The  four-year-old gelding Olympia (Gingerbread Man – Second Omen)  finally shed his Maiden tag with a compelling victory in the Class 5 1000 meter Polytrack event at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse 8th of May. Narrowly beaten last time when carrying 59 kg, connections made a decision to engage 3kg claiming apprentice rider Jerlyn Seow when the horse was allocated the same weight for this event. Away well from the barrier Olympia settled nicely into third place and held that position in the run – he seemed to be under some pressure as they turned for home, but then mounted a strong finishing burst down the middle of the track to go to the line with a one length margin.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Fortuna Racing’s European bred Stayer, KHAFEEF, delivered a strong winning performance when taking out the 2200m Highweight event at Hawera 27th April. Inclined to over race in his races, this time he settled nicely for rider Shaun Fannin, was back in the running, close to last as they turned for home but finished resolutely to win by a short neck on the line. This was his 2nd win in New Zealand and his 3rd career win altogether

Click HERE to see the race replay

KHAFEEF wins at Hawera 27th April – Shaun Fannin aboard

KHAFEEF, who had raced in France as a 3yo for one win and a 2nd from four starts, was acquired by John Galvin, with the assistance of International Bloodstock Agent, Hubie De Burgh, at the 2019 Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale for 28,000 Guineas (NZ$60k approx).

He is raced by the Fortuna Khafeef Syndicate, an ownership group comprising 71 individuals, in the main New Zealanders, but with three of the Group from Hong Kong

Headline News;
 
Khafeef wins Highweight event at Hawera with Shaun Fannin aboard – bringing up Fortuna’s 17th win so far in 2022

KHAFEEF – wins Hawera  27th April 2022

Singapore Turf Club re opens its doors to the public after two years of “crowd free” attendances
 

Fortuna has six runners this weekend – two in NZ, four in Singapore

New Zealand – Saturday 30th

Ragamuffin will contest the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders Stakes over 1200m at Te Rapa – Race 5 at 2.47pm and will be ridden by Jason Laking from an outside barrier – the winner of two in a row from just three career starts, he then failed to shine, this course this trip 16^th April after being away tardily and getting no favours in the run – meets a very strong field here, has a shocking draw to contend with and would need everything to go right to feature

Navalha  races in the Rating 65 1600m – Race 8 @ 4.34 pm – a 2^nd placing in the R74 1400 at Avondale and another 2^ndplacing in the R65 1400 at Te Rapa 16^th April is good form for this race – Opie Bosson to ride – steps up to 1600m for the first time and if he sees the trip out is a good each way chance

Singapore – Saturday 30th

Entertainer races in The Kranji Stakes B Turf event – Race 5 at 6pm NZT – a seven time winner in Singapore, he has been struggling to find form of late and this week races at a trip he has never won at and on a surface that he has never won on – does get a 3 kg allowance and the ace draw but is hard to have in this event

Hidden Promise contests the Class 5 1600 Polytrack event – Race 6 at 6.30pm NZT. This veteran nine year old has won seven races in Singapore in his long career, gets his favourite trip here and is on his winning mark – also carries a featherweight courtesy of Jerlyn Seow’s 3kg claim from a nice barrier draw – can run into the prizemoney here

Hadeer races in the Class 3 1200 Turf event – Race 8 at 7.30pm NZT – a 5 time career winner, Hadeer won three in a row in Singapore in the spring of 2021, has been running good races since without winning – Jake Bayliss rides from barrier 2 – an on pace runner, he can certainly feature in this event – each way

Brutus is in the same race – a 5 time winner in Singapore, including 4 wins since September, he was freshened after a victory in Class 4 this trip 13^th March. Leading rider Manoel Nunes sticks with him and he will jump from Barrier 3. Not always easy to make the transit from Class 4 to Class 3, but he is a talented galloper and represents a strong each way chance here

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: BRUTUS (9)
Holds a 50% first two placing when racing over this course and distance for the strong Logan stable. Looks well placed and with luck in the run will be in the multiples.
2nd Pick: PATTAYA (10)
Strong statistics for this race with two wins and a placing from three starts over this course and distance. There is only an eight-point spread for this race and looks a big player.
3rd Pick: HADEER (2)
On speed runner who likes to be up there and put the pressure on the field. Rates well for this and performs well in this class. Market watch.
4th Pick: CRYSTAL WARRIOR (5)
Looking for a hat-trick of wins but makes the shift to the turf after being dominant on the Polytrack at his last two starts. Trialed nicely since his last win and must be in contention.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 26^th April

Leaderboard (N Parmar) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.15.4.

Navalha (O Bosson) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.01.87.

Soprano Supreme (H Durrant) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.3.2.

