Friday Flash – 09 August 2024
MITRE PEAK – 2nd career win – Riccarton 12th July – Niranjan Parmar aboard
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Headline News
Jumps racing in NZ under review
Leaderboard runs 3rd in Grand National Hurdle in Victoria – Grand National Steeples is next
Vale Peter Joyce and Peter Hamling
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Fortuna has two runners on Sunday, both in Singapore
RHETT BUTLER contests the Class 5 1400m Polytrack event – Race 1 @12.30 Sing time (4.30pm NZT) with Darren Danis to ride from Barrier 4 – has been very disappointing now for several months, needs to lift significantly to feature here in what maybe his last run in Singapore as he is under contract for sale to Malaysia – TAB says “Impossible to entertain” – Odds not showing yet
KNIPPENBERG races in the Class 3 1200m Turf event – Race 6 @ 3pm Sing time (7pm NZT) with Calos Henrique to ride from Barrier 4 – has won four times this trip and surface in Singapore and all on the Long Course which is the course for Sunday’s racing – Great draw, lovely light weight, talented rider – he is a strong each way chance in this – TAB says “has shown enough ability in the past to take this out” – No Odds posted yet
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Matamata Trackwork – Fortuna runners
Thursday 8th August
Matamata
Malborough Bay (D Montes de Oca), worked over 800 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.01.2, home in 46.2.
Star Shadow (T Melvin) worked over 800 metres at three-quarter pace in 1.01.0, home in 45.0
Cranbourne Trackwork – Fortuna runners
Bellatrix Star (L Winks) worked over 1000 metres in 1.12.2, home in 41.6.
Singapore Trackwork
Saturday 3rd August
ELLIOT NESS(AWAH)1000/600-39; KNIPPENBERG(ASLAM)800/600-40
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OTHER NEWS
Jumps racing in NZ under review
Full story below – this has been rumbling around for a while and clearly this consultation process is all about gaining feedback from racing people across the board and then determining a way forward – as readers would know, Fortuna and Te Akau are big supporters of jumps racing and we would regards it as a tragedy if jumps racing in NZ was to come to an end. We only have to look across the Tasman at Victoria, where there is a vibrant jumping programme and a passionate group of participants supporting it, including leading Trainers like Ciarin Maher, the Hayes brothers and a host of specialist jumping trainers. Any member of the public can make a submission – click HERE to see the discussion document. The Fortuna submission will focus on some key points as follows
- The need to make significant investment into jumping events prizemoney to create additional incentive for those considering participating – after all, we have seen huge increases in prizemoney for flat racing, not to mention new races such as the NZ Kiwi – we mentioned in this column recently how one particular Group One race, the NZ Bonecrusher Stakes, a race we won twice with Melody Belle (2019 and 2021) has gone from $200k in those days to $1m in 2025, a fivefold increase. Clearly these initiatives are designed to create a more vibrant and interesting racing product, one that punters (and not just NZ based punters) and spectators want to get involved in. Jumps racing, given its 150 year record in NZ deserves a similar “investment mentality” to revitalise it. A clearly defined reinvestment programme with, say, a five year window, is needed urgently to encourage confidence and participation in the sector.
- Rider shortage – this is a significant issue with a lower number of NZ based riders available for wanting to participate – however this is not dissimilar to Victoria, who are now relying on a significant number of British/European riders to come to Victoria to ride (in what is the Northern Hemisphere off season for jumps racing – we could be doing the same here
- Infrastructure – with a smaller number of jumping venues on offer – investment into the jumping infrastructure of those venues that continue to host jumping events is critical
- Horse welfare – the rehoming program in New Zealand for horses retired from racing is already under significant pressure and will only be more so if jumps racing is abandoned, because it closes off an ongoing racing outlet for those horses whose flat racing career has come to an end – further significant investment into the jumps racing program would encourage more trainers and owners to extend the racing careers of their horses, allowing those horses to stay in training for a few more years, which has to be for the overall benefit of all parties, not least the horses themselves.
So, if you, like I, feel strongly about this issue, then please take the time to make a submission – every submission will carry weight I can assure you of that
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NZTR to Consult on Future of Jumps Racing
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has today (August 5) released a consultation document to aid in deciding the future of jumps racing in New Zealand.
The consultation, which will run through to September 6, presents two main options for the future of jumps racing: continuation with a dedicated strategy and additional investment, or a managed wind-down leading to eventual closure.
Bruce Sharrock, NZTR Chief Executive Officer, has asked those involved in jumps racing to carefully consider the document and provide feedback with their preferred option.
