First Winner for Mark Newnham
Champion sire Redoute's Choice delivered the first winner for well-respected rookie trainer Mark Newnham, with four year-old gelding Boaz carrying the Darby Racing colours to victory at Wyong on Thursday. Stable rider at the provincials for Gai Waterhouse and then stable foreman and right hand man at Tulloch Lodge for many years, Mark Newnham embarked on a training career of his own earlier this year after last year winning the top prize at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.
Boaz as a yearling
Previously with David Vandyke for whom he had three starts last year, Boaz was well primed for his return following a good recent trial second and was able to get the cash for Blake Shinn taking the 1200 metre maiden by a head. "It's just great to get that winner in your own name," said a delighted Newnham when interviewed post race on Sky Racing. "I'm glad it was for Darby Racing as they've been a great support to me and were among the first people to give me a few horses at the start, so I can't thank them enough. "I also want to thank my family, my wife Donna and son James, who have been right behind me. It's time consuming and financially consuming, but they are with me all the way as are all the rest of my family." Darby Racing purchased Boaz from the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale for $135,000 from the Arrowfield Stud draft and he is the second winner for Aussie Christmas (USA), a half-sister to Group I winner Harlan's Holiday. Footnote: On a personal note, Mark Newnham and I came into racing together at Randwick back in the mid-eighties, we share the same birthday and are the same age… a tightly held secret! Congratulations, Mark! Boaz will be the first of many winners.