Thursday 28th April

Ragamuffin (N Parmar) galloped over the 1000 metres in 1.11.5, home in 40.8.
Navalha (O Bosson) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.2, home in 41.6.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 23rd April

Trident (Jamil) with Rocky (Aiman) – 600 41;

Tuesday 26th^th April

Briggs (Aslam) – 800 39; Brutus (Nunes) – 1000/600 39;

Guest Selector – Des Coppins
 
Hi John and Team – It was too difficult for my tip Mega Bourbon to eat into the two pacemakers big leads in the sprint last week. The rain came 12 hours later. Too little, too late for Mega Bourbon but no excuses really. He simply wasn’t on his A-game. He’ll keep. Let’s turn the page and focus on Saturday 30^th

I’m going to be greedy and look for a two-leg multi on Saturday but my confident levels are high.
My first leg is in race two at Te Rapa, The Fearless One. This horse has x-factor written all over him. After winning effortlessly on Oaks Day at Trentham he was allowed to freshen, won a sprint trial at Foxton and went to Woodville to run a game second to Sergio over a mile. He carried two kgs more and of course Sergio backed up to win the Anzac Mile on Monday at Awapuni. Trust me, only bad luck will stop The Fearless winning an important Cup race next year.

My second leg of the multi is Aris Aris who is in race 4 at Wanganui.
This filly impressed immensely at the trials before resuming at at Te Rapa with a game challenge against the talented Te Akau galloper, Cote de Beaune a fortnight ago.  She’s drawn to perfection and her acceleration will see her either leading or trailing the leader. I like her a lot.
When I filed this piece to John G the bookies odds weren’t available, but I’m hoping for a $5-$6 priced  multi with the pair.  At these odds I’d be very happy!

Des runs  his very popular phone tipping line (you can access this by calling 0900 45459 – note this incurs a charge of $2.99 per minute) – this service has been active for over 25 years and covers all NZ gallops from 8am each race day).

Fortuna Shares for Sale

We have shares in two horses currently on our website – the proven two win Irish bred staying type MILESTONE, by Mastercraftsman, whom we have acquired to specifically contest the 2 Mile Cups races in the coming season and the Karaka Yearling, the Merchant Navy – Anchovy Colt “Salty”

MILESTONE, who had been agisting at Phoenix Park near Cambridge since arriving in NZ early March, is now at Catherine Cleghorne’s property at Waiuku Beach, where he will undergo 6 weeks of pre-traing in the beach environment before transferring to the care of Mark Walker at Matamata around the end of May – just 5% left in this nice staying type

“Salty” is now 5 weeks into his breaking in programme and is handling everything with aplomb – this fellow has been labelled as a “get up and go Two Year Old type” – just 6.5% left in this classy yearling

Both of these offerings can be viewed on the Fortuna website HERE

Headline News;
 
SOPRANO SUPREME goes back to back at Rotorua giving Fortuna Racing its 16^th win for 2022 – 9 in NZ, 6 in Singapore and 1 in Aus
 
SOPRANO SUPREME  to campaign at Queensland Carnival
 

Fortuna has a busy weekend with four runners in New Zealand and three in Singapore

New Zealand – Saturday 16th

KHAFEEF  races at Hastings – he contests the Rating 74 2500m event – the Poverty Bay Cup – Race 5 at 2.47pm –   Apprentice Temyia Taiaroa will ride claiming 2kgs will ride. Two lead up runs over sprint trips have prepared him for this race – wet track won’t bother him – he is very fit – query on the big step in distance, but is proven at this sort of trip – Good place chance

LEADERBOARD will race in the Hawkes Bay Cup (Listed) – Race 7 at 4.03pm and will be ridden by Lisa Allpress. An impressive last start winner at Trentham in the NZ St Leger (2600m) he meets a higher grade of runners here, but has not put a foot wrong since his victory. A genuine staying type who loves to get his toe in the ground and will certainly appreciate the soft track conditions – is right in this and represents a strong each way chance

RAGAMUFFIN contests the 3yo Set Weights and Penalties  1200m event – Race 6 at 3.04pm – this talented 3yo Gelding has carried all before him last two starts with good wins at Hastings and Matamata. Up to Saturday company here and this 3yo event will test him, but successful rider last two starts, Te Akau Apprentice, Parmar Singh, claiming 4kgs, rides again from barrier 2. Not many can win 3 in a row coming through the grades, but “Harry” is as game as they come – can feature in the prizemoney here

NAVALHA races at Te Rapa in the Rating 65 1400m event – Race 9 at 4.52pm and will be ridden by Opie Bosson from Barrier 6 – A strong 2^nd placing this trip in R74 Grade at Avondale 2^nd April is good form for this race – inclined to be tardy away, but down in grade and if Opie can get him away well, he will be right in the thick of this at the finish

Singapore – Sunday 17th

OLYMPIA races in the Class 5 1100 Polytrack – Race 6 @ 6.30pm (NZT) – Ronnie Stewart retains the mount from a good draw. Still a Maiden, but running consistently in the money – has top weight to carry here but has found Division 2 – can take this out

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: OLYMPIA (1)
Has been in the frame three of his last four attempts. Wouldn’t shock me to see him jump in this field at a very short quote. Looks the one on paper.
2nd Pick: DECRETO (4)
Rarely puts it all together but is a six-time winner in Singapore and is third up this weekend, could improve here.
3rd Pick: HIGH LIMIT (6)
Out of form but has a light wright this weekend in his third run since the blinkers were reapplied.
4th Pick: SAMURAI EXPRESS (2)
Last start was wide without cover and as a result, raced very keen and never got an opportunity to put his best foot forward. Strikes his easiest contest so far this year and he should be beating quite a few of these home.

