Confidently ridden by Troy Harris, the Fortuna Syndications international recruit Leaderboard (5 g Street Cry – Flower Fairy, by Dynaformer) appreciated Riccarton’s wide expanses to win the $22,500 Pryde’s Easifeed Rating 65 1600 metres on Saturday..

Patience is a Harris trademark – his father Noel had it down pat – and the ride by Troy exemplified the skill. Away well but content to steady off a competitive pace, Harris had Leaderboard travelling beautifully in 10^th before tracking up with a lapful of horse into the straight and the outcome looked probable after being presented widest at the 200m.

Click HERE to see Race Video Replay

Winning at his second start in New Zealand, Leaderboard ($4.30 & $1.90) had clocked the fastest last 600m (36.1), coming from last to finish fourth when having his first NZ start in the Rating 65 1300 metres on 20 September at Taupo, and so had strong appeal to punters who sent him out favourite at Riccarton.

“I like this horse and it was a super run,” said trainer Jamie Richards, not long before saddling Te Akau Shark (Rip Van Winkle) in the Cox Plate (Gr. 1, 2040m). “He’s shown us plenty since he arrived, and a horse that John Galvin bought from Europe.

“He’s a lovely, big, athletic horse, with a good attitude and we sent him down to the South Island looking for better ground. We’ll pick out another race during the carnival, either a Rating 72 1600m or 2000m, and it looks like there’s plenty more wins in front of him.”

Owned by the Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate headed up by John Galvin and with the stable name “Tiger” he was purchased last October by International Blood Stock agent Hubie De Burgh at the Tattersalls Horses In Training  sale at Newmarket in the U.K. for 70,000 Guineas, soon after winning a Maiden race over 2400 metres in Ireland. By Street Cry, the sire of Winx and out of a Dynaformer mare, he looks an ideal staying prospect to work through the grades downunder.

Soon after accepting the accolades, Galvin said: “It’s a room (winner’s circle) I’ve been in a few times here at Riccarton in the past. We have a lot of Stakes winners here over the years, Tell A Tale won the Canterbury Stakes and the 2000 Guineas for us here in 2008, Zabene won the Metroplitan Trophy and the full sisters Darci’s Dream and Windborne won the Canterbury Belle Stakes in successive seasons. There are around 60 owners from all over NZ in the group and we had about 15 on course. Most were from Christchurch, but also Ian and Christine Price from New Plymouth. Tiger is their very first horse and a winner for them at his second start.

“Troy said the horse did nothing in the early run and was just content to lope along and the further he goes the better he will be. He had a few traffic problems trying to find a gap in the straight but once he came off heels and went to the outside  it never looked in doubt. We think he’s a serious racehorse and Jamie has been thrilled with him. While today wasn’t a huge test, it was still a test and he’s done it. So, well done to everyone involved.

“I had asked Hubie de Burgh to find a European bred stayer that had a typical stayers pedigree and the type that could turn into a Cups horse down here in New Zealand and Australia. So, he went to last year’s Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale and picked him out. We had a budget of 70 to 80,000 Guineas and we got him for the budget. He had a slight setback in the autumn, which was probably a blessing in disguise, because in that time he’s filled out, matured, and developed. He’s got a real turn of foot – Jamie likes that and also that he bounces out of his box each morning and gets straight into his work. He is a very sound, straightforward horse and although a five-year-old he’s really only four to Northern Hemisphere time because he was born in May 2015. Te Akau Assistant Trainer Paul Richards has been really happy with him down here and said his work on Tuesday was super.”

Leaderboard was strapped by Lydia Truesdale.

Fortuna horses racing this week are Meteoric Lass in the R72 1200m at Tauranga on Friday, Hidden Promise in Singapore in the Class 5 1600m Friday 25th and Leaderboard in the R65 1600m at Riccarton on Saturday 26th

Meteoric Lass looks well placed at Tauranga today. 1200m, Barrier 1, Michael McNab in saddle, track conditions to suit. She has been knocking on the door of late and presents as a very good each way chance in this.