“Jumps racing in New Zealand is at a crossroads and as an industry we now need to decide what path we should take. Unfortunately, the economic reality means doing nothing is not an option,” said Sharrock.
“We are asking participants to carefully read the document, understand the situation we’re currently facing, and ultimately provide feedback on their preferred option.
”The consultation document outlines the work that has been done to arrest the decline in the participation of jumps racing as well as the broader contribution jumps racing makes to the thoroughbred racing industry.
A number of reasons for the need to consult are laid out, supported by statistical analysis.
These include;
Decline in Jumps Racing Participation and Races:
● The number of jumps races in New Zealand has decreased from 122 in FY10 to just 61 in FY24. This decline mirrors a reduction in the participant base.
Wagering Statistics:
● In the 2022/2023 season, the average turnover for flat races was $162k, significantly higher than the $91k average for jumps races. This disparity highlights a major challenge in the sustainability of jumps racing.
Decline in Community Participation:
● The number of trainers participating in jumps racing has dropped from 146 in FY10 to just 54 in FY23. Similarly, the number of jockeys has halved over the same period. Only 22 jockeys were involved in FY23.
Challenges in Jumps Racing Infrastructure:
● An audit revealed that the infrastructure supporting jumps racing is, at best, average. Riccarton Park remains the only South Island venue for jumps races.
Sharrock emphasised that no decision will be made until 31 October 2024 and called for those responding to the consultation to give feedback on whether there were aspects of jumps racing that the document had not considered.
“We encourage all participants and stakeholders to have their say. In particular, we would like to understand if their level of investment or participation is likely to change over the next 12 – 24 months and whether those participants would consider involvement with a dedicated investment strategy,” said Sharrock.
“At this stage this is purely a consultation, and no decision has been made. Once the consultation closes, NZTR will spend some time analysing the responses and further working groups will take place before a final decision is made by 31 October 2024.”
Those interested in responding to the consultation can download and review the consultation document here.
Feedback needs to be submitted by September 6, 2024.
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Leaderboard runs 3rd in Grand National Hurdle in Victoria – Grand National Steeples is next
Leaderboard has had a marvelous jumps campaign in Victoria in 2024 to date in what is his first full season at the jumping game. Six starts over fences have seen him win twice (once over hurdles and once over steeples) run two 2nds and a 3rd in three hurdles races (including the Australian Hurdles and the Grand National) and a 3rd in another high quality Steeples race (the Thackeray at Warrnambool). He is proving adept at both Hurdles and Steeples, but we are inclined to think that the big fences will prove to be his forte – he will get the chance to prove that with his next start being the Grand National Steeples at Ballarat on 25th August over 4200m, where he will meet the creme de creme of Australasian jumps participants. In other news, he will head back to NZ 28th August in order to have a nice spell at Te Akau Stud, but first, he will have one more race, that being the Great Northern Steeples (6500m) at Te Rapa 15th September – this will be a big thrill for his connections, the great majority of whom have had to watch his Aus exploits from this side of the Tasman. “Tiger” is a well loved horse, with a great flat record in NZ also, including wins in the Wellington Cup and the NZ St Leger and a 3rd and a 5th in two NZ Cups
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Vale Peter Joyce and Peter Hamling
Sad news last week with the passing of the Fortuna and Te Akau stalwart Peter Joyce – Peter had shares in 14 Fortuna horses at the time of his passing, including Leaderboard and also had shares in several Te Akau syndicated horses, the most notable being the multiple Group race winner, Campionessa. Peter, aged 85, had not enjoyed the best of health in recent years, but he never let that get him down, attending every race meeting he could, including some in Australia. Peter, whose first wife, Lorna, had passed away some years ago, had married Noeleen in recent years and they made a great couple. A great family man, Peter was the father of five children, including the former National Party Minister, Steven Joyce, a grandfather of 10 and a great grandfather of 4.
A couple of weeks earlier, we had seen the passing of another Peter (this one Peter Hamling) – Peter, along with his wife Irene, had shares in several Fortuna runners, including Leaderboard. Peter was 84 at the time of his death and was a Dad and a Grand Dad. Like Peter Joyce, he hailed from Taranaki and in his younger days, he was a raceday photographer and maintained a strong interest in photography until the end
I am sure that all readers of this newsletter will join with me in extending deepest sympathies to the Joyce and Hamling families
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Guest Selector – Des CoppinsHi John and the Fortuna Team
Firstly congratulations on Leaderboard’s brave third in the Grand National in Melbourne last week. He continues to do you and your syndicate proud.If Leaderboard was human he’d be Hayden Wilde, tough as teak from top to bottom, just like our super triathlete. I’m sure there’s another win in him before the winter season ends.
