HENRY Joseph, ridden by Russell Hansen, won the $10,000 Collie Crane Hire Collie Cup at the Collie races on Saturday.

Henry Joseph, which was sired by stallion Ihtiram (best known as the sire of sprinter Miss Andretti) was a clear winner in the cup.

Collie Race Club secretary John Bird said unfortunately the stallion’s previous owner Ray Cochrane had died several years ago. With his local family connections, it would have been a great thrill for Ray to have witnessed Henry Joseph win the cup.

Henry Joseph is trained by Kalgoorlie trainer Stephen Miller.

Miller also trained $10,000 United Crane Hire Collie Plate winner Summer Haze, which completed a hat trick of wins after two successes at Leonora a fortnight before.

“It is always said there is a great affinity between the goldfields and the coalfields and this year trainers from Kalgoorlie were successful in three of the six races,” Bird said.

The other Kalgoorlie winner was Out of the Sky, trained by Aaron Bazely.

Bunbury trainer Jim Enright, who is a great supporter of the Collie races, was rewarded for his efforts when Gangway won the third event. Ascot trainers Peter White and Brendon Fitzgerald won the other two races with Talk On The Street and Rhapsodie Heights respectively.

The latter, a lightly raced five-year-old mare by Scenic, proved the old adage that breeding comes to the fore with a big win in the final event. Scenic is the sire of Melbourne and Caulfield Cup winner Viewed, international champion sprinter Scenic Blast, Scenic Shot and Marasco, as well as many other top sprinters.

Bird said one of the largest crowds in recent years attended the meeting.

“Big fields, keen racing, mild weather and good entertainment combined to provide an excellent day,” he said.

With the support of major sponsors Collie Crane Hire, United Crane Hire, Healthways and Griffin Coal, the club was able to have two $10,000 races.

Bird paid tribute to volunteer work done at the club, which is one of few community clubs still functioning.

“The ongoing support of volunteers and the general public makes our recent efforts to improve facilities at the race course worthwhile,” he said.

“The connection of water to the main in McVee Road and the installation of new power supply has come about with financial assistance from the Coal Miners’ Welfare Board, Collie Shire, Royalties for Regions and the West Australian Endurance Riders Association.

“With this support the $45,000 project has been completed.”