Hidden Promise is another one who has been knocking on the door – all of his five Singapore wins have been at tonight’s 1600m trip – good draw, top rider in Benny Woodworth in the saddle – has been up a long time but presents as a good each way chance here.

Leaderboard gets his chance in the 65 1600m at Riccarton Saturday – a winner in Ireland 12 months ago, he ran a slashing 4^th place over 1300m at Taupo on his NZ debut – has been frustrated since with having to be scratched because of Heavy tracks. This looks like his race.

Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners

Tuesday 22 October

 Course proper

Preparing to race at Tauranga on Friday, Meteoric Lass (M Roustoby) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.5, home in 38.9.

 

MELODY BELLE in Melbourne. The glamour Fortuna Filly is thriving at Flemington – she has a new “bestie” in Te Akau Shark, who has a Cox Plate assignment tomorrow – Melody Belle of course heads to the Group One Empire Rose Stakes over 1600m at Flemington on Derby Day.

See pictures below – Craig Thornton on the Shark (white blaze) and Jamie Richards on Melody Belle

 

 

 

 

 

Fortuna Runners this week are SPORTSCASTER in Singapore Sunday 20^th October

SPORTSCASTER faces a tough challenge in this event. A game 3^rd in this Class 4 Grade last start after an easy win in Class 5 before that, he faces a stronger field in this event over 1600m on the Poly – a place chance if things go well for him in the run. Senior rider Azahar Ismail to ride from Barrier 12 – Race 7 at 9.10pm NZT

Matamata Track work this week – Fortuna Runners

Tuesday 15^th October

No.2 Sand:

Meteoric Lass (R Cole) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres, last 600 in 46.

Ronaldo’s Dream (A Jones and Red Jakkal (C Burdan) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.15, last 600 in 45.

Leaderboard (O Bosson) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.09, final 600 in 40.9

Thursday 17^th October

Course Proper: 

Departing Friday for a South Island campaign Leaderboard (M McNab) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.24.1, home in 39.7.

Meteoric Lass (A Jones) galloped on her own over an easy 1000 metres, home in 39.

MELODY BELLE now in Melbourne at the Flemington Visitors Stable in the capable hands of Te Akau groom Craig Thornton – she will race next at Flemington on Derby Day 2^nd November in the Group One Empire Rose Stakes 1600m -A$1m

RED ROVER (O’Reilly – Pin Up) showed that his last start win was no fluke when he ran out a dominant winner in the Class 4 1000m event on the Polytrack at Singapore’s Kranji Race Course. A winner at Rosehill in April 2018 before being acquired by Fortuna to race in Singapore, RED ROVER had had three previous starts in Singapore for a 3^rd, a 2^nd and a win in August 2019. Spelled at that point by Trainer Mark Walker, the Waikato Stud bred gelding had returned to work in great order and his track gallop on Wednesday was top class.

Sent out an odds on favourite by punters, they and the horse’s connections had their hearts in their mouths when the usual quick beginning RED ROVER was a tad slow out of the barriers. Rider Azahar Ismail did not panic however, urging the horse up into a mid field, three wide with cover position, then giving him a bit of a breather behind a very hot pace being set by race leader, XXX. On turning RED ROVER was in 4^th position but looking ominous, Azahar got  him balanced up and, sprinting strongly down the middle of the track, soon gobbled the leading horses up and went to the line 3 lengths clear of the 2^nd horse.

 Click HERE to see race Video replay

Fortuna Syndications Director, John Galvin, watching the race on TV from his New Zealand home, expressed a high degree of satisfaction with RED ROVER’s record to date. “No question the Mark Walker and I plus the syndicate members took a punt on this horse when we acquired him as he did have a wind issue which required surgery, however he was a bargain purchase, clearly has a lot of ability and now the punt is paying off for us all,” he said. 

The veteran rider, Azahar, who has ridden RED ROVER in all of his Singapore races, pulled no punches in his assessment of the horse, “He was very fresh today and was away slowly, but he is a big powerful, speedy type who will have no difficulty being competitive in Class 3 and possibly even higher,” he said.

