Bob Negus sadly passed away on Saturday after a battle with cancer. Bob a top horseman was well known for his deeds behind New Cup Winning mare Armalight who won the New Zealand Cup in 1981 and the New Zealand Free For All a few days later in an exceptional time of 2-23.5.

Armalight was trained by Brent Smith and Bob was her driver in seven of her eighteen wins. 

Bob was a top trainer in his own right, training more than one hundred winners in a career spanning more than five decades. He trained some top horses during that time with the best of them being Willie Win who won the 1972 New Zealand Derby beating crack pacer Young Quinn in the process. 

Willie Win who won eight races for Negus was bred by Bob's daughter Robyn who died from cancer earlier this year aged 62.

Robyn Garrett (then Negus) was 15 when she took over Spangle for $40, with Willie Win in embryo. Robyn had to give special attention to  rearing  the elderly mare and foal.

Bob also trained several other good performers like Hardcraft, who won five races including the 1972 NZ Welcome stakes beating stablemate Willie Win.

Other good performers for Bob were 8 race winner Piper McCardy, Robert Henry and a host of others.

He is survived by sons, Bruce and Keith, and daughters, Christine and Gail Dolamore.
 

Harnesslink Media