Two time New Zealand Horse of The Year Melody Belle took no prisoners at Ellerslie yesterday when taking out the time honoured Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (Group One – 2000m) in dominant fashion and in doing so, set a new record for Group One wins by a New Zealand trained horse.  Having equalled the mighty Sunline’s Group One record of 13 ones at Trentham on 30th January, Melody Belle was expected to break the record when attempting the Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa on 13th of February, however a chequered run in transit saw her finish in a well beaten 9th place.

In the minds of many form analysts and punters, that failure led to some questions being asked as to her form, however with a completely dominant performance at Ellerslie, the Champion Mare erased all of the doubts as to her class. In the week leading up to the race her trainer Jamie Richards and jockey Troy Harris were extremely confident that she was ready to put in an outstanding performance and so it proved. Settled in the running by Harris four back and one out, she was content to to travel nicely in the run and as the pace quickened prior to the turn Troy got her going, although she was last as they turned for home and the great mare had to endure a bump from Royal Performer as well, but shrugging that off, she then mounted a powerful run down the centre of the track and went to the line a length clear of her Te Akau stablemate Avantage in second place

Click HERE to see race result and Video replay

Melody Belle winning the Bonecrusher NZ Stakes with an exultant Troy Harris in the saddle

Fortuna Syndications director John Galvin was hosting a big group of Melody Belle’s owners on course and was a very happy and emotional man after the race. “Yes, it’s a huge relief that she was able to win today given her last start failure, but to be honest it wasn’t a surprise – her work had been exceptional and we went into today’s race with a lot of confidence – big kudos to Jamie Richards, who has done such a marvellous job with this mare throughout her career – as for Troy Harris what can I say other than just a great ride.  For the record Troy has now written Melody Belle four times in Group 1 races and is unbeaten on her. Amazingly he has ridden Fortuna horses on 14 occasions for 11 wins, including 5 Group One wins – a simply amazing record. I also want to thank David Ellis for securing this wonderful mare for us at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling sale, a really big thank you to all of the staff at the Te Akau Racing Stables who simply love Melody Belle to bits and a special thanks to Nicole Shailer who strapped Melody Belle for us today”

Melody Belle returns to scale – Troy Harris aboard and (from left) Nicole Shailer (strapped) Shane Thomsen, Marlene Thomsen and Ian Upson (Owners)

Melody Belle, who was purchased by David Ellis for Fortuna for $57,500, has now had 38 starts for 19 wins – all but one of those wins have been at Group or Listed level and she has won $4.22 million in career prize money

Fortuna has two runners in NZ Saturday March 13^th and three runners in Singapore this Sunday March 14th

 New Zealand

 Melody Belle contests the Bonecrusher Stakes at Ellerslie (race 7 – 4.10pm) –  this is a Group 1 race over 2000m –  disappointing in a similar race at Te Rapa 13th of February where she received no luck, the champion Mare has not missed a beat since – she trialed very well at Rotorua last week and her trackwork in the lead up to this race cannot be faulted – change of rider with Troy Harris to ride he is unbeaten on her in three  Group 1 races to date – she meets stablemate Avantage in this race, the winner of four Group 1 races in succession since January 1 and is the current TAB favourite accordingly. At time of writing Melody Belle was showing $2.50 on TAB Fixed Odds – can win

Khafeef races in the rating 65 2100 event at Trentham (race eight 5:05 pm) – this is a second up run after resuming after a long break over 1600 m recently, where he ran a close-up seventh –  has taken improvement from that run and now gets up to a trip where he has won before.  Ashwin Mugdoo to ride claiming 3kg – not out of this in the slightest and presents as a good top four chance at good odds

Singapore

Hidden Promise races in the class five 1200 (race 1 at 5.30 pm)  – had good form leading into his previous race in which he reared up at the barriers and lost all chance – not his ideal trip preferring to run over 1600m plus, however has put in some excellent performances when fresh at the shorter trips. Jerlyn Seow to ride claiming 4 kg – has a difficult barrier draw but if he gets luck in the running and there is a strong pace he will be running on at the end –  can certainly run into the money

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

1st Pick: GOLDEN DASH (6)

Has come on after three runs from rest. Competed against tougher grade a few starts back. Nice barrier. Leading pick.