The victory chalked up Te Akau Trainer Mark Walker’s 69^th victory for the season, 21 clear of his nearest rival with just two months of the Singapore racing season to go.  A Premiership training victory would represent Walker’s 8^thPremiership title (5 in New Zealand and 2 previously in Singapore). For Walker and Galvin, the success could not have come at a better time as both men are currently attending the Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale on the Gold Coast with the aim of buying a couple of Two Year Olds to be contenders for the very lucrative AusHorse Two Year Old Series run in Singapore between February and July 2020. Walker said, “John Galvin and I go back a long way, we have had a lot of success over the years both in New Zealand and Singapore and of late, particular success with tried horses we have been buying out of Australia, as was the case with Red Rover”

RED ROVER was acquired at a Gavel House online auction for NZ$15,000 and is now nudging S$70,000 in Singapore winnings from just four race day starts. He is raced by The Fortuna Red Rover Syndicate, an ownership group of 42 individuals from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Several of the Ownership Group were on course to celebrate the victory, including Hong Kong resident Derek Fong, who celebrated his first victory with Fortuna with his first ever Fortuna runner.

Fortuna horses racing this weekend are LEADERBOARD and BURGUNDY BELLE at Matamata Saturday, RHAPSODY IN BLUE Hawera Saturday and RED ROVER resuming Singapore Sunday

Leaderboard, a Maiden winner over 2400m in Ireland a year ago had his first NZ run at Taupo for a fast finishing 4^th over 1300m two weeks ago. Gets his chance here up to 1600m – Race 1 – has wide draw to contend with but is a quality type and can win this if he gets luck in the running, however if the Track gets to a Heavy 10, that may trip him up. Opie to ride

Burgundy Belle was super impressive when winning at Hastings 31 August. Up to Rating 82 Grade, back to 1200m, winner of 4 from 8, bice draw, Opie aboard, any rain no problem, she is right in this – Race 4

Rhapsody In Blue was impressive winning in Maiden Grade at Taupo – now steps up to R65 Grade at Hawera – never easy for last start Maiden winners to win first start in R65, but she has a touch of quality about her – Craig Grylls to ride from a nice draw – she presents as a good each way chance – Race 9

Red Rover resumes after a nice freshen up. An impressive last start winner this grade (Class 4) and trip (1000m), this gelded son of O’Reilly is a big powerful sprinting type. His work on Wednesday was super and he is quite capable of winning this – drawn 7 out of 12 and will be ridden by Azahar, who rode him to victory at his last start – Race 7

 Matamata Trackwork – Tuesday 8 October –

Course Proper: 

Burgundy Belle (T Harris) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.09, last 600 in 38.5. She is ready for the Rating 82 1200 metres at Matamata on Saturday.  

Rhapsody In Blue (M McNab) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.06, home in 38.3. Rhapsody In Blue has options at both Matamata and Hawera. 

Preparing for the Rating 82 2000 metres at Matamata, Luminous (T Harris) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.23.7, last 1000 in 1.07.4.

Also racing at Matamata Leaderboard (M McNab galloped in a pair over 1000 metres – fog prevented time being taken.

No.2 Sand:

Red Jakkal (C Burdan) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres, home in 44.

Matamata Trackwork – Thursday 10 October 

Course Proper: 

Racing in the Rating 65 1400 metres at Hawera on Saturday, Rhapsody In Blue (A Jones) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.16, home in 45.

No.2 Sand:

 Red Jakkal (M McNab) galloped in a pair over an easy 1000 metres in 1.10, home in 40. 

Leaderboard (O Bosson) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.14.4.

Dundeel’s Girl (A Jones) galloped over 800 metres in 54.4, home in 38.5.

