Didham hoping Riccarton rain doesn’t extinguish his Candle
Matt Markham - Raceform • January 22nd, 2026 11:44 AM • 3 min read
Richard Didham has taken the unconventional route of using weather forecasters to help plot his next move with handy sprinting mare Candle.
Off the back of a successful trip over to the West Coast, the popular trainer was at sixes and sevens when it came to what to do next with his daughter of Super Easy until he looked to the skies ahead of this weekend’s $80,000 Listed Speight’s Timaru Stakes at Riccarton.
“It wasn’t on the radar at all to be honest, but with the weather forecast looking like it’s going to get pretty wet in the lead-up to the meeting, it became a pretty solid option for us,” Didham told RaceForm.
The seven-year-old was great in both her West Coast appearances, finishing second behind Motiontime at Greymouth and then second again behind Illicit Dreams at Kumara, running her to within a length.
“The Coast probably isn’t the most ideal place for horses that get back in their races, but when you break it down, she ran the fastest sectionals on both days and came through the runs so well.
“If anything, I actually think the trip has improved her. I took her out to work her earlier this week and her dapples are out and she’s bouncing around, so she’s a very well horse.”
Sent down from the North Island during the middle stages of last year, Candle made an immediate impression over the winter including two wins in open company – a big part in Didham’s enthusiasm to head into the same grade this weekend.
“She’s shown she can do it, especially on the wetter tracks. I think it will really suit her this weekend, especially if they can bowl along a bit in front, that tends to really play into her hands.”
Originally trained and owned by Guy Lowry, Candle’s five career wins to this point already have her credentials as a broodmare heading upward, but a bit of black type next to the name wouldn’t hurt and Didham is keen to try and make that happen.
“Guy still owns her, so it would be great for him, given he’s sent her down to us to get something next to her name.”
The late decision to head to Riccarton this weekend has meant Didham is without the services of his usual jockey Leah Hemi, but he’s found a more than capable replacement in Kate Hercock.
“Kate will get on with her well, she’s not the hardest horse to ride. She looks like a decent chance if the rain really does come like it’s supposed to. I’m pretty excited about her chances.”
Candle will slide into the race nicely as one of the lower-rated runners in the field but will have to contend with some well-credentialled runners up near the top of the ratings including talented mares Third Decree, Inflamed, Betty Spaghetti, Shoes and Candycane as well as North Island raider Pour The Wine who is travelling south for Barbara Kennedy.
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