2nd Pick: HIDDEN PROMISE (10)

Blew the start at his last outing. Jumped on terms in barrier test last week. Bad draw this time. Shadow roll, tongue-tie off, brow roll on. Place claims.

3rd Pick: PERFECT (7)

Scored impressive win last time out but on turf. Polytrack form not flash and he has drawn off the track. Tougher this time but a place is still on the cards.

4th Pick: BORN TO WIN (2)

All three wins were recorded on grass. May find this too sharp, but can still stake a claim here.

Showbound backs up from last week’s resuming run over 1100m in the same grade (Maiden) but up to 1200m (race 1 at 6pm) – yet to win in Singapore but always tries hard – Vlad Duric sticks – has a difficult draw to overcome but if he gets luck in the running can certainly run into the prizemoney placings

Marcus Antonius backs up in the Open Maiden 1200 event (race 4  at 7pm) – he raced this trip last week running on for fourth place, but meets a much weaker field this week – drawn perfectly at barrier one with Louis Beuzelin to ride again – he presents as a strong top three chance in this race and can win

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

1st Pick: MASTER SOMMELIER (7)

Another customer with good toe. Will have to overcome wide barrier and extra 200m which may find him out late. Ready to uncork that first win.

2nd Pick: INTREPID (3)

Formerly known as Where She’s Happy and is having her first run for Tim Fitzsimmons. Reunites with Marc Lerner who rode her to second place in a 1700m Polytrack race three starts back. Winkers on. Big say.

3rd Pick: MARCUS ANTONIUS (9)

On the quick back-up following his fair fourth to the much superior Real Efecto last Saturday. Looks safely held by top selection, though.

4th Pick: WIND RHAPSODY (4)

Hasn’t set Kranji alight but showed significant improvement at last two starts over Polytrack mile. Forward run on the cards.

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata 

Tuesday 9th March

Melody Belle (T Harris) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.07.9, last 600 in 39.2.

Soprano Supreme (K Joyce) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 56, home in 40.4.

Charmaine’s Dream (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 58.8, home in 43.7

Thursday 11th March

Rhapsody In Blue (J Kamaruddin) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.15, home in 46.

Charmaine’s Dream (T Harris) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 55, home in 41.1.

Ragamuffin (S Pillay) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 55, last 600 in 39.7.

Other News

Mohawk, our most recent acquisition, is a two-year-old gelding by Extreme Choice  (Sire of the unbeaten Jamie Richards trained Palamos and Golden Slipper 2^nd favourite Stay Inside) – now in work with Jamie Richards at Matamata and will be aimed to have his first NZ late April – Shares available – Read More HERE

Fortuna has one runner in NZ and three runners in Singapore this Saturday March 6th

New Zealand

 Leaderboard contests the rating 74 1550 event at Awapuni (race 8 at 4:15 pm) – resuming over 1600 off a long break at Wanganui two weeks ago, he ran a very nice race, going up to win at the 300 meter mark but just coming to the end of his run the last bit to finish 3^rd – Jonathan Parkes will ride –  has taken big  improvement from his resuming run and represents as a very good each way chance in this race

Singapore

Marcus Antonius is in the Restricted Maiden  1600 on the Polytrack (race 2 at 6 pm NZ time) –  yet to win in Singapore after nine starts, he has been crying out for 1600 and ran an encouraging fourth place over 1400m start before last – Louis Beuzilin  will ride from barrier five  – this is a very strong field and on form to date, it is hard to be confident that he is a winning chance, but could sneak into the top four provided he has luck in the running and is up to the class

Showbound resumes in the class 5 1000m event (race 5 at 7:30 pm). He has had a good freshen up and races for the first time in class five – has been there or thereabouts and most of his Singapore runs to date without actually winning – certainly presents as a good place chance in this race with the nice draw and top rider in Vlad Duric aboard

Sportscaster contests the class 5 1600 on the Poly track (race 6  at 8pm) – although a half brother to Golden Slipper winner Dance Hero , Sportscaster is a dour staying type who does like to lead in his races –  last raced here 30^thJanuary over 1700  – led all the way but died on his run in the last hundred metres  – back to 1600  here and was a close-up second in a trial on Tuesday of this week. Vlad Duric gets back aboard –  He is right in this and represents as a top each way chance – can win

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

1st Pick: SPORTSCASTER (4)

Led last start but condition gave out inside last furlong. Trial second on Tuesday. Shadow roll on. Improved outing expected.