ENTERTAINER contests the Kranji A Stakes 1200 Polytrack – Race 10 @ 8.30pm NZT – Singapore 2021 Champion rider K Hakim, claiming 1kg, takes the mount. A seven time winner, all at 1100m trips, in Singapore, he meets elite company here at a trip he has never won at. Has a featherweight to carry and gets the ace draw – will need to lift to feature here, but a clever ride could see him run in the money

KING ARTHUR races in the Class 3 1100 Polytrack – Race 11 @ 9pm NZT – Hakim in the saddle – the winner of 5 racers since Oct 2021, including 4 in a row, he was slightly disappointing last start when running 4^th – back to 1100, ace draw and a top rider aboard, he can redeem himself here

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club tipsters have to say about this race;

1st Pick: ARARAT LADY (3)
Classy mare who races well at this level and distance. We haven’t seen her win since the middle of last season but has caught the eye in her last runs and today could be her day.
2nd Pick: KING ARTHUR (1)
Arrives in this event carrying topweight and has had a profitable season under the Logan banner. With a comfortable run he will be there in the finish.
3rd Pick: SKY EYE (6)
Rises in grade after a good class 4 win and running good times. If he runs up to that performance and aided by a light weight, he could surprise against these.
4th Pick: HAPPY MOMENT (4)
Continues to race with plenty of consistency and has a 43.9%-win percentage over this course and distance. Don’t leave him out of your picks.

Upcoming week

A bit of action for the Fortuna Team with HAYATE, MARLBOROUGH MAN and INCA BELLE all trialing at Taupo on Tuesday, while the in form MADAME MOET  races at Matamata on Wednesday

Fortuna Track work – Matamata
 
Tuesday 12^th April

Madame Moet (S Pillay) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.1, home in 39.5.

Ragamuffin (N Parmar) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.03.1, home in 36.03.

Navalha (N Parmar) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.03.7, home in 36.4.

Thursday 14^th April

Ragamuffin (N Parmar) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.13.6, home in 42.8.

Navalha (O Bosson) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.13.6, home in 44.35.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 9th April

Kermajack (Jamil) – C, 1000/600 39; Entertainer (Aiman) – C, 1000/600 42; Brutus (Aiman) – 800/600 37.5; Elliot Ness (Aslam) – 800/600 39;

Tuesday 12^th April

Entertainer (Yusoff) – 800/600 38; Elliot Ness (Amirul) – 800/600; Olympia (Ronnie) – 800/600 40; Hidden Promise (Jerlyn) – 800/600 37; King Arthur (Yusoff) – 800/600 36; Trident (Syed) – 600 42;; Brutus (Nunes) – 800/600 36

Other News

SOPRANO SUPREME goes back to back at Rotorua – see story below

Soprano reigns “Supreme” at Rotorua 9th April

SOPRANO SUPREME  to now campaign at Queensland Carnival
While initial plans for Soprano Supreme were to go next to the Rotorua Cup mid May, further discussions between Mark and John on Sunday and Monday has led to a change of plan with a Brisbane campaign now being mapped out beginning with the Gold Coast Cup 2400m 7th May with the Premier’s Cup (Group 3) at Eagle Farm 2400m also being in her sights – ongoing racing from there would be results dependent. This staying type Mare has taken a long time to mature, but she has really hit her straps in 2022 and Mark considers her to have a lot of upside, hence the decision to “up the ante” with her – this plan received unanimous support from her large Ownership Group, many of whom are now “dusting off their passports”

Guest Selector

Des’ selection did not win last week but ran 3^rd at good odds of $3.30 the place – here is what he is recommending this week

My special for this week is Tellall in race 8 at Te Rapa. There are  number of reasons why I think this Tony Pike-trained runner can get the job done. He’s been unlucky in recent starts and the key to his prospects this week is the return to the saddle of leading rider Michael McNab. This horse has won 4 races and McNab has been on each time. The last time he was on board four starts ago the combination finished an unlucky second to the talented Te Akau runner, Brando at Ellerslie.

A genuine feature of Tellall’s runs surrounds his very quick final sectionals and he’s either been the quickest or the second quickest over the last 600m in his last 5 starts. At his last start he found the 1200m too short and was left flat footed but with the speedster Rose ‘N’ Power engaged with a 4kgs claim apprentice on board the pace will be hot and a fast finisher like Tellall over his pet distance, 1400m, has me excited at the early bird price of $5.50 and $1.80 on a one unit over three basis

Des runs  his very popular phone tipping line (you can access this by calling 0900 45459 – note this incurs a charge of $2.99 per minute) – this service has been active for over 25 years and covers all NZ gallops from 8am each race day).