Speaking of winning it was good to see Donnybrook get up for us last week at Riccarton. The $6 price on the morning didn’t last long did it?Another suggested bet 7 days ago, Makabar, at $12 on the TAB surge button, was game in running second and in a couple more strides may well have won!
Let’s now look at this weekend.
I really think that the form should hold up on the last day at Riccarton despite rain falling on and off some 48 hours prior to the race day.
It should be a favourites day.
I’m going to suggest a multi to give us odds of better than 20 to one, Jestin Case ($4.2) into Mr Twinkletoes ( $4.8).
They are in races 5 and 8 respectively.
As you know I’ve been on Jestin Case’s page ( our third nominee from last weeks column) a few times and her record stacks up well but dodging trouble has never been easy for her.
The run on the first day saw her doing things wrong at the start by way of a sluggish beginning but overall she was the quickest to the line over the last 200m. She’s as fit as hands can make her.
The run of Mr Twinkletoes on the first day was also good enough to suggest he will go close in race 8.
He appeared to have every chance last week but he is sure to improve with the run.
I think most of you will agree that Mr T’s trainer is one of the best in all aspects of horsemanship. She had a lot to do as a conditioner and owner of the champion jumper Tallyho Twinkletoe the winner of both Grand Nationals on the track a season or three ago.
Young Amber Riddell replaces the injured Lisa Allpress and the 4kgs allowance is a huge assist. Amber know the horse and in fact rode him in a trial at Foxton not that long ago.
Te Atatu Dream, r10 Te Rapa
The above broke its maiden status on this track in May on a heavy 8.
I see the Wexford team, who it must be said seem to have as good a strike rate as any at Te Rapa, have applied the blinkers for the first time. She unwound solidly last time here to register the quickest last 400 and 200. The blinkers may well assist in her keeping closer to the pace. She’s at double figure odds and I’ll be having a little each way.
Melbourne Cup:
Ps just a reminder that our popular Melbourne Cup tour with almost 80 on board closes off within the next week.
Feel free to email me at dcoppins@xtra.co.nz and I’ll be happy to pass your name onto our experienced travel broker Kel Munro for complete details if you’d like enjoy a great bunch of like minded people.
Des
Fortuna Friday Flash – 2nd August 2024
MITRE PEAK – 2nd career win – Riccarton 12th July – Niranjan Parmar aboard
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Headline News
Te Akau Racing secure another Trainers Premiership
TAB Turnover figures staying strong
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Fortuna has two runners on Sunday, one at Sandown and one in Singapore
Sandown
LEADERBOARD contests the prestigious Grand National Hurdles over 4200m event for A$300k – Race 4 @ 2.15pm Aus time (4.15pm NZT) with Aaron Kuru to ride. Five jumps races to date in Victoria, in his first full season as a jumper, have yielded a 2nd, a Win, a 2nd, a Win and a 3rd – back to the Hurdles here after two previous runs over the big fences, but gets to run over 4200m which will suit perfectly – rock hard fit, his trackwork has been very good – is ready for this -TAB says “Continues to make headway – top chance”” – Showing $6/$2 and is 5th fave
Singapore
ROCKY races in the Class 4 1200m Turf event – Race 10 @ 5pm Sing time (9pm NZT) with Calos Henrique to ride from Barrier 6 – not seen on race day since January – is resuming after a long lay off due to knee surgery – has been working well and trialed nicely recently – resuming at a trip short of his best but has placed when fresh previously, we are looking to see him run home strongly – TAB says “Has claims on best form” – No Odds posted yet
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Matamata Trackwork – Fortuna runners
Thursday 1st August
Court Of Appeal (C Grylls) worked over 800 metres in 55.5, home in 40.6.
