Memorable Easter for Mein

Press, 18 April 1979, Page 23

Memorable Easter for Mein

Special correspondent Invercargill 1 Since gaining his first success on Best Game at Greymouth when he was a 15-year-old apprentice attached to Gary Lee’s Riccarton stable in 1972, the successful Christchurch jockey, Michael Mein, now aged 22. has ridden another 159 winners. But he will have every reason to look back on the current season with the fondest of memories because; .when he rode Tiva to win the Gordon's Handicap at Riverton yesterday he boosted his tallv of wins in first T.A.B. double legs for the season to 14. The Easter of 1979 will be a time he is unlikely to forget: he took three of the South Island's main Easter prizes, the George Adams Handicap (Mr Ay Bee), the

Riverton Cup (Miles Better), and yesterday s < tooo Gordon’s Handicap. Mein, a son of the senior Christchurch jockey, Graeme Mein, w ho has ridden more than 700 winners, boosted his over-all season’s tally to 33 on Tiva. Among that 'tally are also two secund legs ot T.A.B. doubles Mein began his career as an apprentice with the Ru ■ carton trainer. Gan Lee. in 1972 before signing up with the Wingatui trainer, John Dowling. He has been freelancing for the last three seasons. Recalling some ot the best horses he has ridden in that time. Mein plumps for Golden Sam and Mr Ay Bee as possibly the best. “How could I fault Mr Ay Bee?" he asked. “1 have ridden him six times for six wins." i Mein’s intelligent handling

of Tiva yesterday played a big part m a cleat iut surtess. \ most unlucky third in the Riverton < up, To a was mimidiateh saved yesterdas bv Xlem from thu outside barrier stall. "1 dropped him back anj was happy to make my run around them at the Sotim, at there is some pretty tricky going close tn there." ho said. Lira teas up challenging for the lead at the 4<K>m, ra clear at the 200 m. and powered ayvav to a three-lengths win. Tiva’s yyin continued a remarkable run of successes in feature southern races for non -st ud • h< mk representsrites, folloyving on the heels of notable wins bv Polly Porter. Fleetyyood Mai Miles Better. Off An’ O? Masterlea, and others th,j ; season.