Fortuna 3yo Filly, Rhapsody in Blue(3 f Medaglia d’Oro – Kablues, by Danske) followed good recent form with victory at her third start in the $10,000 Jump Jockey’s Send It Maiden 3YO 1300 metres on Friday at Taupo.

At her solitary two-year-old start, Rhapsody in Blue ran a courageous second on Heavy11 in June at Trentham, and fought solidly for fourth when resuming on Heavy10 in the Maiden 3YO 1100 metres on 28 August at Matamata. But, the advent of better footing aided her cause and she displayed good attributes to win well.

“We weren’t too sure what to expect today, given it was a Good3 track, as her two previous runs had been on heavier tracks,” said Fortuna Syndicate manager John Galvin. “She did disappoint us a little bit last time, but that was probably just the heavy track, so today she got a good surface and she’s shown what she’s capable of.

“We really like this horse. She’s got a lovely pedigree, shown us a lot and we’ll see how she pulls up and make a plan from there – she does hold a nomination for the Group One 1000 Guineas at Riccarton in November.”

Rhapsody In Blue – Victorious at Taupo 20th September 2019 (Image courtesy of Race Images)

From seventh in running, Rhapsody in Blue was sent forward by rider Michael McNab to challenge around the home bend and exhibited a good turn of foot to put the race into safe keeping.

Click HERE to see the race result and Video replay

“That’s what I expected from her the other day, but the heavy track was against her and a lot of the Te Akau horses that ran that day didn’t like it,” McNab said. “And, they’ve since come out on better tracks and run really well. She’s a lovely filly and should have plenty more wins in her.”

Te Akau principal David Ellis purchased Rhapsody in Blue as a yearling at the 2018 Karaka Book 1 Sale on behalf of Fortuna, paying $95,000 from the draft of Valachi Downs. Her sire, Medaglia d’Oro has sired more than 20 individual Group One winners, including Crown Prosecutor, the winner of the 2019 NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m), and she possesses a  terrific family on the dam side – a family which includes Champion 3YO Filly in Australia Shamrocker (O’Reilly), winner of the Australian Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) and VRC Australian Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m).

“Let’s hope it’s the start of a really good weekend for Fortuna, with Melody Belle racing tomorrow in the Group One Windsor Park Plate,” said David Ellis. “Their horses are absolutely on fire and full credit to John Galvin and his owners. He does an outstanding job running these syndicates and it’s a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of it all.”

Trainer Jamie Richards said: “It was good to see her operate on top of the ground, especially after finding the going a bit testing last time, but Michael said she didn’t handle it. She never showed a lot when we broke her in, but started to shape up in the autumn and with a nice pedigree page we’d love to see her earn some black type, and that will mean she will have quite a bit of value as a broodmare proposition if we can get the job done.”

Present on course and sharing in the ownership of Rhapsody in Blue, Ian Upson was celebrating a remarkable 70^th win with Fortuna, while another part-owner, Joan Jolley, was a Member of the Fortuna  2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Tell A Tale (Tale of the Cat) in 2008, trained for Fortuna by Mark Walker.

Rhapsody in Blue is raced by the Fortuna Rhapsody In Blue Syndicate, an ownership Group consisting of 46 individuals.

The Filly was was strapped by Shay Carter.

Fortuna has a big day at Hawkes Bay Racing on Saturday 21st with  the recently crowned Horse Of The Year, Melody Belle seeking to defend her Group One Windsor Park Plate Title – A $1.70 Hot Favourite, she  will be hard to beat from the Barrie 6 draw. At Taupo on Friday 20th LEADERBOARD gets the ace draw race 2 with Opie aboard. Trip may be a bit short for this European imported stayer, but with the right run and in a fresh state, he could go close. RHAPSODY IN BLUE is at Taupo as well – Race 5 – and also has a nice draw with M McNab in the saddle – she gets firmer track conditions than her last start at Matamata where she went out odds on favourite but just struggled a bit in the very Heavy track. AABIRresumes after a long break Friday night – Race 1 -in Singapore but has the outside draw to contend with over the 1000 metre trip on the Polytrack

Yes it’s true – the seemingly immortal EATONS GOLD, who had his first race in New Zealand in December 2010, has been retired after aggravating an old knee injury when racing at his home track at Penang Sunday 15th September. The winner of 11 races, 9 in Singapore and 2 in Malaysia and the winner of almost NZ$600,000, EATONS GOLD was an irrepressible character, who always kept his trainers, riders and handlers on their toes.

