Chipperfield Turns Back Clock at Te Aroha

It's been a little while between drinks, but Clayton Chipperfield was back in the winner's stall as a rider at Te Aroha on Sunday aboard Locally Sauced (Iffraaj) in the Yelavich Transport LTD 2200. Best known in Australia as the trainer of sensational New Zealand galloper Catalyst (Darci Brahma), the Waikato hoop made a return to riding this year after a 15-year hiatus, telling NZ Racing Desk the victory was made even sweeter by the fact his daughters were there to witness it. "It was a big thrill and I had my daughters there with me," Chipperfield said. "It was the first time they have ever been to the races to watch me ride, so it was a special day. They might have to come along all the time now." Chipperfield said, "He [Locally Sauced] is a nice and relaxed horse, and he was pretty fit going into yesterday. I was surprised he was the second outsider ($14), he had $120,000 in the bank and six wins." Chipperfield said it was good to get the monkey off his back and he is hoping his next win won't be far away. Fingers-crossed I can get another one or two at Wanganui on Thursday." Not quite in the same boat as Jamie Kah, decorated jumps jockey Chipperfield now sits on 99 career riding victories, with a highlight being aboard Golden Flare in several feature jumps races.

Clayton Chipperfield (pic: Trish Dunell)