A tribute to Sir Colin Meads
On Sunday, we lost a national treasure with the death of Sir Colin Meads.
New Zealanders knew him through rugby and as an icon that embodied everything we feel it means to be a Kiwi. It was a privilege to meet him through a different avenue than rugby and see his passion for racing. He was a great friend to both New Zealand Racing and Go Racing.
The first time I spoke to him, he had left a message on my phone about taking a share in a horse “It’s Colin from Te Kuiti, I am calling about a yearling you bought.” I recognised the voice instantly and was nervous about calling him back. Do I call him sir? He didn’t call himself sir on the phone…Will I stutter because I am nervous and he will think I am a fool…
He told me that while he was no judge of horseflesh, he wouldn’t take a share without first viewing a horse. He was being modest. To view and select Ruud Awakening (Champion two-year-old), What’s The Story (runner-up in the Derby), Prince Mambo (Stakes winner and twice Group 1 placed), No More Tears (multiple stakes-winner) and Charlestown (multiple stakes-placed), shows what a talent he had for picking an athlete. He and Lady Verna were a great partnership. They chose the horses together, loved the races and knew how to celebrate a win.
His final win was last Wednesday when Sophie’s Choice got up at Ruakaka. It will always be special to me and we toasted Colin in the owners room after the race.
When we met for one of Ruud Awakenings first races, he was introduced to the syndicate. A fellow member, ten years his senior shook his hand and said “Lovely to meet you Sir Colin”, his response, “Don’t you ever call me sir again, my friends call me Colin”. He loved winning and hated losing even more, which is the competitive nature that made him so good on the rugby field.
Sir Colin was generous with his time, down to earth, easy to talk to and embodied what it means to be a Knight.
I cannot think of a life that could have been lived more fully. Our thoughts and love are with Lady Verna and all of the Meads family.
Rest in peace Colin.