“Eaton” was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Syndications at the 2010 NZ Bloodstock Karaka Premier sale for $75,000. By Jetspur out of Road Ranger, he had a typical Australian speed pedigree and the attributes of a sprinting type to go with it. A really natural  2yo type, the 2011 Karaka Million in NZ was clearly in his sights, but an important trial date in early November was missed due to trials being canceled. He trialed two weeks later, running 2nd to Super Easy (Darci Brahma), who went on to become a Singapore Champion and now a successful Stallion at Stud and then had his first race date at Awapuni in early December 2010 – however struck a Heavy track, that experience flattened him, he needed to have a break and Karaka Million aspirations went out the door. He was then to to race at Waverley in March, but reared up in the barriers and was late scratched by the Stewards. This meant that his 2yo opportunities in NZ were extinguished, so connections made the decision to send him to Singapore to race.

Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer, Mark Walker, soon had Eaton  to rights with his first two runs in Singapore in Initiation Grade producing a 5th and a 2nd and then a win at his 3rd start in the same Grade. A win two starts later in Novice Grade confirmed that Walker and the Fortuna NZ Stable had a nice sprinting type on their hands. The realities of Grade Racing in Singapore then kicked in however and while racing competitively in Class 4, running lots of prizemoney placings it was a further 15 months (March 2013) before Eaton broke through for his first win in Class 4. A 4th career win in the same Grade followed eight months later.

After some indifferent runs in early 2014, Eaton was found to have a potentially career ending knee issue, surgery was performed and the horse was sent to Sandy Lines in Malaysia for rehab and recuperation and although rehab was successful, it was going to be 399 days before Eaton would grace the Kranji race track again – and what a return it was, winning a Class 4 race by two lengths in the hands of Rizuan Shafiq.

4 more wins followed over the next two years bringing his Singapore total to 9 and in April 2017 with Eaton now a rising 9 year old, but still sound and fit, a decision was made to send him to Malaysia to see out his racing career and ease into a nice retirement. He was entrusted to Trainer, Sharee Hamilton, at Penang and his Malaysian stint saw two more victories on his home track of Penang.

EATONS GOLD – 9th win at  Kranji  April 2017

EATONS GOLD had 96 race day starts in his career for 11 wins, 10 2nds, 11 3rds and 14 4ths .

Singapore Trainer Mark Walker described the horse as follows – “we always had to be alert around Eaton,” he said, “he was a real character – give him an inch and he would take a mile – but he was a great favourite here at the Singapore stable.” 

Fortuna NZ Stable boss, John Galvin, said “Eaton was a much loved horse by his syndicate Members – while he was no Champion, he always gave his best and delivered great results for his ownership group.”

EATONS GOLD will now enjoy a well deserved retirement, most likely at a Riding For Disabled School in Malaysia.

Members of the Fortuna Sportsman Syndicate were celebrating again today when SPORTSCASTER, one of two horses raced in Singapore by the Syndicate, dominated in the Class Five 1700 metre event on the Polytrack, winning by 5 lengths. Just three weeks ago, the other Syndicate horse, SPOKESMAN, broke through for his first win in Singapore, with a winning margin of 6 lengths. Sent out a very warm favourite by Punters, SPORTSCASTER drew Barrier 4 and had Singapore’s leading jockey, Vlad Duric aboard. Duric rode the horse positively out of the gates, soon had the lead, gave the horse a breather during the middle stages, then turned up the wick on the opposition from about the 650 metre mark and they had no answer. Well clear on the turn, Duric kept SPORTSCASTER going strong to the line 5 lengths clear of the opposition, much to the joy of Syndicate Members.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Fortuna Director John Galvin was a happy man post race, “We acquired both horses in a private sale in January. Sportscaster then had a few runs for us, but showed little form, so we gave him a freshen up during May and since his return, he has now had eight race day starts, never out of the prize money in the first seven and today he gets a well deserved win. Congrats to Trainer Mark Walker and Jockey Vlad Duric”

“SPORTSCASTER” – Victorious In Singapore 15th September 2019

The Fortuna Sportsman Syndicate is  an ownership group consisting of 27 individuals with Members in New Zealand, Singapore and the Philippines

Singapore Members of Sportsman Syndicate celebrate at the podium

SPORTSCASTER’S win gave Fortuna’s Singapore Trainer Mark Walker his 62nd win for the season and now leads the 2019 Trainers Premiership by a 17 win margin

MELODY BELLE – Horse Of The Year– yes she did it – a great honour for this wonderful racemare and a huge thrill for her Ownership Group (37 individuals), not to mention a great vindication for the principle of syndication – i.e where are a large number of people, each outlaying a relatively small amount of money, can be involved in a Champion

Fortuna horses racing this coming week are RONALDO’S DREAM at Ruakaka and METEORIC LASS at Awapuni Saturday 14th, SPORTSCASTER in Singapore and EATONS GOLD in Penang Sunday 15th.