2nd Pick: HARVEST TIME (2)

Finally showed some ability at last start. Will relish extra 200m. Go close.

3rd Pick: RED RIDING WOOD (3)

Form has been hard to work out of late. Blows hot and cold. Winkers and crossover noseband off. Blinker-pacifiers, shadow roll on. Can inject some value to quartets.

4th Pick: ANGEL HALO (6)

Recent form not very inspiring, but won his two races over course and distance, albeit back in 2018 and 2019. Not without a say.

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 2nd March

 Leaderboard (S Parmar) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.18, last 600 in 35.8.

Navalha (S Pillay) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 59.6, home in 43.8.

Soprano Supreme (R Khan) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres.

Ragamuffin (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres.

Thursday 5th March

 Leaderboard (S Parmar) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.27.5, last 600 in 43.8.

Other News

Melody Belle was super at Rotorua trials 2^nd March, chasing down a tearaway leader to win the trial – this was a very nice hit out ahead of her next start the Group One Bonecrusher Stakes at Ellerslie Saturday 13th of March

Mohawk, our most recent acquisition, is a two-year-old gelding by Extreme Choice  (Sire of the unbeaten Jamie Richards trained Palamos and Golden Slipper 2^nd favourite Stay Inside) now in work with Jamie Richards at Matamata and will be aimed to have his first NZ late April – Shares available – Read More HERE

MOHAWK

Fortuna has three runners in Singapore this Saturday 27^th Feb

Singapore

Elliot Ness is on debut and contests the Restricted Maiden 1200 event -Poly track  (Race 2) for $75,000 – this lovely Written Tycoon 3yo has taken all before him with his trial form and looks to be a very promising type – current star Singapore apprentice K Hakim takes the mount claiming 3 kg – he has drawn barrier 10 which makes things a little tricky but will most likely race mid field with cover. Debut runner in quite a strong field this won’t be easy but if he lives up to his trial form he can win and is a definite top three chance

“Elliot Ness”

Marcus Antonius is in the same event as Elliot Ness – his first few Singapore runs were nothing to write home about but at his last start he stepped up to 1400 and ran a very encouraging 4^th placing –  he goes back to 1200 this week but will back up in the 1600m event on 6th March – hard to have here given this trip which may well be too short but he is a sneaky chance of running into 3^rd or 4^th place.

Red Rover contests the Class 3 1100 event on the Polytrack (race 9) – this horse has had no favours in Singapore over the last 12 months – he did win three in a row late in 2019 which pushed him right up in the ratings,  but has had limited opportunities to race in suitable races during 2020 – has been freshened and we are at expecting him to run boldly. This is a very strong class three field and he will be better suited at class for level best to wait for that

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 23rd February

Soprano Supreme (M Roustoby) worked nicely at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 1 minute, last 600 in 45.1.

Melody Belle (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.12, last 600 in 42.

Thursday 25th February

Melody Belle (J Kamaruddin) galloped nicely over an easy 1000 metres in 1.07.2, final 600 in 38.8.

Rhapsody In Blue (A Gujar) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 55, last 600 in 40.2.

Other News

Melody Belle goes to the Rotorua trials 2nd March – Rotorua – this an important step in her preparation ahead of the next start the Group One Bonecrusher Stakes at Ellerslie Saturday 13th of March

Mohawk is now coming to New Zealand – acquired by Fortuna at Inglis digital online sale in January – he was originally destined for Singapore racing, but because of transport difficulties to Singapore at the present time ,will now be set for New Zealand racing – a two-year-old gelding by Extreme Choice  (Sire of the unbeaten Jamie Richards trained Palamos and Golden Slipper 2^nd favourite Stay Inside) he will go straight into work with Jamie Richards at Matamata on arrival  in NZ – 1 March – and will be aimed to have his first NZ late April – Shares available @ NZ$1240 per each 1% – Read More HERE