Singapore Trackwork
Saturday 27th July
ELLIOT NESS(AWAH)1000/600-39
Tuesday 30th July
ELLIOT NESS(AWAH)1000/600-39
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OTHER NEWS
Te Akau Racing secure another Trainers Premiership
The champagne corks were popping at headquarters Te Akau on Tuesday with the stable recording another Premiership win with 169 winners for the 2023/34. This premiership win was notable for the fact that it was recorded by the new training partnership of Mark Walker and Sam Bergeson which came into affect on the 1st of August 2023. What a great thrill that must be for Sam to win a training premiership in his very first year as a registered trainer. For Mark Walker this was his seventh New Zealand premiership with the previous six being recorded in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2023 and in the years between 2010 and 2023, Mark recorded four Singapore Premierships in his time there, this giving him a career total of 11 Premierships altogether. Notable that the record for New Zealand training premierships is held by Graham Rogerson at 11 and so Mark has equaled that number of winning premierships, but over two different jurisdictions
For Te Akau Racing, as well as recording the seven premierships mentioned above, they also enjoyed further three premierships, when the now Hong Kong based Jamie Richards was at the helm, making 10 NZ Premierships in total for the stable. Looking back in history Dave O’Sullivan recorded nine premiership wins, eight of those in partnership with his son Paul and you have to go back to the 1930s for further comparison, with Tommy George winning nine premierships between 1931 and 1942, although Bill and Graham Sanders had a great run with five successive premiership wins in the 1973 to 1977 seasons
It is also worth mentioning that as well as 169 wins recorded by the New Zealand stable the Te Akau Cranbourne stable, with Mark Walker at the helm as sole trainer, recorded an additional 24 wins which is quite remarkable in itself, given that they only had 20 boxes during the season and also notable that Mark’s strike rate in Victoria was over 21% putting him in second place behind Sam and Anthony Freedman on strike rate. I am sure that Mark would be giving his Cranbourne based assistant Trainer, Ben Gleeson, a lot of credit for this success
TAB Turnover figures staying strong
Thoroughbred turnover for June was up 32% on June 2023, Harness and Dog figures a bit soft, Sports betting up 17% on June 2023 (Warriors are a key factor here we think) and active Racing customers are up 13.7% year on year
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Guest Selector – Des Coppins
Greetings John and the Fortuna Team
In punting at this time of the year most of us have a clear understanding that heavy tracks vary from one track to another.
Indeed it’s not always a case that a horse that handles a heavy 10 with more water around comprehensively on one track will repeat the dose on another track that also reads 10 but on a surface that’s lacking moisture and maybe even glue-like! Inconsistent winter form is something we’ve always had to live with.
For what’s it’s worth I’d much prefer to see a horse I’ve had a bet on running on a track that’s been rained on right up until race time, rather than one hasn’t had rain for a couple of days and is holding.
Sadly that doesn’t always transpire and that’s why we have to utilise all the form avenues we can get our hands on to try and maintain some consistency on the punt especially at this time of the year.
Study and more study is the key for me and noting rain measurements close to start time.
While we all run into a brick wall and we don’t always get it right on these tricky tracks whether there’s rain or no rain it’s worth a fist pump when we do and on that note it’s very pleasing to see the email selections firing this week like the suggested long odds value bet to run top 4, Five Bells, obliging. ( It was a 30 to one chance at Otaki on Saturday).
We also had nose defeat by 21 to one value tip, Hokitika Bell at Waverley on Sunday ( jockey slightly stopped riding when it lay in) and on Wednesday the value bet at Tauranga Divine Essence (12 to one)thankfully had a last stride win to give us a decent windfall.
I appreciate the positive feedback from the Fortuna clients who have signed up with my email tipping service.
Let’s hope the run continues.
With the new season now under way and the real likelihood of improving tracks it’s a good time to come on board as a subscriber for the top tier tips for every race and a best and value bet on each NZ race day before 9am.
Simply email me for relevant details as soon as you can to
dcoppins@xtra.co.nz and the sub of $240 ( gst inclusive) takes you right up until October 31 ( 3 months) equating to approximately $3.50 per race day.
I’ve focussed on the Grand National carnival for my three to keep an eye on this Saturday.
( From last week incidentally I’d be sticking with Oppenheimer. He didn’t get all favours at the start at Te Rapa and he looks promising).
Donnybrook, r7 and r9.
Donnybrook is engaged in two races.
I’m hoping he runs in the Winter Cup. He’s the first off the ballot.
I backed it when the markets came out almost one month ago.
He’s an up and comer and has been judiciously placed.
He’s reasonably fresh and goes well in this state.
His run last month at Hastings under 59kgs in lower class was enormous.
He’s also in race 7.
Jestin Case r8
She’s another promising type who doesn’t know how to run a bad race.
She should’ve won two starts ago and unfortunately she has a bad habit of doing things wrong at the start.
A feature of her races is always her ability to attack the line nonetheless.
She’s poised to win again.
Makabar, race 4
He was victorious at the winter carnival twice last year carrying 60kgs in the rating 75 and winning this very race with 54kgs, exactly the same weight again!!
He’s a tough customer and his run last time was convincing enough to suggest win number 10 is on the cards.
Good punting!
Des
Friday Flash – 26th July 2024
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Friday Flash – 19th July 2024
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MITRE PEAK wins again at Riccarton – 12th July 2024
Stepping in the right direction, Mitre Peak (3 f More Than Ready – Liten Prinsessa, by Bernardini) produced a big effort to win the $22,000 3YO 1400 metres on 12 July at Riccarton. Having won the Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1200 metres (eligible $26,000 bonuses) on 31 May and finishing close third in the 3YO 1400 metres on 13 June, both on the poly track at Riccarton, Mitre Peak brought the right form amongst similar company to rate a top three chance.