World Thoroughbred Rankings List – Notable that off the back of Melody Belle’s Group One Livamol Classic win that Jamie Richards has moved up 3 spots to sit at #17 in the World in the Trainers rankings, Opie Bosson has moved up 4 spots to be #33 in the World on the Jockey’s list and incredibly, the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate sits at #30 on the Owners List – a huge thrill for her Ownership Group

Click HERE to see the rankings list

Fortuna Syndications Director, John Galvin, has announced that Reigning NZ Horse Of the Year and recent Hawkes Bay Triple Crown winner, Melody Belle will campaign in Victoria this Spring

“On Monday 7th October I met with our Trainer, Jamie Richards, to review all options with respect to Melody Belle’s immediate and ongoing racing plans. Jamie reported that Melody Belle has come through her Triple Crown campaign in great order and he cannot fault her physically. Accordingly the decision was made that she would campaign in Melbourne in the coming weeks. Jamie and I decided that the right race for her in this campaign would be the Group One Empire Rose Stakes (Flemington 2^nd November -1600m – A$1m) – this decision reached with input from Te Akau Principal David Ellis and Te Akau Singapore Trainer Mark Walker. We did give serious consideration to the Cox Plate, however the consensus reached was to go for the Empire Rose instead and if she were to race well in that event, then the option of backing up into the MacKinnon Stakes (Flemington 9^th November – 2000m – A$2m) would be available to us,” he said. “Naturally, the connections are excited to have the opportunity to show off our wonderful racemare in Australia – she has carried all before her in NZ over the past 15 months winning eight Group One races here in that time – now is the time for her to step up and tackle some of the best horses in Australia.”

Looking ahead Melody Belle will return to NZ after the MacKinnon and be freshened – she will then return to Melbourne in the New Year and be aimed at races such as the Group One Futurity Stakes (Caulfield – 22^ndFebruary – A$500,000)  and the All Star Mile (Caulfield – 14 March 2020 – A$5m)  with a season ending target being the Group One Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Randwick 9^th April – 2000m – A$4m)

It seemed inevitable, but she still had to do it – Horse of the Year Melody Belle (5 m Commands – Meleka Belle, by Iffraaj) is the Bostock New Zealand Spring Carnival Triple Crown winner after a pulverising victory in the $250,000 Livamol Classic (Gr. 1, 2040m) on Saturday at Hastings.

In doing so, the Queen of the Turf became the first ever to accomplish the Triple Crown Victory

World-class galloper Starcraft (Soviet Star), a five time Group One winner that claimed titles of Champion 3YO in Australia, Champion Sprinter in New Zealand, and Champion Miler in Europe, tried but failed. Multiple Horse of the Year Seachange (Cape Cross), winner of seven Group One races, tried but failed, and Champion Three-Year-old and Horse of the Year Jimmy Choux (Thorn Park), winner of five Group Ones, tried but failed.

It took Melody Belle – securing her ninth Group One victory – trainer Jamie Richards, and rider Opie Bosson to get the job done. And she did it by three and a half lengths, no problem. Although, it appeared a touch awkward early in the race when Bosson, conscious of not being shuffled back on the inner, took the bull by the horns and worked off the rail heading into the back straight.

Click HERE to see the Race Result and Video Replay

But, as she did when repeating her first two leg wins, in the Tarzino Trophy (Gr. 1, 1400m) and Windsor Park Plate (Gr. 1, 1600m), Melody Belle ranged into the clear and distanced the opposition to take her place in racing royalty.

“I’m really proud of her and it’s an absolute result,” said Richards, in Australia, preparing stable-mates Probabeel and Te Akau Shark for Group One races at Randwick.“She’s achieved what no other horse in history has been able to do. She’s had a great preparation and I thought it was a terrific ride with Opie, getting her out at the right time and, yes, she did the rest. Everything has gone to plan and staff at home has done a great job with her, and a big thank you to John Galvin and his team. She’s been a marvel. David Ellis did a great job to buy her in the first place and she’s rewarding everyone involved with life long memories. It really is quite amazing, the way she has developed and what she has achieved, and again, a big thanks to all the staff who have really stepped up while I’ve been away.”