MOHAWK

Fortuna has one runner in NZ Friday 19^th Feb and two runners in Singapore this Saturday 20^th Feb

NZ

Leaderboard resumes racing today after a long break away from racing, in the Rating 74 1600 event at Wanganui (race seven) and will be ridden by Opie Bosson  – a strong back-to-back winner of two races at the Riccarton carnival in 2019, this European import hit a flat spot with his form subsequent to that and after trialling nicely in the spring, then ran into some blood count issues – he has been nicely freshened and has had two trials. Gets his chance here to redeem – talented at best in a moderate field, he presents as a good each way chance from a good draw and a top rider.

Singapore

Brutus runs in the Novice (1 win) event in Singapore – 1200 Polytrack (Race 7) – the victim of a poor ride last time saw him have his worst Singapore performance after previously demonstrating very good form – has drawn barrier 13 here which won’t make it easy in what is a very strong field, but has good gate speed and will be ridden positively by apprentice Jerlyn Seow claiming 4 kg. Will be difficult for him from the draw but given the right run he can run into the money

Hidden Promise  may be an eight-year-old but no one has told him that and he is one of the soundest horses in Singapore – he runs in the Class  5 1000 Polytrack (Race 8) which, on paper, will be too short for him, but he has drawn barrier 1 and gets a 4 kg claim courtesy of stable apprentice Jerlyn Seow. Hard to have him at this trip, but we have said that before and he and he has managed to run into the money

Here is how the Singapore Turf Club tipsters see this race;

1st Pick: LIM’S SHOT (6)

Came from well back to take second place to Super Ray last time out. A 1200m race would have suited him better but if they roll along in front, he can still finish over the top of them.

2nd Pick: OUR SECRET WEAPON (7)

Slipped under radar when first-up. Has shown glimpses of ability. Seems to have tightened up. Don’t rule him out from the handy barrier.

3rd Pick: HIDDEN PROMISE (5)

Getting on in years but gives no indication he is ready for retirement. Three thirds at last three outings. Will enjoy a dream run from plum draw. This may be a tad sharp, but he is racing in great form and can sneak into the minors.

4th Pick: GOLDEN THUNDER (3)

Could not be ridden positive as planned last time. Caught wide and was one-paced to the line. Take on trust.

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 16th February

Leaderboard (S Parmar) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.21.9, home in 39.7 

Thursday 18th February

Soprano Supreme (M Grylls) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 1 minute

Entertainer put on a great show for his connections when leading all the way to win the Class 4 1100m event on the Polytrack at Kranji Saturday 13th of February. Drawn in barrier five, his rider K Hakim was determined to take no prisoners and punched the four-year-old son of Zoustar out of the mare Laughing, straight to the lead –  left alone in front, Entertainer set a steady pace and on turning for home Hakim gave the horse a bit of rein and he quickly put two lengths on his rivals – while that margin narrowed in the last hundred metres or so, Entertainer was simply too strong and went to the post winning by half a length.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Trainer Mark Walker was very proud of his charge “he is a lovely horse with a lot of natural speed but in his early races here he was inclined to over race, however we have taught him to relax and now he has developed into a really talented type”

Entertainer winning in Singapore – 13th February 2021

Entertainer was acquired by Mark Walker on behalf of Fortuna in December 2019, for A$20,000 from an Inglis online digital sale. He had been acquired originally as a yearling for A$150,000 by a high profile ownership group, who had stallion making prospects in mind. Trained by Chris Waller, he showed some ability, but having needed to geld him and then after four non winning races in Australia, they offered him for sale on the Inglis platform.

