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RONA LAING

The death occured last week of Rona Laing, aged 72. Born in Christchurch, Rona spent a lifetime in farming and harness racing communities.

Her Wairiri Lodge, at Ashburton, was the home of many imported stallions, starting years ago with the straight-out trotter Pilot Peter, by Peterwah. He was followed by Paraider, Smokey Hanover, Hi Lo's Forbes (sire of NZ Cup winner, James), Jerry Adios, Hodgen's Surprise (sir of No Response), King Creed (sire of Rauka Lad), and Keystone Provider (sire of Samson and Keystone Surprise).

She raced a number of good horses, perhaps the best of them being the Court Martial trotter Macamba, who won seven races, four of them in his 5-year-old season. Others included Melissa, Alvean, Alonzo (1:58), the smart Smokey Hanover trotter Martian, Manchu, Montford, and, more recently, Streak.

She is survived by a daughter Anita, and son, Graham.

Credit: HRWeekly 31May89