MELBOURNE CUP TOUR
Des also tells me he has had significant enquiry from our Fortuna Membership for his 2022 Tour – If you are contemplating or want more detail click HERE to read – still spaces left

Fortuna Shares for Sale

We have shares in two horses currently on our website – the proven two win Irish bred staying type MILESTONE, whom we have acquired to specifically contest the 2 Mile Cups races in the coming season and the Karaka Yearling, the Merchant Navy Colt “Salty”

MILESTONE, who had been agisting at Phoenix Park near Cambridge since arriving in NZ early March, has now travelled to Catherine Cleghorne’s property at Waiuku Beach, where he will undergo 6 weeks of pre-traing in the beach environment before transferring to the care of Mark Walker at Matamata – Click HERE to read full details and to place order

“Salty” is now 3 weeks into his breaking in programme and is handling everything with aplomb – this fellow has been labelled as a “get up and go Two Year Old type” Click HERE to read full details and to place order

Fortuna Racings quality race mare SOPRANO SUPREME was on song again at Rotorua 9th April when putting in another dominant performance in taking out the Campbell Infrastructure Rating 74 2200m event. The winner of two of her previous three starts by a combined margin of over eight lengths, this time she was up in Grade, in Saturday Class and was without the benefit of an Apprentice rider’s claim. Away slightly awkwardly in the hands of Opie Bosson, she relaxed nicely in 5th position one out from the rail in the eight horse field. Continuing to travel nicely in the run, Opie was content to sit quiet, but at the 600m mark, he asked the Mare for an effort, she came into the race quickly, was on terms three wide with the leaders as they turned  for home and then sprinted to the line strongly, under a mainly hands and heels ride, to win with a two and a half length margin at the line in a time of 2.16.18 with Rising Storm in 2nd place

Click HERE to see race Video replay

Winning rider Opie Bosson was effusive in his praise after dismounting “She was going to win a long way out,” he said. “She relaxed beautifully, got into a nice position and I was quite confident from the winning post the first time around. I had the horse underneath me, gave her one backhander, and she’ll be a nice staying mare next year.”

“Soprano Supreme” – Win #3 Rotorua 9th April 2022 – Opie Bosson aboard

Trainer Mark Walker, was also quick to give praise “That was a really good win and she’s a progressive mare,” he said, “that was a big step up for her today, but she handled it with a lot of authority. David (Ellis) bought her quite cheaply at Karaka, she is out of a Zabeel mare, and she looks a cups quality mare next season with a bit more maturity on her. A race like the Waikato Cup (Gr. 2, 2400m) could be a good target, but in the meantime we may have a look at the Rotorua Cup on 14th May. Well done to John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing Ownership Team – that’s their 9th win in NZ so far in 2022”

Fortuna Director John Galvin was on track to celebrate the win with some of his Ownership Group “That was very exciting to watch, she traveled so well in the run and was beautifully ridden by Opie – she seems to be going places and big kudos to Jamie Richards who handled her so patiently during her 2yo and 3yo preparations. Well done to Mark Walker, who has only just stepped back into the Te Akau Head Training role, for training another Fortuna Syndicated horse to win, a habit he has been well used to over the years in both New Zealand and Singapore. Well done to David Ellis also for picking this Mare out for us at the 2019 sale – I specifically recall saying to him ‘please find me a filly that can develop into a Cups horse one day'”

SOPRANO SUPREME – winning post in her sights

Bred by Tim Harrison, Soprano Supreme was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Racing at the NZ Bloodstock 2019 Karaka Yearling Sale for $62,500 from the draft of Te Runga Stud.

She is raced by the Fortuna Soprano Supreme Syndicate, an Ownership group of 62 individuals from New Zealand, Singapore  and Hong Kong

Headline News;

NO ENVY wins for Fortuna Racing at Geelong Friday 1^st April
 
EMINENT – KATY O’BEEL Filly sells in 36 hours
 
Mark Walker collects a Group One win at  Awapuni 2^nd April on his first day back as Head Trainer NZ for Te Akau Racing
 
Fortuna has a quiet week with just one runner in New Zealand

New Zealand

SOPRANO SUPREME contests the R74 2200m at Rotorua Saturday – Race 4 @ 2.26pm. Three starts in 2022 for 2 emphatic wins , this talented staying mare is up in Grade for this event and Opie Bosson rides from a good barrier. Dominant winner this track 1950m last start, she is primed to feature again and is a strong each way chance in  this

Upcoming Trialists

Avondale 12th April – 2yo Filly INCA BELLE (Per Incanto – Belle Vie)

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 5^th April

No Fortuna Timed trackwork today

Thursday 7^th April
Madame Moet (S Pillay) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.11.4, home in 42.6.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 2^nd April
Kermajack (Jamil) – 800/600 37

Tuesday 5^th April
Kermajack (Aiman) – 800/600 38; Briggs (Aslam) – 600 48; Elliot Ness (Aslam) 600 37;

Other News

Fortuna UK import NO ENVY wins his Maiden race at Geelong in Victoria 1st April
Published 2 April 2022

The Fortuna Racing four year old Gelding NO ENVY was sent out an odds on favourite  by punters in the Maiden 2455m event at Geelong in Victoria Friday 1st April and the horse didn’t disappoint them. Drawn the outside barrier in the eight horse field, jockey Damien Thornton allowed him to stride forward in the run down the straight for the first time, and slotted in nicely one out and one back. Traveling nicely in the run, Thornton asked for an effort before the turn, NO ENVY responded nicely, hit the front as they turned, fought off any challengers and went to the line winning by a four and a half length margin.

Click HERE to see race Video replay.