RONALDO’S DREAM was solid on his race day debut at Matamata recently but struggled a bit in the Heavy Track – he gets his chance here in a small field and on a Dead 5 surface at Ruakaka – meets a hot field in this Maiden 3yo event over 1400m – Race 1 – he has ability and can certainly feature in the finish – Opie Bosson to ride – blinkers go on. METEORIC LASS ran a bold race for 2nd at Ruakaka on the 31^stAugust – her first run for 9 months – she will be much improved from that, her work has been good and gets a 4kg apprentice allowance in this R72 1300m event at Awapuni – Race 5 – she presents as a strong each way chance and can perform up to that if she handles the Heavy track. SPORTSCASTER– ever consistent, gets his chance in the Class 5 1700 metre event – Race 4 – in Singapore from a good draw and Singapore leading jockey, Vlad Duric in  the saddle. Should be hard to beat.

Trackwork This Week

Matamata

Tuesday 10^thSept –

Course Proper

Preparing to race at Awapuni on Saturday, Meteoric Lass (T Harris) galloped over 1000 metres, last 400 in 39.6.  Ronaldo’s Dream (O Bosson) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.04. final 600 in 36.5.

Thursday 12th–

Course Proper

Due to line up in the $25,000 Rating 72 1300 metres at Awapuni on Saturday, Meteoric Lass (J Kamaruddin) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres, running the last 800 in 55.7.

No 2 Sand

No.2 Sand:

Group 1 Tarzino Trophy winner Melody Belle (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.28.5. She is on track to race next in the Group 1 Windsor Park Plate (at Hastings on 21 September).

Racing at Ruakaka on Saturday, Ronaldo’s Dream (S Weatherley) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.14.6 and finished off in 1.13.7.

Starting next at Hastings on 21 September, Burgundy Belle (T Harris) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.16.

Rhapsody In Blue (S Weatherley) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.13.8, home in 43.

Grand Ariana (J Kamaruddin) worked at three quarter pace over 1200 metres in 1.27.8, final 600 in 43.

Fortuna will also have three starters at Taupo Friday 20^th, LEADERBOARD, GRAND ARIANA and RHAPSODY IN BLUE.

Acceptances are not yet finalised of course, but here are some preliminary thoughts on their prospects. LEADERBOARD, a Maiden winner in Ireland (2400m)  in October 2018 is an out and out staying type. He has impressed in his two trials in NZ and will give a good showing in this race in a fresh state. The 1300m may be a tad short for him on the tight, turning track, but this horse has some real quality about him.

GRAND ARIANAhas given cause for some had scratching throughout her career, as she gets so far back in the running, but goes to 1800m for the first time here – will strike a reasonable surface and can figure.

We have a lot of time for RHAPSODY IN BLUE– she disappointed slightly at Matamata at her 2^ndrace day start, finishing 4^thafter being sent out an odds on favourite – this off the back of a very strong winning trial. Heavy 10 track that day may have been the issue – certainly she has trained on well since and will get a better surface at Taupo

MELODY BELLE was the star of the show at the Annual New Zealand Thoroughbred Awards Evening held at the Ellerslie Event Centre Sunday 8th September. Attended by 500 people at a sold out venue, the Fortuna Syndicated, David Ellis selected and Jamie Richards trained Five Year Old Mare, won two awards, the Champion Sprinter/Miler of the Year and Horse of the Year and was narrowly defeated by DanzDanzDance (32 votes to 30) in the Champion Middle Distance category. Fortuna Principals John and Jessica Galvin were on hand along with 50 supporters of Melody Belle including many of the 37 Syndicate Members plus family and friends.

John Galvin in accepting the Horse Of The Year Award, described the experience as “exciting, thrilling and humbling” and paid tribute to all of the Syndicate Members who had taken shares in Melody Belle as well as David Ellis for selecting the horse on behalf of Fortuna from the Premier draft of the 2016 Karaka Sale and Jamie Richards for training the horse so successfully. John also pointed out that it was the second time in 2019 that a Te Akau trained horse had won a Horse Of the Year Award, the other being the Mark Walker trained Elite Invincible, who was awarded the Singapore equivalent Award in January for his achievements during the 2018 Singapore Season.