Continuing her fine association with Te Akau apprentice Niranjan Parmar, who leads his peers in the apprentice premiership, Mitre Peak was content to lope along at the rear (seven lengths 600m), presented to the outside on straightening and let down with raking strides in a well timed finish to snare victory. In beating strongly supported Motiontime (Showtime), who had won four races, the performance by Mitre Peak was in keeping with the good progress she had made since recently winning her Maiden. Running 1400 metres in 1:24.0 on the poly track, in the race sponsored by Speight’s Summit Ultra On Tap, Mitre Peak returned $6.30 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.
Click HERE to see the race replay
For the Te Akau South Island stable at Riccarton, managed throughout the season by Hunter Durrant and Ashley Handley, Mitre Peak became the 62nd win from the Riccarton base, among a total of 168 for premiership leading trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson.
Co -Trainer Mark Walker was on track at Riccarton to watch his charge’s inpressive win “She looked terrific in the coat and it was a really good run to win, so well done to Ashley and Hunter,” he said. “They’re two highly accomplished horse people, totally dedicated and professional and we’re very fortunate to have them on staff. They’ve helped manage the horses and staff for Sam and I in the South Island and it’s all worked well to have that many wins from the stable there this season. Well done to John Galvin and his owners – they have allowed us to be patient with this filly and she’s now starting to string together some good performances. It was a really good win today because she stuck her neck out and tried very hard.”
MITRE PEAK – 2nd career win – Riccarton 12th July – Niranjan Parmar aboard
Fortuna Director John Galvin watched the race on Trackside from his Hamilton home. “My heart went into my mouth when she was slowly away,” he said. “She seemed to travel well and on the corner I thought she was a chance to run in the money, but she really motored home down the straight and she had me well and truly up and out my chair that last 200m – she showed a great turn of foot – very pleasing as she’s beaten a good field – and a lovely ride by Parmar – he didn’t panic when she was tardy away and he was really vigorous on her at the business end of the race. We don’t think Mitre Peak is the full deal yet, because she still has quite a bit of furnishing to go. So for her to win a couple of races, as she’s done this time in, is very satisfying. It was reported to us that her work had been good leading up to the race, we couldn’t fault her, but there were a couple more favoured in betting that appeared quite hard to beat. We were confident that she was going to run well, but not completely convinced that she was going to beat the others. But in the end she did – so a great training effort by Mark and Sam, ably assisted at Riccaron by Hunter and Ashley”
From the last crop of world renowned sire More Than Ready (Southern Halo), with over 2000 winners, Mitre Peak is from Liten Prinsessa, by another worldwide acclaimed sire Bernardini (A. P. Indy).
Liten Prinsessa, winner of four races to 1400 metres in Australia, is a sister to Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winner and Champion Two-Year-Old Ruud Awakening, now the dam of Group Three winner Rise Of The Masses (Russian Revolution).
Mitre Peak was purchased for A$60,000 by David Ellis CNZM/Fortuna Racing at Inglis 2022 Classic Yearling Sale in Sydney.
