Trish Dunell Photography
It was a special moment for Troy Harris when he won the Make A Wish NZ 2200 on Where Are You at Te Aroha on Sunday.
Sporting a black armband, Harris sent a kiss skywards going past the winning post in a tribute to Fiona McNab, who lost her battle with cancer early Sunday morning. McNab is the mother of successful jockey Michael and former wife of Cambridge trainer Chris McNab.
“She was a big part of my life,” Harris said. “She was like a second mother to me when I was young.”
Though concentrating on rejuvenating his flat riding career, Harris did use the Te Aroha meeting, National Jumps Day, to keep his eye in over fences. He finished third on Cruiseo in the maiden hurdles.
Harris is now looking forward to a further Group One opportunity on Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) winner Sofia Rosa in Saturday’s Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m).
“She needs to improve a bit on her last run, but she’s been covered (by Savabeel) so that may help,” he said.