 

Melody Belle – Hawkes Bay Triple Crown – Livamol Classic – 5th October 2019

Te Akau Principal David Ellis purchased the reigning Horse of the Year as a yearling for $57,500 at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Sale, from the draft of Haunui Farm, on the account of breeder Marie Leicester. She has now won 14 of her 24 starts and $2 million in prize money for owners in the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate – Managed by John Galvin).

“It’s the thrill of a lifetime to buy a mare that won the Karaka Million as a two-year-old filly and train on to keep getting better and better,” Ellis said. “We bought her at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Premier Sale and it’s just great the way it’s worked out. Jamie Richards has done an incredible job training her to win all these races and it’s one of the greatest days I’ve had on a racecourse.”

Unbeaten in all seven rides aboard Melody Belle, Opie Bosson said: “A big thanks to all the team at home at Te Akau Racing. David Ellis, I wouldn’t be here today without Dave, who has helped keep me on the straight and narrow and overseen me at the gym.

“I’d like to thank John Galvin and team. I’m very honoured to ride the horse and a big thank you to Melody Belle.”

On behalf of the large syndicate of owners (37), Fortuna Syndications Director John Galvin said: “As I said to people before the race, we’re standing on the crest of history and now we’ve done it. So, it’s an incredible feeling to have come here today and win this very elusive Triple Crown. She’s probably the best she’s ever been and while it’s never over till it’s over, there was a lot of confidence in the camp beforehand, just because of how well she had been working and eating and that sort of thing. She’s 1 in 10,000 and the sort of horse you dream about. She keeps stepping up year after year. This is her fourth season of racing the top level adt and words fail me, really. It was life changing when she won the Karaka Million. The fact that she’s gone on now and won nine Group Ones, it’s incredibly life changing. A big thank you to big Jamie Richards, not here today, but with the team in Sydney, and all his Te Akau team that has done such a great job all the way through. And to Opie Bosson, who has won seven out of seven on this mare, Mette, our strapper, who shed a bucket of tears after the race, and last but not least, to all the members that own Melody Belle, many of whom are here today and for quite a few of them she is their very first racehorse ever.”

Melody Belle was strapped by Mette Mosebo.

Fortuna runners this week are MELODY BELLE who will tackle the elusive Hawkes Bay Triple Crown when she contests the Group One Livamol Classic at Hastings Saturday 5^th, METEORIC LASS races at Te Teko on Sunday 6^th  and HIDDEN PROMISE and AABIR in Singapore Friday 4^th.

 

MELODY BELLE – Race 8 at Hastings – has been backed into unbackable odds at $1.25 – drawn perfectly at 2, Opie Bosson to ride – it seems as if only bad luck can stop her achieving a record 9^th Group One victory

 

METEORIC LASS – Race 6 at Te Teko – was a tad disappointing last start at Awapuni when backed into form favouritism – track was very heavy that day – the predicted Slow 7 surface will be ideal – the ace barrier will be right up her alley and she has the services of the very much in form Danielle Johnson

 

AABIR – Race 1 Singapore – impressive 3^rd from outside barrier this trip at last start after resuming off a long break – looks the one to beat here with a great draw and the talented apprentice AB Riduan (aka Nik Bakar) aboard – odds will be short and punters should note he has had bleeding issues in the past

 

HIDDEN PROMISE – Race 8 Singapore – rarely runs a bad race – has won five times in Singapore at 1600m, but gets his chance here at 1400m from a good gate with the impressive 3kg claiming apprentice AB Riduan (aka Nik Bakar) aboard – a good each way prospect

 

Matamata Trackwork Tuesday 1^st Oct

Course proper

Melody Belle (O Bosson) galloped over 1200 metres in 1.21, home in 37. She races in the Group 1 Livamol Classic at Hastings on Saturday.

Meteoric Lass (M Roustoby) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.06, home in 38.9 as she prepares to race at Te Teko on Sunday 6th.

No 2 Sand

Burgundy Belle (T Harris) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 57, last 600 in 42.