Click HERE to read full story from NZ Breeding and Racing News of the Awards evening

Melody Belle winning her 5th Group One of the 2018/19 Season – the New Zealand Bone Crusher Stakes at Ellerslie 9th March 2019

MELODY BELLE soars to a career best rating of 114 after her 7th Group One Victory in the Tarzino Trophy – to put that in perspective, the next highest rated horse in NZ is Bostonian at 108 – 6 points or 3kgs below Melody Belle

Talking of Melody Belle, click HERE to see her footage of her being sold at Karaka Premier Sale 2016

Tarzino Trophy Day – Hastings 31 August

Richards climbs world trainer rankings

Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards has become the highest ranked (21st) New Zealand trainer in the Thoroughbred Racing Commentary Global Rankings, following the Tarzino Trophy win by Melody Belle. Akin to the ATP tennis tour rankings, or PGA Golf Tour rankings, the TRC Trainer Rankings are the measure of achievement over a rolling three-year period, based not on prize money but the quality of performances by their horses in Group and Graded races. Racing Post Ratings (RPRs) are used to help calculate the merit of every performance. Broadcaster and jockey agent Aiden Rodley said: “It could be the highest any New Zealander has got in the trainer rankings, or at least anyone training out of New Zealand has got.

Fortuna Matamata Trackwork – Week ending Friday 6^th September

Tuesday 3^rd September – Leaderboard (M McNab) also worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.14, home in 45.3

Thursday 5^th September – Preparing to make his NZ raceday debut soon, Leaderboard (M McNab)  galloped over an easy 1000 metres, last 600 in 41.5. Ronaldo’s Dream (D Montes de Oca)) worked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres, last 600 in 45.

Fortuna Runners Coming Up

Runners this weekend for Fortuna are HIDDEN PROMISE (race 1) and SPOKESMAN (Race 4) in Singapore on Sunday 8th. HIDDEN PROMISE is in great form, was very unlucky last start after getting held up for a couple of strides in the run home, has to overcome an outside draw, but if he jumps well and races on the speed, he will be strong winning chance. SPOKESMAN, in great form winning his last race by 6 lengths, also has to overcome an outside draw, but as with Hidden Promise, he will be ridden positively out of the gates and is a strong each way chance if he can make the lead.

Upcoming Fortuna trialists

Avondale Tuesday 10th sees RED JAKKAL trial for the second time this preparation.

NZ Thoroughbred Racing Horse of The Year Awards 

Ellerslie Function Centre Sunday 8th September

Melody Belle has been nominated in two categories, Champion Sprinter/Miler  and Champion Middle Distance  and is an odds on favourite to collect the supreme Horse Of The Year title – can she do it?

A group of 50 people comprising Syndicate Members plus family and friends will be dressed up in their finery at this glittering affair, hoping that she can

The “Belles” were ringing at Hastings race course on Saturday 31 August when one race after Fortuna Mare, MELODY BELLE had won the Group One Tarzino Trophy in dramatic fashion in the hands of Michael McNab, her Fortuna Stablemate BURGUNDY BELLE (Burgundy – Spin N Grin) won the Rating 72 1300 metre event, also in very stylish fashion.

Drawn perfectly in barrier 4, the 4yo Mare jumped well and rider Michael McNab soon had her in a good spot, one off the rail just off the leaders. Traveling sweetly in the run, McNab angled to the middle of the track as they turned for home – in the meantime race leader Tavis Court had gone for broke, putting 3 lengths on the rest of the field with 3oo metres to go and was looking like a certain winner. Burgundy Belle was gathering a full head of steam however and, gradually reeling the leader in, hit the lead in the shadow of the post, winning by a neck on the line

Click HERE to see Race result and Video Replay

Burgundy Belle brilliant at Hastings 31st August 2019

Fortuna Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, was a very happy man post race – “I had left the Winners Circle room with the Tarzino Trophy in my hands after celebrating MELODY BELLE’s win and was only able to watch the race from the birdcage – it’s a bit hard to jump up and down with excitement when you are holding a heavy trophy, but BURGUNDY BELLE was superb today and with four wins from eight starts, she is certainly going places – well done to Jamie Richards and his Te Akau team as this Mare has not been without issues at times, but a patient approach is now paying dividends.”