Mitre Peak is raced by the Fortuna Mitre Peak Syndicate, an Ownership Group consisting of 53 individuals, mostly from NZ but with one syndicate Member from Australia
She was strapped by Naomi Warrender
Friday Flash – 12th July 2024
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Friday Flash 5th July 2024
“Leaderboard” – Warrnambool Steeples Victory – 23rd June 2024 – Aaron Kuru aboard
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Headline News
LEADERBOARD to contest the time honoured THACKERAY Steeples at Warrnambool Sunday 7th July – John to attend
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Fortuna has three runners over the weekend, one in NZ and one each in Victoria and Singapore
Te Rapa – Saturday
RAGAMUFFIN contests the R75 1400m event – Race 7 @ 2.37pm with Courtney Barnes to ride from Barrier 2 – brave when running 2nd at Trentham under 59.5kgs last time, he is up in grade here and will only have to carry 55.5kgs – racing in great form and if he copes with the class rise, is a genuine each way contender – TAB says “Solid prospect with a similar effort to last time” – showing $5/$1.85
Warrnambool – Sunday
LEADERBOARD races in the time honoured Thackeray Steeplechase for A$100k at the iconic ‘Bool racecourse – Race 6 @ 3.20pm Aus time (5.20pm NZT) – Aaron Kuru has taken to the jumping game with great authority with a dominant last start win this track two weeks ago at his first attempt at the big fences – two starts, two wins this track, drops 6kgs in weight, but meets a much stronger field – can make it three from three – TAB says “Looks a strong winning hope” – showing $3.10/$1.40 and favourite
Singapore – Sunday
RHETT BUTLER races in the Class 5 1200m Turf event – Race 1@ 12.30pm Sing time (4.30pm NZT) with Apprentice Darren Danis claiming 1kgs to ride from barrier 3. After some indifferent form in recent starts, he was much better last time this grade and trip for a 3rd placing – will get a soft run here from the draw and big improvement expected. TAB says “Has to find improvement” – No odds posted yet
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Matamata Trackwork – Fortuna runners
Tuesday 2nd July
Porcia Catonis (D Miller) worked over an easy 800 metres in 56.5, home in 40.1
Singapore Trackwork
Saturday 29th June
RHETT BUTLER (JAMIL) 800/600-38; ROCKY (ASLAM)800/600-40;
Tuesday 2nd July
ELLIOT NESS (YUSOFF)600-39;
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OTHER NEWS
LEADERBOARD to contest the time honoured THACKERAY Steeples at Warrnambool Sunday 7th July – John to attend
There is a lot of excitement and anticipation in the Leaderboard camp with its up and coming star jumper returning to the famous Warrnambool racetrack where he has raced twice before, for a dominant win in a maiden hurdles event April 30th and two weeks ago in the BM120 Steeplechase where he was dominant again at his first attempt over the big fences. The former Wellington Cup winner has always shown an aptitude for jumping, having been schooled on a regular basis over the hurdles when based at Matamata and has taken to the discipline with real gusto since traveling to Victoria, where he is based at the Te Akau base at Cranbourne. Four starts over the jumps in Victoria have yielded two wins and two seconds.
John says “It is no real surprise that “Tiger” has taken to the jumping game. He has always showing a bit of affinity for it, is bred to stay all day and has a great jumping action – full credit to Mark Walker who has been with him at Cranbourne for the last four weeks – Mark has really got to know Leaderboard very well over the past couple of years, has planned his jumping program in Victoria to the minute and we are looking forward to this week’s race where he steps up in grade but also drops 6kg in weight. I will be there on the day and with school holidays on, will be accompanied by my two boys, James, 13 and Joshua, 9.”
Safely through this week’s assignment, Leaderboard has an ambitious ongoing program mapped out with the Grand National Hurdles at Sandown for A$350k on 4th August and then three weeks later the Grand National Steeples at Ballarat also for A$350k
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Des Coppins – Guest Selector
Here is what Des has to say this week –
Here is what Des has to say this week –
Greetings John and Fortuna followers and best of luck to Leaderboard owners as you eye up the Thackeray Steeples at Warrnambool on Sunday.
I’ll be watching!
Unfortunately last week we were left with just one runner from our original three with two potential leading lights scratched on the eve of the race day.
Our sole runner Super Get ( 18 to one) finished just two lengths from a winner and he’s one of those “ paste in the hat” type runners going forward.
Let’s move on to Saturday and my three to follow are all engaged at Te Rapa.
Librasi, race 7
I think she’s over the odds at $7.50
Visiting trainer Alan Sharrock has the mare spot on after a comfortable win on her home track in early June in the hands of promising 3kgs claimer, Triston Moodley.
His record with Sharrock is stunning with 7 wins from just 13 rides and a strike rate of 1.9!
Librarsi has two seconds to her name at Te Rapa including a group 3 placing in the Eulogy Stakes ( transferred from Awapuni) on a soft 6 and on a heavy track as well also in stakes company.
Amazing Grace r9
Her last run was solid to the line when running 5th to Margaret Jean and company after a slow start.
She’s lightly tried and is third up going into this race and she won in the same state on her last preparation.
I’d he surprised if she doesn’t keep improving.
R10, Te Atatu Memphis
He ran in stronger company last time and drops from r75 to r65 and jumps from 2100 to 2400m.
In that run the other day his work over the last 800m was his best and barring the winner he was the quickest over the last 200m.
While he’s only saluted once in 24 starts he has filled runners up role 6 times and all but one of those 6 were on heavy tracks.
He’s 5th up.
He ran 2nd 5th up last term and won at his very next start.
This is an ideal race for a return to form.
The track will be hovering around soft 7 or heavy 8 and while his best form is in the wet he hasn’t been out of it in the past on better tracks either.
