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Racing has given Chris Waller a lot and the master trainer is only too happy to give something back.
Waller jetted up from his Sydney base to Brisbane on Thursday where he put some smiles on the faces of kids at the Pony Riding for the Disabled Association at Pinjarra Hills.
Waller, who won a BMW X6 for taking out the UBET Super Six trainer’s challenge during the recent Queensland Winter Carnival, donated $25,000 to the community organisation that specialises in equine programs for people with a disability.
“Horses have been so good to me but it is not just trainers and jockeys and owners who get a huge thrill out of horses,” Waller told The Courier-Mail. “There are also plenty of less fortunate people, and people with disabilities, that have great fun with horses.
“One thing I have learned is that kids with autism can interact very well with horses and they absolutely love doing it.
“In my position, I have always thought it is important to give something back by donating to organisations like this.”
On a racing front, Waller indicated Queensland colt Nikitas would arrive in his Sydney stables on Friday after being transferred from the Brisbane stable of Kelso Wood.
Nikitas, who had been the early favourite for the JJ Atkins this winter, is likely to target the Golden Rose in Sydney and Caulfield Guineas this spring.
“He will have a bit of a rushed preparation for these races but I am really looking forward to getting him in my stable,” Waller said.
Meanwhile, Waller said he had not yet set a date for Winx’s trial for the champion mare’s return to racing. However, he indicated he was likely to trial Winx in early August as she begins a campaign aimed at winning successive Cox Plates.
Waller has British import McCreery entered for Randwick on Saturday and the gelding will run in the same colours as Winx. Queensland owner Peter Tighe, of Magic Bloodstock, also races McCreery who was wide and stuck on well on an unsuitable heavy track at Rosehill last month.
“He looms as a really nice horse to follow, but punters should just be guarded about a heavy track and there has been plenty of rain in Sydney this week,” Waller said.
“I haven’t quite got a handle on him yet but he is a nice, progressive horse. In his next few runs, providing the track is not bottomless, you should see him producing some good form.” – Courier Mail