Fortuna has one runner in NZ and four runners in Singapore this Saturday 13^thFebruary but one is Ballot 1 and needs a scratching to get a start

NZ

Melody Belle is poised on the edge of history as she attempts to win the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Group One  – 2000m  – $400,000) – Race 8 at Te Rapa – currently  the joint holder of the record for New Zealand trained horses for  Group One wins (13) along with Sunline, if Melody Belle could win on Saturday she would go to 14 G1 wins and be the sole holder of the record. Drawn barrier 8 in a field of 10 runners with Opie Bosson to ride, she is a very short priced fixed odds favourite with the TAB @1.45. She is the highest rated horse in the field in this weight for age event and looks to be very hard to beat

Singapore

Marcus Antonius is in the Open Maiden race 1600m Turf  (race 2) – the three-year-old son of Sepoy has been somewhat of an enigma with his racing in Singapore to date showing really good efforts in track work but being rather ordinary on race day – he was definitely better at his previous start and now gets up on trip to 1600m – Hakim to ride claiming 3kgs – hard to be confident about his chances but the step up in trip will be of benefit to him

Entertainer races in the class 4 1100 event on the Poly (Race 3) – this striking son of Zoustar is a last start winner at maiden level and has a solid record in Singapore date from his five starts there – he does step up in grade in this race in quite a strong field – will be ridden by star apprentice K Kakim who claims 3kg  – this won’t be easy, but with a reasonable draw and with only 49 kg to carry, he can certainly make his showing here and does represent a good place chance\

Here is how the Singapore Turf Club tipsters see this race;

1st Pick: WINNING HOBBY (5)

Ignore last two starts when he was caught wide and could not quite put in inside the last 400m. Has drawn an alley and will be a bigger threat this time.

2nd Pick: HEADHUNTER (1)

Loomed last start but then plodded on for sixth. Will appreciate three-kilo claim. Drawn awkwardly. Each-way claims in this easier affair.

3rd Pick: RADIANT SUCCESS (3)

Badly interfered at start on debut. Made up some late ground. Worth some thought second-up.

4th Pick: ENTERTAINER (8)

Scored nice win at fifth start. Rises in class. Not out of this. Can have a say.

Cassius contests the Maiden 1200 event race on the Poly (Race 5)  – another one who has been quite disappointing in his Singapore starts to date –  will be ridden by Troy See claiming 1kg from barrier 6 – gets the blinkers on this time but needs to show some significant improvement in order to feature

Federation was very strong in winning the Class 4 1200 last Sunday and is on a quick backup in this Class 3 1200m  event on the Turf (Race 7) – a 5 win horse in Singapore, he goes up in grade here,  has won in class three before but does need a scratching to get a start – will jump from barrier seven if he does so and will carry 51.5 kg courtesy of the claim from rider Jerlyn Seow –  can make his presence felt if he gets a start

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 9th February

 Rhapsody In Blue (M Roustoby) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 55.2, home in 40.5.

Melody Belle (O Bosson) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.15.9, last 600 in 36.5.

Polaris (O Bosson) galloped over an easy 600 metres in 41.

Thursday 11th February

Navalha (R Khan) worked nicely at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.14.7.

Melody Belle (O Bosson) looked good galloping over an easy 1200 metres in 1.25, last 600 in 42.

OTHER NEWS

Shares still available in our latest Australian bred “tried horse” the Two Year Old MOHAWK – Singapore bound, he is agisting in NSW ahead of his departure for Singapore late February – $3100 for a 2.5% share –

Click HERE to read more

MOHAWK

Federation (5yo gelding by Written Tycoon-Bloomingdale Miss) put in a controlled, no-nonsense effort at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse Sunday 7th February, to secure his 5th career win in Singapore in the Class 4 1200 meter event on the Turf. Federation had not seen the winners circle since November 2019, due to a combination of events, such as a foot issue, the Covid lockdown and being balloted out on four occasions since racing resumed in July 2020. However the stars seem to be aligned for him pre-race with the ace barrier draw, a 3 kg claim from Singapore leading apprentice K Hakim and a solid, rather unlucky second placing at his  previous start, three weeks earlier,  the same trip, same grade. Sent out an odds on favourite by punters, Federation was beautifully ridden by Hakim, settling two spots back on the rail in the running – always travelling nicely, it seemed that he would need some luck to find a gap on turning, but conveniently the leader rolled off the rail, Federation dived through, took the lead and never looked in doubt over the last 200m securing the win by 3/4 of a length over the fast finishing Mr Hooper.

