| PEOPLE |
YEAR: 1984
P A WATSON
Percy Alison Watson, a prominent Mid-Canterbury owner-trainer and breeder, died in Ashburton last week.
Mr Watson bred some outstanding horses over the years with the Rey de Oro mare Purple Patch.
Purple Patch left top performers in Loyal Rey (ten wins), Countless and Ingle Belmer (nine wins).
Lady Belmer (13 wins, Easter Cup), Harvest Gold (NI Oaks), Royal Decision (ten wins), Royal Belmer (12 wins, 1:58.8, Kaikoura Cup), Patchwork (Easter Cup), Sovereign (NZ Derby), Rhinegolde (11 wins), Tarita (1:59.9)and Belmers Image (1:58.2) are other members of the Purple Patch side of the Papilla family.
Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 10Jan84
YEAR: 1960
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| Percy Watson & Purple Patch |
It was away back in 1939 when Purple Patch was foaled and she has always been owned by Methven trotting personality Percy Watson.
A prolific breeder, Purple Patch now spends her days nonchalantly strolling round her fine paddock where she is treated like a cup horse and really is in control of the stable.
By Rey de Oro from a Logan Pointer mare who traces back to the thoroughbred mare Papilla, Purple Patch has thrown many winners. The following are some of the better known pacers from Purple Patch. They were Royal Rey, Countless, Ingle Belmer, Anita Patch, Inherit, Peggy Patch, Dora Patch, Direct Link, Inglewood and Ingleside.
Ingle Belmer who raced with a good del of success has produced Brittania, Royal Brittania and Lady Belmer. These were all by U Scott and by Light Brigade she threw the trotter Ingle Brigade.
For years now Mr Watson has been prominent in South Island trotting circles and it would be the fulfilment of a great ambition if he could win the NZ Cup particularly with a pacer which traces back to his favourite Purple Patch.
Credit: NZ Hoof Beats Vol 10 No 7