Bruce Arthur, Tavlin and Richie McHorse as well as the Jenna Mahoney-trained Hatton Garden.