Kelly does it for O’Reilly

22 November 2014

Kelly O’Reilly provided champion WS stallion O’Reilly with his latest black type credit when she rallied strongly to claim today’s Gr.2 NRM/Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Avondale. Out of a Pins mare, she is trained at Cambridge by Tony Pike for his parents Wayne and Vicki.

“She’ll obviously be going to stud at some stage so a win like this is very special,” Pike said. “I was hoping she would hold on for second and then she stuck her head down and came back.”

Kelly O’Reilly rallied bravely in the closing 100 metres under rider Leith Innes to score by a head. “I thought there would be plenty of speed in the race and Leith rode her perfectly,” Pike said. “She really deserves this – she’s a good, honest mare.”

She has now won seven races and is likely to progress toward the Christmas meeting at Auckland. “She can’t handle too many runs on firm tracks, but there will be a nice race for her over the Ellerslie carnival,” Pike said.

The Corner with Garry Chittick

A couple of years ago, I hosted a number of friends and family at a local restaurant to enjoy my 80th birthday. It seems like yesterday, we had a great time with numerous testimonials, both serious and humorous. I am astounded at how the past two years have added to my CV in what seems like a flash. I can only believe my involvement in Thoroughbred Racing has provided all one could wish for as one ages.

21 May 2026

The Corner with Garry Chittick

I don’t know if the two of you have ever had the thrill of travelling at high speed across the water on a single ski, totally dependent on the driver of the boat. Fall off and you are left treading water, reminds you of racing. Here we are, with multiple hints of navigation hanging on to the rope hoping for salvation.