Click HERE to see the race replay

“Federation” – 5th win at Kranji – 07 February 2021

Te Akau Racing Stables trainer, Mark Walker, who trained three winners on the day, was effusive in his praise of Federation “He’s a very nice horse, who has had a good record in Singapore but has not had all favours this last year or so due to a combination of events – he has a great team of owners who I’m sure will enjoy their success and I thank them for their patience”

Fortuna Syndications Director, John Galvin, watching the race from his New Zealand home, was also a very happy man “That was a great result for the horse and his ownership team –  he’s been knocking on the door and now he gets the result with a very nice ride by Hakim – full credit to Mark Walker who has had to steer the horse though some issues.”

Federation was acquired by John Galvin on the advice of Mark Walker at the Inglis Digital sale in May 2018 for A$90,000. Federation has now accumulated S$233,000 in prize money for the Fortuna Federation Syndicate, an ownership group of 42 individuals, mainly NZ based but with representation in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Laos and France.

The win was a bitter sweet moment for one of of his New Zealand based owners, Steve Wiltshire who, a couple of days before the race had suffered the loss of his partner, Georgina Symons, a point noted by Singapore race commentator, Nick Childs, as FEDERATION went past the winning post.

Fortuna has three runners in Singapore this Sunday 7th February, but two are Ballot 1 and each need a scratching to get a start

Singapore

Federation runs in the Class 4 1200m on the Turf (Race 3) and has drawn the number one barrier – a 4 time winner in Singapore he was quite unlucky last start running 2^nd without much luck in the run home. K Hakim will ride claiming 3kgs. Ace draw, top apprentice claiming 3kgs, good form – is right in this and is a very good each way chance

Here is how the Singapore Turf Club tipsters see this race;

1st Pick: FEDERATION (1)

Gallant second to In All His Glory when eased back in class last time out. Has drawn an alley. Big say.

2nd Pick: STYLE (7)

Has not fared too badly in two runs. Making slow headway and with champion jockey Vlad Duric doing the steering, he may well land a blow here.

3rd Pick: THE ARCHER (13)

Scored in a thriller last start but faces stiffer opposition here. Worth some thought for a place.

4th Pick: GALAXY STAR (11)

Another one with the In All His Glory formline. Ran on for fourth that day. Include in calculations

“Federation” – winning at Kranji –

Elliot Ness is a newcomer to Singapore and has been taking all before him in his trials winning two and placing second in a third  – he is in the Restricted Maiden 1100 metres on the Polytrack (Race 2) but unfortunately has come up with ballot 1 and so needs a scratching in order to get a start.  A very promising type who has caught the eye of a few good judges in Singapore – if he does get a run he will be hard to keep out

Cassius is in the Open Maiden 1200 met eevent (Race 4) on the Polytrack, but has also come up with Ballot 1 –  he has been rather ordinary in his two previous Singapore starts but is maturing all the time – if he does get a run he will find this trip too short

Fortuna trackwork this week – Matamata

Tuesday 2nd February

Madame Moet (J Kamaruddin) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.12, last 600 in 43.

Thursday 4th February

Madame Moet (T Harris) galloped nicely over an easy 1000 metres in 1.09.3, home in 40.6.

OTHER NEWS

Melody Belle has come through her Thorndon Mile victory in great shape and will have her next start at Te Rapa 13^th February in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Group One – 2000m – $400,000) – a race in which she will attempt to become the sole record holder for Group One wins by a NZ horse

Dual Horse of the Year Melody Belle (Commands – Meleka Belle) took a step closer to the all-time Group One record when winning the Thorndon Mile (Gr. 1, 1600m) on Saturday at Trentham.

Equalling the 13 Group One wins set by mighty mare, Sunline, in the years 1998 to 2002, Melody Belle will receive a chance to further her record in the $400,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m) on 13 February at Te Rapa.

From the time, as a two-year-old, she got her career off to a perfect start with a polished display in the New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Pearl Series 900 metres at Ruakaka in October 2016, Melody Belle has been the epitome of equine professionalism and now equals the Group One record for NZ thoroughbreds  after “climbing the equine Everest”, as said by race day commentator Tony Lee.

In the same race as won by her great-grandmother Honey Belle, Melody Belle came from a handy position and proved too classy under rider Opie Bosson, recording his second win in the race and 79^th Group One overall.

