Andrew Dale Racing sent long-time foreman Matt Hahne off in style but the day that brought a double at Kyneton wasn’t all smooth sailing.
Thursday’s meeting was Hahne’s final as ADR’s foreman as he embarks on a new career and when Confessed ($30.70) and Turnaquid ($49.60) took out races seven and eight at big odds, it was the perfect send off.
However, the day started on the wrong foot when the outgoing foreman left the ADR colours at home, leaving apprentice hoop Alysha Warren to ride the two gallopers in the Kyneton Racing Club silks.
“Matt called when he arrived at Kyneton and I thought he was just ringing to let me know they’d arrived safely,” Dale said.
“The first thing he said was ‘I’ll pay the fine, I’ll pay the fine’ so we ended up having to use the club colours.
“It’s funny, he’s obviously got a bit on his mind ahead of changing jobs and he had more slip ups in his last week than he did the whole time he was with us.
“We had a few runners at Benalla on Tuesday and I turned the TV on to watch one of the races and one of our horses was running around in bright green winkers, we don’t own bright green winkers.
“Turns out our winkers were left at home and Matt and Lachie (Dale) were running around trying to find some to borrow.”
While disappointed to lose the services of Hahne, Dale wishes him all the best.
“On behalf of myself, the staff and my family, we’re disappointed to lose such a good worker and a great person but the upside is the opportunity he’s getting in his new role and we wish him all the best,” Dale said.
The wins of Confessed and Turnaquid continue a strong week for the stable after Eamonn’s Memory saluted at Benalla on Tuesday.
ADR has a chance to build on that number today with two runners taking their place at Albury.
Chairman’s Choice ($35) and Sheila ($21) will tackle race seven’s Albury Sprint Classic Open Handicap (1000m) from gates 10 and four respectively.
