80th Birthday a Winner for Win

By PSS | Posted: Tuesday March 20, 2018

Pounding hooves, a seat in a sulky and driving a Southland trotter – Win McNaughton celebrated her 80th birthday in true style.

Despite no real involvement in the racing sector, the Peacehaven Village resident says she had long wanted to drive a trotter.

“My father had gallopers, and we always rode ponies and horses as youngsters, and we used to go to the trots. I just thought it would be good!” she said.

And so, on turning 80, her daughter-in-law arranged a visit to Ascot Park, where Win met Mark Shirley and his wife, dressed in the required safety gear and silks, along with glasses and helmet, and took up a seat in a dual sulky alongside Mark and behind Southland trotter Ridgemont Millie.

“He drove, I sat back and held on to some reins,” Win said.
“It was really good. We went three times around the track. I didn’t think we were going all that fast - I’m sure she wasn’t going full tilt – but everyone said we were flying when we came down the home straight.”
“It was great – I’d definitely do it again, I loved it.”

Win says she’s not sure if her neighbours at Peacehaven Village were impressed or “thought I was daft”!

She also got to enjoy a tour of the race course, which she found interesting.

As for what’s next, well, Mark has assured her of another ride for her 90th birthday – just 10 years to wait!