Click HERE to watch race replay

Melody Belle – Winning Thorndon Mile – Trentham 30th January 2021

“It was a very good win by a Champion mare and I’m really proud of everything she’s been able to do for Te Akau Racing Fortuna Syndications and the New Zealand racing industry,” said leading trainer Jamie Richards.

“Her first run off a break, to win over a mile first-up is a massive effort. She had been looking good in training and she got the job done in great fashion. We owe thanks to Dave (Ellis) for buying her as a yearling, and to John (Galvin) and his team for entrusting us to train her. She’s been such a great campaigner and probably her two greatest attributes is competitiveness and her soundness. She’s been issue free all the way through, which is a really big help and makes my job a lot easier.”

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM for $57,500 as a yearling at Karaka, Melody Belle has now won of 18 races from 36 starts including 13 at Group One level, 2 at Group  Two level, on at Group 3 level and one at Listed level (the Karaka Million) and $4.14 million prize money for owners in the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate, managed by Fortuna Director, John Galvin.

“It was pretty exciting, while also a shame for a couple of others in the race that appeared to meet with trouble,” Ellis said, “It’s quite an incredible training performance to go from November to the end of January without a race and win like that over 1600 metres. You can do it over 1200m, but you’ve really got to know what you’re doing fresh-up over a mile and she’ll improve immensely for that run.

“I take my hat off to Jamie (Richards) and the team. It’s a great effort and I was really impressed. For Melody Belle to be mentioned in the same breath as Sunline is quite amazing. I’m proud of the whole team and also of John Galvin. He’s a terrific supporter of Te Akau Racing in New Zealand, and in Singapore, and he does a great job syndicating the horses.”

Ellis, as a buyer of young thoroughbreds, is always looking for horses that have the scope in their physiques to train on, and in Melody Belle he has the perfect example.

“All our Karaka Million winners, except On the Bubbles who hasn’t had a chance yet, have gone on to win Group One races. That’s four out of five, with Melody Belle winning 13, Avantage six, and Probabeel two in Australia.

“As a two-year-old, Melody Belle won two Sires’ Produce Stakes, one in New Zealand and one in Australia. She’s got better at three, four, and five, and having her best ever season as a six-year-old, and that’s the sort of horse we’re trying to buy. We’re very busy at home syndicating the yearlings we’ve bought over the past couple of weeks. It’s proving to be a huge success and we’ve never sold so many shares so quickly. We’ve had a lot on interest from new owners and a lot of reinvestment by existing owners, so it’s very encouraging. And, when I’m going around the farm and seeing all these yearlings I can’t wait until they’re racing next season because I think we’ve bought the best line of yearlings I’ve ever seen on the farm.”

Accepting the trophy on behalf of the owners, syndicate manager John Galvin said: “It’s fantastic to come here and win a Group One race at Trentham. I was brought up in Lower Hutt, and as a teenager Trentham was like a second home to me and would watch the racing from the public enclosure. In  those days, I often wondered if I could get to the “other side” of the fence in the Members enclosure  particularly as a winning owner. I made it here in 2007 as a member of the Darci Brahma syndicate when he won the Telegraph Handicap (Gr. 1, 1200m) and it’s an honour to be back again today. I would like to thank Marie Leicester who bred Melody Belle. It’s an iconic race to win and won previously by some great horses: Panzer Chief, Kaukapakapa, Grey Way, Copper Belt, McGinty, Maroofity, Sir Slick, Alamosa, Wall Street and many more.

“David Ellis did a great job buying her for us as a yearling at Karaka 2016 sale. She was under budget and met the specs I’d given him to try and win the Karaka Million. She did that and of course she’s kicked on and it’s such a wonderful story. Thank you to Jamie Richards, who has been with her since he began his training career. It’s been a wonderful ride, and also a nod to Stephen Autridge who was in partnership with Jamie for the first two years of her racing career.

“And finally a huge congrats congratulations to the 35 members of her ownership group, ordinary every day New Zealanders (and on Aussie) from all over the countryside – we have had a great time together in the past for years enjoying the extraordinary success that this wonderful Mayer has brought to us all”

Returrning to scale with Opie Bosson aboard, led by part owner Carol Doyle assisted by Nicole Shailer

Melody Belle was strapped by Nicole Shailer.