 

Matamata Trackwork Thursday 3rd Oct

Course Proper:

Preparing for the Group 1 Livamol Classic at Hastings on Saturday, Melody Belle (O Bosson) worked nicely at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.28.9, last 600 in 43.

Ronaldo’s Dream (O Bosson) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.11.6, home in 41 as he builds toward racing at Taupo next Wednesday.

No 2 Sand

Leaderboard (O Bosson) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres, last 600 in 45.

Rhapsody In BIue (R Cole) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres, final 600 in 46.

Both these horses will fulfill racing engagements at Matamata 12^th October

MELODY BELLE  confronts history – can she break the Hawkes Bay Triple Crown hoodoo?

Three Group One races 5 weeks apart over 1400m, 1600m and 2040m – that is the challenge – and many very, very good horses have tried and failed to win all three – it has proven a very elusive goal over the years. The mighty Seachange two years in succession 2006 and 2007 won the first two legs and although came heartbreakingly close in 2006 (beaten in the last stride) was not able to claim the Crown. And who could forget the star Aussie galloper, Starcraft, with Glen Boss in the saddle, capturing the imagination of the NZ racing public in 2004 by taking out the first two legs in great style, led into the straight in the final leg, only to be run down by the hardy Kevin Myers trained Balmuse. Starcraft franked his “star” quality subsequently by winning Group One races in Australia, the UK and France

So, can the current Queen of the Turf do it? Well, history is against her, but then she doesn’t read the history books and certainly the “form book” says she can – we will know more at about 4.45pm on Saturday

Melody Belle- Simply Amazing – Tarzino Trophy 31st August 2019

 

Fortuna runners this week are the last start winners, Sportscaster in Singapore on Friday night and Burgundy Belle at New Plymouth on Saturday

Sportscaster is up in grade to Class 4, so won’t get it as easy as last time when he won by 5 lengths. However he has won in Class 4 before, is well down in the weights and gets another 3kgs off his back courtesy of apprentice rider C K Ng – he will carry just 50.5kgs. Lovely draw and will be in it a long way, chance of a place and one for the multiples

Burgundy Belle has won 4 from 8 and was a quality winner at  her last start over 1400m in R72 Grade 31^stAugust – Hastings. Up in Grade to R82, but Fillies and Mares Race, barrier 10 not ideal over the 1200m trip, but she has good tactical speed and the soft/heavy track will be right up her alley. Jonathan Riddell to ride – she is the one to beat in this

Burgundy Belle brilliant at Hastings 31st August 2019

Matamata Trackwork Tuesday 24^th

Course Proper – Racing in the $30,000 Rating 82 Fillies & Mares 1200 metres at New Plymouth on Saturday, Burgundy Belle (T Harris) galloped nicely in company over 1000 metres in 1.07.2, home 39.3.

Plough – Dundeel’s Girl (A Jones) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 59, last 600 in 41. Ronaldo’s Dream (M Roustoby) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres, running the last 1000 in 1.13, final 600 in 43.

Matamata Trackwork Thursday 26^th

Course Proper: Racing at New Plymouth on Saturday, Burgundy Belle (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.15.5, home in 45.

In closing, I have some photos taken by the Love Racing team –  from Tarzino day – Melody Belle’s race – not hard to spot the connections is it – see below  – winners are grinners!!!

 

 

 

She is turning into something else now, Melody Belle (5 m Commands – Meleka Belle, by Iffraaj) boasting a race record of 23 starts, 13 wins – 8 of which have been at Group One level.

Having defended her Tarzino Trophy (Gr. 1, 1400m) title on the first day of the Bostock New Zealand Spring Carnival at Hastings, Melody Belle had no trouble doing the same in the $200,000 Windsor Park Plate (Gr. 1, 1600m) on Saturday 21st September.

Melody Belle – Dominant 8th Group One Victory – Windsor Park Plate – 21 September 2019

Given a gorgeous trip by rider Opie Bosson from her good barrier draw, Melody Belle loomed around the home bend and her customary powerful burst was too much for the opposition, winning by two and three-quarter lengths in a slick 1:34.1 for the 1600 metres on Good3 footing.

