It was entirely appropriate that long time northern trainer Ben Craik mentored the slippery Simple And Plain to victory in the $15,000 Lois Henley Memorial Trophy at Group 2 level.

Craik has been a trainer in the region that Lois Henley represented for numerous years during a portion of her administration roles both regionally and nationally.

There nothing simple or plain about the manner that this daughter of Knocka Norris and Father Of Mine produced her 25.82s 457m victory. She exploded clear from the six trap to dictate terms to her rivals from the outset. Sure, they were charging at her late, but she had inflicted the winning break with the Railway Sprint third place getter holding boldly for her three-quarter length victory. It was Olivia who charged late for Arch Lawrence when claiming her runner-up prize. The Denis Schofield trained Beltom also extended nicely over the concluding stages which saw her arriving home a further half-length behind to nail third.

The victory was a true family affair as Craik is assisted in the training duties by wife Barbara and daughters Tracey and Lisa. “We targeted Simple And Plain towards this race, so it’s nice to win it. We were never in doubt about her running out the 457m distance. It is a great feeling to win it,” said race handler Tracey Craik. Simple And Plain has now accumulated $33,200, the result of 15 wins, 10 minor placings from her 30 race day appearances.
 

Simple And Plain following her Lois Henley Memorial Trophy win; Peter Henley presenting the trophy to Tracey Craik; members of the Henley family attending the post-race podium

Pawnote: It must be acknowledged the great work that the Waikato track staff put in to ensure the NZ Derby meeting proceeded without a hitch. The impending arrival of Cyclone Cook was a major concern for all concerned, however, the track was presented in fantastic condition which led to safe, competitive racing, even though the meeting was conducted in atrocious wet conditions.

By Peter Fenemor