Carston pays tribute to Ridley

Caitlyn Jay wins the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1400m) at Ashburton on Thursday.

Trainer Andrew Carston was thanking the late Neill Ridley following Caitlyn Jay’s win in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1400m) at Ashburton on Thursday.

Ridley, who passed away from cancer earlier this month, was the mare’s former trainer.

“When Neill got sick, he suggested to her owner Robin Laidlaw that he should send her to me to train,” Carston said.

“Neill and I got on really well and I was honored to get her to train and so it was nice to get another win to repay his faith in me.

“He had won a trial with her himself, so he knew that she had ability.”