Oor Wandrin Star’s victory for home track Newcastle in the BAGS/SIS Track Championship was particularly poignant for owner George Ridge.
Oor Wandrin Star (Ace Hi Rumble – Leaders Princess June 14) was bred by trainer Paul Rutherford and partner Marion Brown. George and his wife picked out the puppy at a tender age. George’s wife sadly died of cancer a few weeks later. One of their last conversations in the hospice was her high hopes for the pup’s racing career which she wouldn’t be around to see.
Two years on, the dog has been nursed back to health by Paul and Marion after a bad injury. He returned to form last month (A2/A1) in time for the Bags TC, and after a recent double Newcastle GM Ian Walton asked to run the dog in the Standard. He completed the hat trick yesterday in his best time 28.88, one of four winners for the hosts who shot into a clear lead at the top of the table.
George picked up £300, a lovely trophy and a jacket, which he enjoyed immensely – but he just wished his wife could have been there to see it.
