In view of the fact that Racing NSW allows Canberra trained horses to contest the TAB Highway races, I think it’s fair enough to include ACT trainers in the monthly award calculations. Veteran Canberra trainer Keith Dryden took nine horses to the local meeting on October 21st and came away with 5 winners and two placings.
Keith’s winners were Sky Diamonds (Brendan Ward), Offspring (Alysha Collett), Yesterday’s Gone (Jeff Penza), Wichita Warrior (Billy Owen), and Fangela (Molly Bourke). Three of the five carried the colours of long time client Laurel Oak Bloodstock. The trainer recalls landing five winners at Bungendore three decades ago, but says this is the first time he’s been able to achieve the rare feat at Thoroughbred Park.
Thumbs up from the veteran trainer after his Kosciuszko win with Handle The Truth in 2019 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
Keith Dryden began his working life as a shearer before dabbling in the ready mix concrete business. He later took out a trainer’s licence and has enjoyed a highly successful career. His current win tally sits at 1500 while four Canberra premierships take pride of place on his CV. Keith’s best horses include Tumble On, Roll On By, Into The Night and the 2019 Kosciuszko winner Handle The Truth who has accumulated more than $1.7 million in prize money. Interesting to note that Keith kept the momentum going at Randwick on Melbourne Cup day to win the Little Dance with Dream Runner.
His “five timer” at Canberra last month has earned him our first Pryde’s EasiFeed trainer’s award. Twelve bags of Pryde’s EasiPerformance will soon land in the Dryden feed room at Thoroughbred Park.
(Banner image - Fangela (Molly Bourke) gave Keith Dryden his "fab five" at Canberra. 21/10/22 - courtesy of Bradley Photographers.)
Keith and Laurel Oak CEO Louis Mihalyka with the coveted Kosciuszko trophy won by Handle The Truth in 2019- courtesy Bradley Photographers.