Burgundy Belle was acquired by John Galvin as a yearling in a private sale for  from her Breeders David Ellis and Karyn Fenton Ellis and is one of number of successful acquisitions made by John from David and Karyn. “It’s been quite amazing really,” says John, “over the years Fortuna has successfully raced Darci’s Dream, Windborne, Jacks Secret (Singapore), Major Tom (Singapore), Colorado Prince and now, Burgundy Belle – all horses bred by David and Karyn and acquired by Fortuna.”

Now the winner of four races from eight race day starts and never finishing out of the prize money in any of them, Burgundy Belle has won over $60,ooo in prizemoney and is raced by the Fortuna Burgundy Belle Syndicate, an ownership Group of 53 Individuals, several of whom were on track at Hastings

Burgundy Belle was strapped by Kate Belsham

Champion Mare, MELODY BELLE, in what will undoubtedly go down as her greatest Group One victory to date, put a high class field to the sword  when winning the Group One Tarzino Trophy (1400 metres – $200,000) at Hastings, scoring back to back wins in the event after winning in 2018 as well.

Nervous punters, concerned about her wide barrier draw, sent the mare out at very generous starting odds of $5.70. Drawn barrier 15 of 16, the draw was of concern to her connections, but having faith in MELODY BELLE’s gate speed led Trainer, Te Akau’s Jamie Richards, Syndicate Manager John Galvin and rider Michael McNab to a pre race tactical plan to jump well and endeavour to take up a position in or near the lead. Uncharacteristically however, MELODY BELLE was tardy away and with huge early speed in the race, McNab had to resort to Plan B and finished up near the tail of the field. No panic on the rider’s part however, the speed up front was hot and the field strung out. On turning for home, MELODY BELLE had only two runners behind her, but seeing clear air as they straightened and with a couple of reminders behind the saddle, the bonny Mare got down to business, maintaining a swooping, compelling and powerful run, gathered in the field and went to the line with almost a length to spare in the very slick time of 1.22.12, the fastest time for this event in the past 10 years

Click HERE to see Video replay

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

Fortuna Director and Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, was ecstatic after the race. “I don’t usually get very emotional on race days,” he said, “but today’s victory was simply outstanding, she had to do it all from the draw and with not getting away well – she is a Super Star. Full credit to a no panic ride by our pinch hitting jockey, Michael McNab and to trainer Jamie Richards for having her spot on for this event.”

MELODY BELLE is a Five Year old race mare by Commands out of Meleka Belle and a descendent of the famous Belle family founded in the 1930’s by Jim and Annie Sarten and continued on by their daughter, Marie Leicester, MELODY BELLE’s breeder.

MELODY BELLE was purchased by Te Akau Supremo DAVID ELLIS, on behalf of Fortuna Syndications at the NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale of 2016 for $57,500. Now the winner of twelve races, including seven Group Ones, two Group Twos, a Group Three and the Listed Karaka Million, MELODY BELLE has won prize money of $1,750,000 for her ownership Group, the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate, a group of 34 individuals.

MELODY BELLE was strapped by Mette Mosebo

The patience of Trainer Mark Walker and Members of the Fortuna Sportsman Syndicate were rewarded in spades today at Kranji race course in Singapore when the Five Year Old Gelding, SPOKESMAN (Alamosa-Panthera) broke through for his first Singapore win. Fortuna Director John Galvin picks up the story, “Since acquiring Spokesman in January of this year, he has had 10 starts for us prior to today and had won prizemoney in 9 of them, so while he is no champion, he is honest as the day is long and now gets a well deserved win. Trainer Mark Walker decided that we needed to be positive from the wide draw and try and lead, and rider Zawari executed the tactics perfectly – so big kudos to Trainer and Jockey”

“Spokesman” – First Win In Singapore 25th August 2019

Drawn Barrier 11 in an 11 horse field over the 1600 metre trip in Class 5 Grade on the Turf track, Zawari fired SPOKESMAN out of the gates, soon had him in the lead, maintaining a solid tempo in the run. Still sitting quietly as they turned, Zawari gave the horse some rein, quickly putting a gap on the field and finished up winning the race by a commanding six lengths.

Click HERE to see the race replay

SPOKESMAN is one of two horses in the Fortuna Sportsman Syndicate (the other is SPORTSCASTER), an ownership group consisting of 27 individuals.

SPOKESMAN’S win gave Te Akau Singapore Trainer Mark Walker his 56th win for the season and now leads the 2019 Trainers Premiership by a 14 win margin