Age is proving to be no obstacle for Bill White.
Remaining active as a sprightly 91-year-old, White was full of vigor as he made his way into the winners’ circle in Cranbourne last Sunday night.
White was triumphant with Heart Of Graceland, which broke his maiden at his 37th start.
“Dad still loves getting down to the stable as the horses keep him active,” White’s son, Ian, said. “He potters around with them, and every now and then, we even con him to get out in the jogger.
“He really enjoys watching the kids working horses and takes a keen interest in how they’re going about it.”
One of those “kids” is White’s granddaughter, Lauren, who partnered Heart Of Graceland to glory.
After settling the son of Centurion Atm three-back along the pegs as Farstar led from barrier two, Lauren began a three-wide run along the back straight.
Angled to the extreme outside around the final bend, Heart Of Graceland sprinted to a four-and-a-half metre win from Aldebaran Axl.
Minnie Mia was a half-head away third in 2:03.7 over 2080 metres.
“Dad was rapt to see both the horse and Lauren get the win and I’m over the moon for Dad,” Ian said. “It was a multi-generation win and something for all of us to enjoy.
“It’s very much a family operation here as my son Brent also works the horses with us.”
One of a handful of participants who have enjoyed success at Victoria’s three ‘homes’ – Ascot Vale Showgrounds, Moonee Valley and Melton – White is the middle peg of five generations within the industry.
White’s grandfather Sam and father, Jack, were trainers, with Ian, Lauren and Brent keeping the family tradition alive over a century later!
“Dad goes back a long time in this game,” Ian said. “He drove free-for-all winners at Showgrounds when his Dad was training them.
“Dad is one of the few true hobbyists who have won at Showgrounds, Moonee Valley and Melton, which is a fair achievement.
“Dad’s grandfather Sam started it all for our family many, many, many years ago!
“Lauren and Brent, who is doing his trials to get his driver’s license, are fifth generation, so the family has been in the sport for some time and hopefully for some time to come.”
Paul Courts writes for National Trotguide
