Hawke’s Bay Racing to honour Sir Colin Meads

Sharron Pardoe Reporter from The Hastings Mail

Hawke’s Bay Racing will pay special tribute to the late Sir Colin Meads at the Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Raceday at Hastings this Saturday.

Race five on the card will be known as the El Roca Sir Colin Meads Trophy, in honour of the number the great man wore in many of his tests for the All Blacks.

The rugby legend died last week after battling pancreatic cancer.

“Sophie’s Choice’ - a filly Sir Colin part owned with his wife Lady Verna will wear the number five saddle cloth. She will also carry the Cancer Society colours,” says Hawke’s Bay Racing CEO Andrew Castles.

Sir Colin and Lady Verna Meads owned several multiple stakes winners and were part owners of Ruud Awakening - Champion two year old and winner of New Zealand’s richest race - the Karaka Million.

They chose their horses together, loved a day at the races and knew how to celebrate a win.

“Sir Colin was not only a legendary All Black but also an amazing New Zealander. He and Lady Verna became great supporters of racing later in life and it is a privilege to be able to honour him” says Castles.

Now in it’s fourth year the Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Raceday is a fundraiser for the Hawke’s Bay Cancer Society.

There will be loads of free family entertainment in the Hits Family Fun Zone - competitions, prizes, face painting, bouncy castle and pony club dash.

Kids can test their rugby skills with The Magpies and there will be a Gourmet Spring lamb BBQ and live music for Mum and Dad.

“We also have a first class group of stars on show with the likes of Kawi, Volpe Veloce and Gingernuts among the lineup. Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Raceday really does signal the start of Spring racing,” says Castles.

Entry to the course is by donation to the Cancer Society. For more information go to www.daffodilraceday.co.nz....