NO ENVY was having just his 3rd race day start – he had run 2nd on debut at Ascot in the UK in October 2021 when trained by Andrew Balding – he was then offered for sale and was aquired by Fortuna Racing/De Burgh Equine and shipped to Australia.  He is now trained at Pinecliff in Victoria by the father and son team of Anthony and Sam Freedman and is the first horse trained by them for Fortuna Racing and was having his 2nd start for them after running 6th at his Aus debut over 1950 meters 3rd March. NO ENVY who carries the stable name “Felix” is by Lope De Vega out of Purple Pearl (Danehill Dancer) and has a very stout staying pedigree.

Sam Freedman was a satisfied handler after the race “NO ENVY was very good today, he jumped away well, Damien got him into a nice spot, he relaxed well in the run and produced a strong staying effort that was too strong for the opposition. The field was not strong today, but this horse clearly is a dead set stayer who will only improve with racing and more distance. Well done to John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing ownership team – NO ENVY is the first horse they have given us and Anthony and I are very pleased to have him in our Stable.”

Fortuna Director John Galvin, watching from his home in Hamilton, New Zealand, was also a very happy man, “That was special today – while the Stable were confident that he was going to run well and the market saw it that way as well, it is always good to get the job done with one of these imports, particularly one we had given to a new stable in Australia to prepare for us. It was a lovely ride by Damien Thornton and hats off to Anthony/Sam and their team for getting to know this horse so well – well done to all of the Fortuna clients who have taken shares in him. He was a very popular offering – and a big thank you to our International agent, Hubie De Burgh, who did such a great job selecting this horse for us”

NO ENVY who was bred by Stone Roses Bloodstock and was acquired at the Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale in October 2021 by Deburgh Equine/ Fortuna Racing for 85,000 Guineas 

He is raced by the Fortuna No Envy Syndicate, an ownership group of 63 individuals from New Zealand and Australia

EMINENT – KATY O’BEEL Filly sells out in 30 hours
 
An amazing outcome for this Filly that we had purchased from Karaka Book 2 Sale  – on Monday morning we published our “breaking news” update giving her details and by lunchtime on Tuesday, she was fully committed – a big thank you to our Clients who responded so promptly to this offering

Mark Walker collects a Group One win at  Awapuni 2^nd April on his first day back as Head Trainer NZ for Te Akau Racing

Here below is a story from the Te Akau website on Mark’s background

With Mark Walker returning to his old stomping ground we take a look back at his history with Te Akau. Mark is a world-class horse trainer, with five Champion Trainer titles in New Zealand, and four Champion Trainer titles in Singapore – most recently last year (2021). Walker joined Te Akau Racing straight from school and rose to the heights of top-class thoroughbred trainer, capable of making his mark in any racing jurisdiction worldwide.
An outstanding horseman, Walker led the way among New Zealand horse trainers, dominating New Zealand racing in the decade to 2010, when he transferred to set up Te Akau Racing Stables in Singapore. Results speak volumes for both his talent and ability to lead a team.
He won five New Zealand Trainers’ Premierships in seven years and in the 2009/10 season won the Premiership with 108 wins (28 more than the closest rival).  This was a new benchmark for wins in a season, eclipsing the previous seventeen-year-old record. During his first tenure at the Te Akau New Zealand helm he trained 858 winners, including 88 stakes’ winners, and has over 20 Group 1 wins to his credit.  He still holds the New Zealand record for two-year-old winners in a season.
In November 2018, Mark recorded his 500^th win in Singapore when Elite Invincible provided a season highlight in $1.35m Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup and he registered over 1500 wins as a trainer, and holds the record for wins in a Singapore season.
Away from training horses, Mark enjoys farming and take a keen interest in economics. He resides in Matamata with his partner Mirka and has three children.

BACKGROUND:

Like Kiwi trainer Chris Waller, who grew up in Foxton before becoming a star in Australia, Walker also arose from somewhat ‘obscure beginnings’ growing up on a dairy farm in Rahotu, about 30 minutes from Opunake.   It was a Shetland pony named ‘Mac’ that provided his introduction to horses and he joined the Opunake Pony Club, becoming a very talented show-jumping and eventing competitor between the ages of seven and 17.

Mark Walker has worked for David Ellis CNZM since leaving high school and is now his business partner. Armed with his CV, Walker walked up the driveway at Te Akau Stud and asked David Ellis for a job. Although there were no vacancies at the time, David took the time to read through the CV and promptly hired Walker – the rest, as they say, is history. Ellis freely admits that apart from marrying Karyn (Fenton-Ellis MNZM), employing Mark Walker is the best decision he has ever made.

Here’s just a sample of his unmissable stats:  

Mark commenced training in the 1998/99 season. His first win came on 8 August 1998 at Te Rapa in Hamilton when Galaxy Lover won a hurdle race.
Mark’s first Group 1 win was with Maroofity in the Ellerslie Sires’ Produce Stakes (1200m) in 2003.
He won the “Newcomer to Training” Award at the official NZTR Annual Racing Awards, during his first season as a trainer in 1998-99.
He was voted “NZ Trainer of the Year” four times at the official NZTR Annual Racing Awards – 2003-04, 2005-06, 2006/07 and 2008/09.

