Camaraderie and hospitality hallmarks of the Lincoln Farms’ experience as Streets hit 1000

As the congratulations pour in to Lincoln Farms’ owners John and Lynne Street for notching their 1000th winner, none sum up the achievement better than the following Facebook post.

“Lynne and John and the team make dreams come true. The best thing about the 1000 wins, they treat each one as their first. Thanks for letting people like myself ride the journey.”

Carl Officer’s heartfelt message was posted on Thursday night just after Lincoln River sat parked and fought courageously to win at Alexandra Park. It gave the Streets win No. 573 at the trots to go with 427 at the gallops, a cross code feat unheralded in New Zealand racing history.

But the milestone, four decades in the making, isn’t just about the numbers. There have been plenty of well heeled owners come and go in the industry but few have made it their mission to share their passion with the less fortunate.

Officer and his seven Waikato mates in the Four Legs Syndicate epitomise what Lincoln Farms has been about in recent years.

“No way would we ever have been able to afford to race horses like we’ve had without the help of John and Lynne,” Officer said today, reflecting on seven years of fun.

Through their special partnerships, the eight mates have been able to enjoy racing well bred horses, for minimal ongoing costs.

Carl Officer, hamming it up in a dress, with his Four Legs syndicate.“It’s been seven or eight years now and for every dollar we’ve put in, we’ve probably got back $1.70 or $1.80. That doesn’t happen for many owners.

“All my guys ever wanted to do was win a race and when (Northview) Hustler won the 2018 Spring Cup it was so emotional for us, like winning the New Zealand Cup.”

The dream continued for the Four Legs team when Trojan Banner won 10 races before his sale to the United States for big money.

When the lads went into another horse which didn’t make it they were transferred at no cost into Ideal Kingdom who last week was sold for good money as a stallion to China.

“We’ve got a share in Major Achievement now and we’re looking at another one.”

Officer says a lot of people think racing’s all about the money but his group got involved to keep their friendships alive as each got more involved in family life.

“We love going to the races and when we’re there Lynne and John always make us feel so welcome. It’s come in, have a drink, how’s the family?

“We’re off again on another boys’ trip to Christchurch for cup week where all our expenses are covered by our winnings. And we’re still paying only $30 a week each.”

Christine Stuart, left, with some of the Excell syndicate, enjoying an early win by Make Way.We’d be there to watch snails

Christine Stuart reckons she and her now nine-member womens’ syndicate have so much fun with Lincoln Farms on racenights, they’d be there even if it was only to watch snails race.

The Excell syndicate has been racing horses with John and Lynne Street since Spring Campaign in 2015 and says the couple, and all their team, have always embraced them.

“They call us the girls and they’ve always been friendly and helpful. But everyone there works as a team and that’s part of their success. Ray (Green) is always helpful in the stable, Lynne beavers away in the background and Ian (Middleton, business manager) keeps the wheels turning.

“We’ve had horses with a lot of other trainers but none embrace the social aspect of their business like Lincoln Farms.

“The whole experience is what they’re providing. They keep you informed and if you’re not happy they address that. They’re honest and fair.”

Stuart was there in the office adjacent to the birdcage last night with her fellow syndicate stalwart Christine Rupp and long time Lincoln Farms supporter Margaret Rabbitt and said the camaraderie of the night was outstanding.

Like the Four Legs syndicate, Stuart says the Excell team has kept in touch through their horses.

When Stuart, a former principal of Ararimu School, moved from Hunua back to town, she joined the Excell group to keep their friendship going. They have raced a succession of nice horses since with Lincoln Farms, the best of which, Make Way, won 15 races here and in Australia.