Bosson scored his third win in the race and is now unbeaten in six rides on the star mare. “It’s easy on a really good horse,” he said. “I came back a spot, just to get her travelling and probably went a bit soon but it didn’t really matter. She’s a top-class mare, doesn’t know when to lose, and an absolute pleasure to ride.”

Click HERE to see the race replay

Virtually backed off the board ($1.60 & $1.20), Melody Belle gave her army of supporters no cause for alarm, not only once the gates opened, but it could be said, from the moment she stepped onto the track. Like any great athlete, she was primed for the occasion.

“Last time she had to be outstanding in winning the Tarzino from well back in the field, but this time it was clinical,” said Fortuna Syndications Director John Galvin. “The way the race panned out it was just another day at the office for her. She presented in amazing condition: muscled up, ready to perform and as race track presenter Emily Bosson said pre race, you could almost see your face in her coat. She’s got that lovely bronze sheen to her. This is the second leg of the Triple Crown, her eighth Group One win and words fail me really. The leaders certainly set it up for her and they ran pretty quick, so it is just fantastic – she is a real credit to Trainer Jamie Richards and all of the Te Akau staff.”

Galvin said he was humbled by the upcoming opportunity of having Melody Belle being the first horse ever to win  the Hawkes Bay Triple Crown, when the Mare contests the $250,000 Livamol Classic (Gr. 1, 2040m) on 5 October at Hastings. “There has been some really good horses attempt the Triple Crown in the past and fail, Starcraft, Seachange, Jimmy Choux, so it’s a great honour and privilege to be able to come and have a go at that”, he said.

Te Akau principal David Ellis has been right on many counts when it comes to purchasing thoroughbreds, but the two that come to mind in regards to Melody Belle are, firstly, that he bought her and, secondly, he has said on many occasions that she would be better as a five-year-old, which certainly seems to be the case in the season to date.

Ellis purchased the reigning Horse of the Year as a yearling for $57,500 at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Sale, from the draft of Haunui Farm, on the account of breeder Marie Leicester. She has now won 13 of her 23 starts and $1.86 million in prize money for owners in the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate

“It’s quite incredible what she’s achieving,” Ellis said. “She was a Group One and Karaka Million winning Champion Two-Year-Old that has now gone on to win eight Group One races. She just seems to be getting better with age and her win today against a smart field was very dominant. She did very well and ate very well when she spelled at Te Akau Stud, and it’s no surprise she’s going to another level. Jamie (Richards) and the staff have done a terrific job with this mare all the way through and that man on top (Opie Bosson), what can you say. He’s a superstar rider, cool under pressure, and he just gave her the perfect ride.”

Back-to-back successes in the Windsor Park Plate by Melody Belle provided Te Akau Racing with a hat-trick in the race, following on from Gingernuts (Iffraaj) in 2016, while Bosson was also successful aboard Princess Coup (Encosta De Lago) who won the race in 2008 for Te Akau trainer Mark Walker.

Trainer Jamie Richards, who was in Sydney with the Te Akau runners Probabeel and Avantage said: “It was a terrific win and she’s really going well. It set up nicely with the hot speed and it was a lovely ride. She really chased them down and put them to the sword. Obviously, the Triple Crown is our target with her and she’ll be back there (Hastings) in a couple of weeks. There are a lot of good horses that have failed to achieve Triple Crown success, so hopefully we’ve got the right horse in the right form to go there and be competitive. The plan thereafter is to go to Australia, providing that she comes through her next assignment in good shape. There are a lot of races she could target and one of those is the Cox Plate. But, we won’t get too far ahead of ourselves. Let’s concentrate on Hastings, and we can then firm up our plans.”

Melody Belle is raced by the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate, an ownership group of 37 individuals.

 Melody Belle Ownership Group – Windsor Park Plate – Hastings 21st September 2019

Melody Belle was strapped by Mette Mosebo.