Race Images Palmerston North
Memories of one of New Zealand’s greatest performers of the 1990s were rekindled at Woodville on Thursday when Francescana was successful.
Jockey Lisa Allpress donned the colours of the mighty Veandercross when guiding the Fraser Auret-trained mare to win the Merrylees Hotel Maiden.
“She’s a lovely big type who has taken some time,” Auret said. “It’s certainly a privilege to have those colours up.”
Francescana is raced by Wanganui part-owners Chris and Helen Turner, who gained Australasian fame and fortune with their multiple Group One winner Veandercross.
The Crossways gelding, a New Zealand and Australian Horse of the Year, was successful eight times at the highest level and was runner-up in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.