One of the great country trainers, Berrigan’s Bert Honeychurch, died aged 94 on Melbourne Cup day.
One of many influenced by Honeychurch, Wagga trainer David Heywood paid tribute to the man who took him on as an 11-year old.
“He was a great horseman and a legend around the Southern Districts,” Heywood said.
His achievements were legendary, including an 11-year streak as the top trainer in Southern Districts; 10 years of training at least 100 winners in a season; twice training the program at Berrigan; and 2000 winners in his career.
Among his best horses were Myzami which ran third in the 1960 Victoria Derby and Maritana which he always said was the fastest horse he trained.
He won three Wagga Gold Cups – with Double Cop (twice) and Red Hope – but was most proud that his family was involved in five, with late son Chris winning two more with Allez Bijou.
Bert Honeychurch’s funeral is in Berrigan on Monday.