Youngest ever recipient of the “NZ Trainer of the Year” award when he first won the title as a 31 year old during season 2003-04.
In 2007-08 broke the NZ record for the highest number of 2YO wins in a season, winning 23 juvenile events with 16 individual 2YOs.
In 2007-08 became the first ever trainer to win the prestigious NZ Bloodstock Filly of the Year title for three consecutive years with Shikoba in 2005-06, Princess Coup in 2006-07 and Insouciant in 2007-08.
In 2007-08 was the first trainer to win NZ’s first ever $2million race, the Kelt Capital Stakes, in which he went on to record back to back wins after Princess Coup’s second consecutive victory in 2008-09.
In 2008-09 won the South Island’s first ever $1 million race, the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas with Fortuna Racing’s Tell a Tale.
In 2008-09 Te Akau established a new New Zealand record for domestic stakes’ earnings in one season – $3.71 million.
In 2009-10 established a new New Zealand all time record for wins in a season – 108 (previous record 104).

Please join us in welcoming Mark Walker back to New Zealand! We can’t wait for the future!

Guest Selector
 
Yes, our new Guest Selector, Des Coppins, got off to a great start last week, tipping out Hong Kong at Awapuni – here is what Des is recommending this week

“It was great to start off on the right foot with my “early bird” bet for Fortuna’s Friday Flash readers with Hong Kong last Saturday on the big day at Awapuni. The ease of the win didn’t surprise me – he’s most certainly a likely Cups candidate next season – but it was amazing to see where his price ended around $2.80 after we were able to grab $4.50 briefly at one stage.

The attention this Saturday focuses on Rotorua and there’s one I like at big odds, North of Havana, in race 7. She had a brief let up after showing form in December and January when she beat the highly promising Te Akau runner, Felicienne by more than 3 lengths at Tauranga. At her last start she was taken back from a wide draw and was left a little flat footed.  Her best performance was finishing 4th  to subsequent black type Trentham winner, Bankers Choice, at Ellerslie in the Stella Artois 1500 Championship Final, who since then has run an absolute “blinder” in the rich Doncaster Mile at Randwick on Saturday. Second behind Bankers Choice that was day was the impressive Tauranga winner last week, Carolina Reaper, while third in the event was Sindicato, who is now in the stable of Chris Waller. She’s the type who can act on any type of ground. Her price of $14 and $3.70 is over the odds on my chart.”

Des runs  his very popular phone tipping line (you can access this by calling 0900 45459 – note this incurs a charge of $2.99 per minute) – this service has been active for over 25 years and covers all NZ gallops from 8am each race day).

Fortuna Shares for Sale

We have shares in two horses currently on our website – the proven two win Irish bred staying type MILESTONE, whom we have acquired to specifically contest the 2 Mile Cups races in the coming season and the Karaka Yearling, the Merchant Navy Colt “Salty”

MILESTONE, who had been agisting at Phoenix Park near Cambridge since arriving in NZ early March, has now travelled to Catherine Cleghorne’s property at Waiuku Beach, where he will undergo 6 weeks of pre-traing in the beach environment before transferring to the care of Mark Walker at Matamata

“Salty” is now 3 weeks into his breaking in programme and is handling everything with aplomb – this fellow has been labelled as a “get up and go Two Year Old type”

Not a lot of shares left, but both of these offerings can be viewed on the Fortuna website HERE

The Fortuna Racing four year old Gelding NO ENVY was sent out an odds on favourite  by punters in the Maiden 2455m event at Geelong in Victoria Friday 1st April and the horse didn’t disappoint them. Drawn the outside barrier in the eight horse field, jockey Damien Thornton allowed him to stride forward in the run down the straight for the first time, and slotted in nicely one out and one back. Traveling nicely in the run, Thornton asked for an effort before the turn, NO ENVY responded nicely, hit the front as they turned, fought off any challengers and went to the line winning by a four and a half length margin.

Click HERE to see race Video replay.

NO ENVY was having just his 3rd race day start – he had run 2nd on debut at Ascot in the UK in October 2021 when trained by Andrew Balding – he was then offered for sale and was aquired by Fortuna Racing/De Burgh Equine and shipped to Australia.  He is now trained at Pinecliff in Victoria by the father and son team of Anthony and Sam Freedman and is the first horse trained by them for Fortuna Racing and was having his 2nd start for them after running 6th at his Aus debut over 1950 meters 3rd March. NO ENVY who carries the stable name “Felix” is by Lope De Vega out of Purple Pearl (Danehill Dancer) and has a very stout staying pedigree

Sam Freedman was a satisfied handler after the race “NO ENVY was very good today, he jumped away well, Damien got him into a nice spot, he relaxed well in the run and produced a strong staying effort that was too strong for the opposition. The field was not strong today, but this horse clearly is a dead set stayer who will only improve with racing and more distance. Well done to John Galvin and his Fortuna Racing ownership team – NO ENVY is the first horse they have given us and Anthony and I are very pleased to have him in our Stable.”

