Butt's Trans Tasman trip to see ripper 'fillies'!

FOR various reasons, such as the difficult to travel world we live in, it took him longer than he would have liked, but Anthony Butt made an overdue return ‘home’ last week.

Although he has embraced life as a Victorian in recent years, Butt remains a Kiwi at heart, especially given his heart is being held captive by a pair of fillies on the Shaky Isle.

Already a grandfather to Addisyn, Butt’s trip across the Tasman was to meet his latest granddaughter, McKenzie.

Butt is a broodmare sire via his daughter, Kim.

“McKenzie was born last year, but with travel conditions and work overload in Australia it has been difficult to get back to New Zealand to meet her,” Butt said.

“I’m glad I was able to get this time off and be here to spend time with both of them.

“Addisyn has always been a little doll and McKenzie is just a wee ripper.”

During his stay Butt also caught up with former champion trotter Lyell Creek, which was trained by Butt’s brother, Tim.

Affectionately-known as ‘Creek The Freak’, the multi millionaire squaregaiter lives with Butt’s mother, Jenny.

“He is in terrific shape for a 28-year-old,” Butt said. “It’s always good to see him again when I’m over here.”

A true globetrotter, which raced with success in both hemispheres, Lyell Creek was retired with a record of 56 wins and 26 placings from 113 starts for earnings of $2,961,137.

“He was an amazing trotter,” Butt said. “It is not easy to compare gaits, but he is the best horse I have ever driven.

“He could do it all in his races, he was just that good.”