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Age is never a barrier to experience the thrill of owning a racehorse, just ask Dora ‘Lindy’ Johnston who is 101 from Tanunda in South Australia's Barossa Valley.
Lindy almost certainly became the world’s oldest winning racehorse owner when Tudor Armov, scored at Balaklava last Wednesday.
Trained by Tony McEvoy at Angaston, the filly, the $2.50 favourite, scored a neck win in the Gawler South Bakery Maiden over 1055 metres.
To make the effort even more remarkable it is Lindy’s first venture into the sport of kings, and Tudor Armov was having her first start in a race.
“I was still in shock when my nephew Ken came and told me the news so we had a cup of tea to celebrate,” Lindy said.
“I’ve always been lucky with things I have been involved with in my life but I was astonished the horse won its first race.”
The centurion wasn’t alone as the victory was also an initial win for Melbourne’s John Russo. Others in the ownership are Michael French, Phil Cross, Paul Hayes, Warren Polich and Cornerstone Stud’s Darren Thomas and Sam Hayes.
To keep the Cornerstone Stud connection, the filly was bred on the Angaston property being by the stud’s stallion De Beers out of the mare Sundae Morning.
A resident at Tanunda Lutheran Home for the past few years, Lindy’s late entry to thoroughbred ownership was sparked by her nephew Ken Fowler from Bethany who has always had an interest in racing.
“I’m also Lindy’s attorney and we were discussing her finances earlier in the year,” Ken said.
“Lindy said she was looking for an interest and I suggested buying a racehorse. She loved the idea and joked ‘that’s a quick way to get rid of my money."
“While Lindy hasn’t been able to get out to see her investment, the first question she always asks when I come to visit is 'how is my horse going?' On Wednesday afternoon I was able to drop in and tell her the filly had won and she was delighted.”
Despite the euphoria surrounding the victory Lindy remained reasonably calm about success with her first venture into thoroughbred racing.
“It’s exciting news about the win but I’m not thinking of buying another racehorse - yet,” Lindy said.
Tudor Armov is set to run again at Morphettville on Saturday, August 3.