WITHOUT ENVY – Maiden Win – Geelong 1 April – Damien Thornton aboard

Fortuna Director John Galvin, watching from his home in Hamilton, New Zealand, was also a very happy man, “That was special today – while the Stable were confident that he was going to run well and the market saw it that way as well, it is always good to get the job done with one of these imports, particularly one we had given to a new stable in Australia to prepare for us. It was a lovely ride by Damien Thornton and hats off to Anthony/Sam and their team for getting to know this horse so well – well done to all of the Fortuna clients who have taken shares in him. He was a very popular offering – and a big thank you to our International agent, Hubie De Burgh, who did such a great job selecting this horse for us”

NO ENVY who was bred by Stone Roses Bloodstock and was acquired at the Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale in October 2021 by Deburgh Equine/ Fortuna Racing for 85,000 Guineas 

He is raced by the Fortuna No Envy Syndicate, an ownership group of 63 individuals from New Zealand and Australia

Headline News;

RAGAMUFFIN makes it back to back wins when winning at Matamata 30th March – see full story below

Fortuna Racing has now won 14 races so far in 2022, 8 in NZ from just 22 starts, 6 in Singapore – NZ Strike Rate 2.75 for Calendar year

Changing of the Guard at Te Akau Racing – one Champion Trainer departs, another returns

Fortuna has seven runners Friday and Saturday, one in Aus, one in NZ and five in Singapore

Australia
NO ENVY runs in the Maiden 2455m event at Geelong Friday 1^st April – Race 3 @ 4pm NZT. This Irish Bred 4yo made his Aus debut 3^rd March over 1850m and battled away for 6^th place after getting back in the run. Has continued to work well since, is very fit and will relish the step up in trip. To be ridden by Damian Thornton. Bred to stay all day, this trip suits – can feature in this

New Zealand
NAVALHA contests the R74 1400m at Avondale Saturday – Race 4 @ 2.18pm. Slow away at Ellerslie last start 1200m, he has been working well and getting lots of Barrier practise – Up in trip for the first time to 1400m, Te Akau Stable Apprentice Parmar Singh takes 3kgs off his back. Talented galloper as his two starts two wins at the start of his career attest, he needs to be taken on trust due to his tardiness at the start, but can feature if he gets away well.

Singapore
HIDDEN PROMISE is in the Class 5 1600 Polytrack – Race 6 @ 7.30pm NZ Time and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice, Jerlyn Seow from Barrier 11. Wide draw is tricky but finds Division 2 of this event and has in form apprentice taking 3kgs off his back. Needs some luck in the running, but is he gets it he is a good each way chance in this

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club team have to say about this race;

1st Pick: CROWN DANCING (3)
Narrowly defeated by Diamond Mine last start after finding the lead. A repeat performance wins this but could give Benny Woodworth his first win back in Singapore.
2nd Pick: FLYING YELLOW (7)
Another who came out of the race in behind Amore Amore who go no favors with how the race transpired. Could figure in the placings with a good run in transit.
3rd Pick: HIDDEN PROMISE (4)
Rider reported that his whip broke in the run and this didn’t help the chances of his horse. Happy to forgive as the two starts before were good from him.
4th Pick: BLITZ POWER (2)
Since her multiple wins, she hasn’t really caught the eye at the races. Her trial on Tuesday suggested she is well though, not tested but sticking with them throughout the 1000m gallop. Keeping her safe.

OLYMPIA runs in the Class 5 1100 Polytrack – Race 9 @ 9pm NZT – to be ridden by Ronnie Stewart. Still a Maiden, he disappointed last time after two good placings previous starts – can atone here and is a good place chance

ENTERTAINER contests the Kranji Stakes A 1000m Polytrack – the feature race of the day for S$100,000 – will be ridden by Harry Kasim from Barrier 1 – the winner of seven races at 1100m but has yet to win at this 1000m trip from two starts – has beaten most of this field at different times and represents a very strong each way chance here and can win

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club team have to say about this race;

1st Pick: CELAVI (1)
Trial suggests she is well after the most recent failure over 1100m. Stable have been patient and carefully selected good races for her and this looks one of those.
2nd Pick: SACRED GIFT (5)
Boasts a nice 1000m record with three wins and a second from seven attempts. Expecting another positive performance after the big win last start. Will most certainly get a hot tempo in the run to sit off and charge home late.
3rd Pick: DARC BOUNTY (4)
Another horse who not only caught the eye last start but is a four-time winner over the distance. Seems to be in a good patch of form now and could surprise as a danger here.
4th Pick: ENTERTAINER (2)
Seven from ten over the 1100m but has yet to break through over 1000m, funny how it works like that. Always needs to be kept safe because his best is good enough.

KING ARTHUR is in the Class 3 1200 Poly and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice F Yusoff from an outside barrier – one of the Stars in Singapore over recent months with 5 wins from last 8 starts, he meets another Star in Lucky Jinsha (5 wins from last 6 starts). Difficult draw but he has handled wide draws with aplomb before – Strong each way chance here.