Stop Press:
Highlights for our Melbourne Cup tour this year includes the Cup eve dinner with Michael Walker; a visit to the Te Akau Stables at Cranbourne, a catch up with our good old friend Garry Willets for a Sunday lunch as well a ton of fun with like minded people in the best reserved viewing at Flemington for 2,3 or all 4 race days.
Your choice!
It’s my 35th trip as co tour leader with our highly respected travel agents Sporting Tours.
Over 70 have booked already with at least half being repeats.
If the Melbourne cup is high on your bucket list make it this year to tick it off!
Email me dcoppins@xtra.co.nz for the complete brochure.
The deadline is Monday August 5.
Good punting!
Des
LEADERBOARD wins again at Warrnambool – this time over the Steeples
With a flawless display of jumping, Leaderboard (9 g Street Cry – Flower Fairy, by Dynaformer) easily won the $40,000 Warrnambool BM120 Steeplechase (3450m) on 23 June at Warrnambool, Victoria. The former Wellington Cup (Gr. 3, 3200m) and St Leger (Listed, 2600m) winner has taken to jumps racing like a duck to water and after easily winning (3 ¼ lengths) the Maiden Hurdle (3200m) on 30 April at Warrnambool, he recently stepped up with a great performance for second in the Australian Hurdle (3900m) on 2 June at Sandown.
Ridden again by former New Zealand Champion Jumps Jockey of the Year Aaron Kuru, who recently combined with him to win on the course and partnered stable-mate Prismatic (Savabeel) for second in the prior race, a 3200-metre hurdle, Leaderboard jumped brilliantly in front throughout and kept dishing it up to win by three and a half lengths. In the race sponsored by Michelin Service Centre, hotly supported Leaderboard appreciated the Soft6 footing and paid $1.90 & $1.20 on the NZ TAB tote.
Click HERE to see the replay
“It was a brilliant display of jumping and a lovely ride of Aaron’s,” said Mark Walker, from the Te Akau training base at Cranbourne. “Leaderboard has really taken to the jumping caper and absolutely loves it. He can jump off a short stride, a long stride, he’s very nimble, and really has huge potential. It’s great for Fortuna Racing, John & Jessica Galvin and their owners, they have a great understanding of racing and it’s lovely to train Leaderboard in Australia, and for him to have now won his first steeplechase assignment.”
Walker said that Leaderboard will be prepared for the $100,000 Thackery Steeplechase (3450m) in a fortnight (Sunday 7 July) at Warrnambool, prior to the $300,000 Australian Grand National Hurdle (4200m) on Sunday 4 August at Sandown, and finish his Australian campaign in the $350,000 Australian Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) on Sunday 25 August at Ballarat.
“They are three really big assignments ahead of him, but we do think he is a top-class jumper,” Walker added.
“Leaderboard” – Warrnambool Steeples Victory – 23rd June 2024
Owned by Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), Leaderboard was purchased in October 2018 at the Tattersalls Sale in U.K., and his nine wins have yielded over $450,000 in earnings.
“I’ve been watching jumping races most my life and seen some pretty good jumpers in that time, but this boy is really showing to have the goods,” John Galvin said about the horse who goes by the stable name “Tiger”. “He’s very measured, calm, and methodical with his jumping, but he also has the turn of foot that has seen him win good races on the flat. He looked to have them in trouble a fair way out and we had the right man in the saddle in Aaron Kuru, who rated him perfectly, kept him out of trouble, except for when the riderless horse came alongside over the concluding stages.”
At the time of purchase, Galvin said: “I asked (bloodstock agent) Hubie de Burgh to find a European bred stayer that had a typical pedigree and the type that could turn into a cups horse down here (New Zealand). So, he went to the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale and picked him out. We had a budget of 70 to 80,000 Guineas and we got him for 75,000.”
His sire Street Cry (Machiavellian) also left Winx, world record holder of 25 Group One races, Champion US mare Zenyatta, Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, and Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, so stamina runs in the blood and Leaderboard has his share.
“We’ve had Leaderboard for nearly six years and he’s probably only been a bit in and out with his form because he hasn’t been able to run in enough races that are long enough for him,” Galvin added. “He showed us when winning the Wellington Cup and St Leger, and third in the New Zealand Cup, what he could do over ground, and now he’s excelling in the jumping game. I would like to be there for his next start in the Thackery (Steeplechase). It’s a bit of a mission, three and a half hours on the train to Warrnambool from Melbourne, but it’s a great venue and I heard the commentator say that the meeting in July is always a sell out, as well.
“And a big congrats to Mark Walker with how he has handled this horse. Since Mark has come back to New Zealand from Singapore and taken over the training of Leaderboard – he was going well for Jamie (Richards) – but with the extra time, Mark has taken him to another level and handled him to perfection. He’s really got to understand the horse.
