This G3 race and in fact meeting was always going to be an emotional event after the tragic passing of local trainer Steve Anderton earlier in the week. His runners on the day were in a nice touch listed as being trained by him and his wife Claire and a maiden winner in R3 was a sign that the Anderton name and legacy would have a fitting tribute. This G3 race was sponsored by the White Robe Lodge, a time honoured stud of the Anderton family, and the defending champion was none other than The Diamond One, prepared by Steve and Claire Anderton. The Diamond One is a class mare and one of the best gallopers in the South Island but today had so much more significance. She did not disappoint and in fact won with spine-tingling ease once drawn out into clear air at the 200m. The mare was wide handy early but got snagged back deliberately and over then near the home turn saved a heap of ground the inside. It was the sixth win in sixteen starts by a mare that has won on all types of footing and also has placed six times so she is consistent too. The race name had the added ‘in memory of Steve Anderton’ and this will surely remain in place from now on plus this mare could come back for a threepeat next year. No excuses the rest as The Diamond One was simply a bigger force on the day. The runner up Chapel Star was game and there is a family connection through marriage for the Terry Kennedy trained on the track gelding. Mares filled the next three spots in a very tight finish with Mikabella, Sucre and Locket (came from well back) separated by noses. There were lots of sound efforts either running on from the back or boxing on after doing work in or near the pace so it should prove a worthwhile form guide into the future. Absolut Excelencia, Ridley and Emerald Queen are three that can be backed with confidence next time out. El Chico the 10yo found trouble the run home when having something to offer and he seems to be a magnet for interference. The time of 1:38.46 was over a second (six lengths) than the following race a Ratings 65 so was not a torrid run race but more so a testing affair as early on they went hard. The winner The Diamond One is a special mare and more so after today for obvious reasons. The training name of the late Steve and his wife Claire Anderton missed by a nose winning the last event on the card so almost had a trio of winners on the day. This meeting and feature race will forever be remembered as a permanent and poignant tribute to the family man and the horseman Steve Anderton and rightly so. Trying to explain why some things happen is pointless. Vale Steve Anderton.