HADEER is in the same race as King Arthur – a very consistent performer, his 4 Singapore wins have all come on the Turf, but was brave 2^nd on the Poly behind King Arthur this trip 13^th Feb – gets 3kg Claim courtesy of Stable Apprentice Jerlyn Seow – is a strong contender here and can run in the top 3 from his nice barrier draw

Here is what the Singapore Turf Club team have to say about this race;

1st Pick: LUCKY JINSHA (3)
Proved last start he is a freak doing it a both ends on the turf against a solid class 3 field. Gets back to the preferred surface and looks a massive hope against one of his toughest fields yet.
2nd Pick: KING ARTHUR (1)
Finally meets Lucky Jinsha on the 1200m poly to settle it once and for all. Unfortunately, we were denied this contest weeks ago due to Lucky Jinsha going lame but they are both primed and ready for a big run, bring it on.
3rd Pick: HADEER (2)
Was only a length of Jinsha last start and he is looking well at this stage in the preparation. The distance this weekend is perfect, only knock on him is the surface, yet to win on the poly.
4th Pick: PALETAS (9)
Was well off the leader Lucky Jinsha last start and by the winning post got within 1.8 lengths. Big run considering it was held up at a crucial stage turning for home.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 29th March

Leaderboard (R Khan) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.15, home in 44.9.

Thursday 31st March

Navalha (O Bosson)  worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.12.4, home in 42.6.

Fortuna Track work – Singapore

Saturday 26th  March

King Arthur (Yusoff) – C, 1200/600 38; Olympia (Amirul) – 1000/600 37Hadeer (Amirul) – C, 1000/600 37;

Tuesday 2^9th March

Hadeer (Jerlyn) – 800/600 36; Kermajack (Jerlyn) – 800/600 37; Sunday (Jamil) – 800/600 38King Arthur (Aslam) – 1000/600 37; Olympia (Ronnie) – 800/600 37; Entertainer (Harry) – 800/600 37

Other News

Changing of the Guard at Te Akau Racing – one Champion Trainer departs, another returns

Yes, the day has come – on Wednesday, the 30^th of March Jamie Richards saddled his last three runners for Te Akau in race nine and one of them, the Fortuna syndicated Ragamuffin, got up and one in a race aptly called “Good Luck Hong Kong Bound Jamie Richards”. Jamie’s overall success as the Te Akau Head Trainer in recent years has been well documented, but to narrow it down and look at it from a Fortuna Racing perspective, I have done the stats and they are as follows

From 1 August 2018 to 30^th March 2022, Jamie sent out 143 runners for Fortuna and produced 46 winners at a Strike Rate of just 3.11 – quite incredible!!! 

All the very best in your new role in Hong Kong, Jamie.

And now with Jamie’s departure the attention turns to his very worthy replacement, the nine time Champion Trainer (5 in NZ, 4 in Singapore), Mark Walker. Mark’s first day as Head Trainer in his new stint is one of the bigger days on the NZ Racing Calendar, Sires Produce Stakes Day at Awapuni and as you would expect, Te Akau Racing has a “glamour” team in on the day – but, hey, no pressure Mark!!!!

Mark Walker trained his first winner for me (Kapsdan) in September 2003, so we have an association going back almost 20 years and while Mark and I have enjoyed many wins together in Singapore over the past decade or so, there is something really special about Mark’s return to his home country and I am sure he is going to continue to have continuing, ongoing success as he heads up the Training side of the very powerful Te Akau operation with the full support of David and Karyn

Des Coppin’s iconic Melbourne Cup Tour is back!!!

Yes, after a two year hiatus due to Covid, the “oldest teenager in Wellington” is champing at the bit to, once again, lead a big group of Racing Fans to participate in one of the great Carnivals of World Racing

While I have not personally been on one of these tours with Des, I know many who have, including many of our Fortuna clients and all report a fantastic time – see full details below – note there are two tour options, one a five day and one an eight day

Open the Full Tour Brochure with Itinerary and Costings HERE

If you are keen to participate and make a booking Click HERE to see the booking form and if you have any questions call or email the contact details on the brochure

New Innovation – Guest Selector

Yes, this will be a new weekly feature for the Fortuna “Friday Flash” and our Guest Selector is none other than the Editor of the “Original” Friday Flash from 1975 to 1988, Des Coppins – Des has been involved in racing for over 50 years, as a journalist, broadcaster, a current Board Member of the Wellington Racing Club and racing tipster – Des will be providing one or two tips for us each week in his role as our Guest Selector – see below his tip for this week

“ I have an early bird selection that I have a genuine feel for. In the Ricoh Premier (Race 3 at 2pm) on the big group one stage at Awapuni on Saturday, I like Hong Kong. It’s only his 6th start and the four year old gives me the impression that he will develop quickly and be a top rated stayer next season. He ran into a x-factor runner, The Fearless One at Trentham on Oaks Day last time in his first run beyond a mile (2200m) but he hit the line solidly enough to suggest he is spot on for Saturday on his home track. “

Des runs  his very popular phone tipping line (you can access this by calling 0900 45459 – note this incurs a charge of $2.99 per minute) – this is a great service that I have used myself over the years and, amazingly, has been active for over 25 years and covers all NZ gallops from 8am each race day).

3yo Ragamuffin got the job done for Fortuna Racing at Matamata 30th April – our 14th win for 2022 – See story below

RAGAMUFFIN makes it 2 wins in a row with stirring win at Matamata 30th March