“Several of the Leaderboard members are also in Malborough Bay (Darci Brahma) as well (winner a day earlier at Tauranga), so they’ve had a double for the weekend.”
Leaderboard is raced by the Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate, an ownership Group of 73 individuals, 72 NZ based and 1 based in the Northern Territory, Australia
Leaderboard was strapped by Hailey Morton.
Malborough Bay “all the way” wins stylishly at Tauranga 22nd June
Recording his fourth victory, Malborough Bay (4 g Darci Brahma – Spin ‘N Grin, by Spinning World) took out the $35,000 Rating 75 1400 metres Freeman Challenge Ultimate Cup on Saturday at Tauranga. A winner three starts ago over 1400 metres at Te Rapa, Malborough Bay had continued to race solidly and ran fastest last 600m (37.5) from a handy position for third in the Rating 75 1600 metres on 6 June at New Plymouth. Ridden by Te Akau apprentice Jess Allen (claiming 3kgs), who was keen to utilize barrier one and lead, Malborough Bay was softened up for a majority of the race, but appeared to travel better than those around him turning home and proved quite dominant in the finish to win by three-quarters of a length. In winning The Freeman Ultimate Champion Cup, Malborough Bay ran 1400 metres in 1:26.9, last 600m in 37.3 (approx.), and paid $5.20 & $1.70 on the NZ TAB tote.
Click HERE to see the race replay
Watching the race from the Te Akau training base in Cranbourne, Victoria, co -Trainer Mark Walker was fulsome in his praise for his young apprentice “Full credit to Jess Allen because the way she rode him had a lot to do with winning the race,” Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson said. “She was positive and having worked hard on her fitness, she was able to keep the horses going strongly. Her riding has gone to another level over the past three months. She knew she had to get stronger in riding out in the finish and her improvement has been substantial. She can now pull the stick through and has the ability to use it in her left hand. So her effort and sheer determination is paying dividends and she’s a valuable asset to the stable with her three-kilo claim.
“Malborough Bay has been doing a ton of schooling over fences and actually shows great promise over the hurdles. He’s been a pretty good horse for the owners, who have been patient, since winning first-up as a two-year-old. His form flattened out for a while when he wasn’t physically strong enough to go to the next level, but he’s improving with age and full credit to John Galvin of Fortuna Racing because he’s always patient with his horses and never pushes them unnecessarily. John never gets despondent, understands the ebbs and flows of racing and along with his wife Jessica and their owners, it’s always a pleasure to train for them.”
MALBOROUGH BAY – 4th career win – Tauranga 22nd June 2024 – Jessica Allen aboard
Malborough Bay was bred by Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM and Glenn & Cathie Holmes, this after Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM bought his dam, Spin ‘N Grin (Spinning World), for $65,000 at the 2003 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale and proved to be a very good filly when trained by Mark Walker in winning the Eight Carat Classic (Gr. 2, 1600m) at only her fourth start, finished third a week later in the Royal Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m), and unlucky when second at her seventh start in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m).
Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin was on course along with a few Members of his Ownership Group and was a happy man post race. “Steve Freeman, who sponsored the race, is well known to us as he has shares in a few Fortuna runners, although not Malborough Bay and it was a great pleasure to receive the Freeman Cup from Steve” he said “and it was a lovely strong effort by the horse – he has struggled a little bit in Rating 75 grade on a Saturday, but we made the decision to come to this race and as it turned out, with a smaller field and the barrier draw (1), the plan was to be positive. We claimed three-kilos down to 54kg with Jess Allen aboard and she gave him a lovely ride – she didn’t let up on him in the run home and she executed the instructions to perfection. Big kudos to Mark and Sam as they started to school this horse over the Hurdles about three months ago and I think it’s improved him not only physically but mentally as well – he’s stronger and more resolute in his racing.”
The win by Malborough Bay was the 161st this season for Walker & Bergerson and somewhat of a milestone in Te Akau racing history as former trainer Jamie Richards, now training in Hong Kong, set a new record of 160 wins in 2020/21, which was subsequently surpassed by Mark Walker last season with a tally of 203 domestic victories. Whichever way you look at it, it reflects another great season for everyone involved with the stable and a special moment for Sam Bergerson in his first season of training.
Malborough Bay is raced by the Fortuna Malborough Bay Syndicate, an Ownership Group of 55 individuals from New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia. He was acquired by Fortuna Racing from his Breeders Karyn Fenton-Ellis and Glenn/Cathie Holmes in a private sale in 2021
Malborough Bay was strapped by Ahbi Pawar.
Friday Flash 21st June 2024
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