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Linwood Announces New Sponsorship

Monday 22 April 2013, 12:49PM

By Media PA

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By Phillip Quay

In association with Brown Pennell

Confirmation of a major new sponsorship from Cambridge’s Linwood Park could see the Waipa Racing Club re-introduce the Galilee Stakes to its racing calendar next season if ratified by the pattern racing review panel.

Linwood Park owner Mary Fitzpatrick confirmed the new sponsorship  deal this week in a bid to help save the club from losing its Saturday race-meetings.

“We are delighted to become a new sponsor of the Waipa Racing Club and are hoping we can help them in terms of their Saturday race meetings next season.”

“Racing in these smaller towns is still very important and Waipa Racing Club has a proud history,” she said.

Waipa Racing Club racing manager Blair Thomson said the club is very appreciative of Linwood Park’s support and also for MediaPA’s Phillip Quay in organising the sponsorship.

“Receiving a sponsorship of this level is a major boost for the club and we are grateful for Linwood Park’s support.”

The Galilee Stakes was formerly a feature event staged by the Waipa Racing Club and was contested by fillies and mares. Galilee was a champion galloper of the 1960s and won both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups in 1966.

Te Awamutu trainer Keith Hawtin said it was a very kind gesture by Linwood Park to make the sponsorship available.

“The club is facing challenging times at present and this move by Linwood Park must be a sign to the administrators at the top level that there is still a future for the Waipa Racing Club providing it retains its Saturday race meetings,” Hawtin said.

Linwood Park stands two stallions this season – proven stallion Ekraar and newcomer Echoes Of Heaven.

Ekraar has sired two Group 1 winners this season – Shez Sensational and Habibi – and is among the leading sires at stud in New Zealand.

Echoes Of Heaven is exceptionally well bred being a half-brother to champion Australian sire Redoute’s Choice.