Double Victory for the Fortuna runners last weekend
John to attend Warrnambool Carnival 30th April – 2nd May
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Fortuna has four runners next few days – two in NZ – two in Victoria
Matamata – Friday
MITRE PEAK contests the Maiden Fillies 1200m event – Race 4 @ 2.32pm and will be ridden by Vinnie Colgan from a good barrier – resumed Otaki 1 April over 1000m for a solid 5th placing – has taken a lot of improvement from that – ready for a bold showing at home track – Ned’s say “Local who can pay a dividend here after a good resuming run” @$10/$3.30
Cranbourne – Friday
RUBICON CROSSING races in the Fillies and Mares 1000m event – Race 7 @ 8.15pm Aus time (10.15pm NZT) and will be ridden by Apprentice Luke Cartwright, claiming 3kgs, from a mid field Barrier 2 – was good this track and distance on resuming 29th March finishing 4th – is right in this as a good each way chance @ $5.50 – Bookmaker Neds say “Fitter and a winning chance.”
Te Rapa – Saturday
MALBOROUGH BAY contests the R65 1400m event – Race 9 @ 4.34pm in the hands of Craig Grylls from a good draw- was very good resuming at Matamata 27th March but then floundered on a very heavy track Otaki 13th April – can be hard to catch but very capable on his day – showing $18/$6 Fixed odds
Warrnambool – Tuesday
LEADERBOARD is in the Maiden Hurdles 3200 event – no race no or time yet – Aaron Kuru to ride – had his first Hurdles race in Victoria at Pakenham 14th April for a solid 3rd placing – has taken huge improvement from that and is poised to be very competitive in this – is a lovely jumper, is very fit, will relish the trip and had the right man on top – strong each way chance
Tuesday 23rd AprilMarlborough Bay (R Sheehan) a galloped over 1000 metres in 1.10.2, last 600 in 40.3.
Mitre Peak (N parmar) and Not Straight Laced (J Allen) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.11.4, home in 39.3.
Singapore Trackwork
No timed Fortuna runners trackwork this week
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OTHER NEWS
Double Victory for the Fortuna runners last weekend
Following on from Star Shadows lovely win at Otaki the previous week, Fortuna runners managed to keep the resurgence going with Sailing Away breaking maidens at Riccarton on Saturday in the hands of Niranjan Palmer and then the next day at Hawera Ragamuffinrecording his third career win and his first in over two years, with Craig Grylls aboard
Prior to this winning streak we had gone 77 days without a winner with a frustrating run of seconds, thirds and fourths, so it was good to record the three winners in an eight day period – as the old saying goes “the night is darkest before the dawn” – see the website stories below on both of these successes
Fortuna 3yo Gelding SAILING AWAY wins for the first time at Riccarton 20th April
Published20 April 2024
Sailing Away(3 g Merchant Navy – Anchovy, by Galileo) got the day off on a bright note for Te Akau trainersMark Walker & Sam Bergerson when winning the $20,000 Maiden 1400 metres on Saturday at Riccarton. Freshened following three starts in his first campaign, which included a third over 1200 metres at Timaru, Sailing Away finished fifth from a handy position when resuming in the Maiden 1200 metres on 4 April at Ashburton, and took the necessary improvement.
Beginning well from barrier one to idle along in the trail, Sailing Away received a clear passage near the rail and kept mustering under the urgings of stable apprentice Niranjan Parmar, who recorded his 20th win for Te Akau this season and 10th at Riccarton. In the race named Riccarton Park Function Centre, Sailing Away ran 1400 metres in 1:24.3, last 600m in 34.7 (approx.), and shortened in betting as race favourite to pay $3.80 & $1.70 on the NZ TAB tote.
Present on course, co – Trainer Mark Walker said: “It was a nice ride of Parmar’s to have him travelling so well in the trail and it’s always good to get a winner for John Galvin and Fortuna Racing. Sailing Away been a slower maturing horse than initially expected, but he is out of Galileo mare so he should improve with more time and distance. He’s getting that little bit stronger now, that’s the key to him, and Hunter (Durrant) and the team at the Te Akau stables down here at Riccarton have done a really good job with him.”
SAILING AWAY breaks Maidens – Riccarton Park 20th April – Niranjan Parmar aboard
It was the second victory in a week for the Te Akau/Fortuna Racing partnership, after two-year-old stable-mate Star Shadow (Reliable Man) scored on debut in the 2YO 1300 metres last Saturday at Otaki.
Syndicate manager, John Galvin, watching the race from his Hamilton home, was well satisfied after the race “David and Mark picked this horse out of the 2022 Karaka yearling sale, believing that on physical type he would make a lovely two year-old and he certainly suggested that in his initial preparation, but then had a real growth spurt and we had to abandon our two year-old plans for him and wait for more physical development. He had three starts in the December/January period of this season but then, believing he needed a break, he was given a freshen up and his resuming run at Ashurton recently indicated that he was certainly knocking on the door. His pedigree page indicates that he may well prosper over more ground and the way he won the race today would tend to confirm that as well. Well done to Parmar for a well judged ride and congratulations to Mark and Sam and their team for exhibiting so much patience in the way they have handled Sailing Away.”
Sailing Away stems from a rather phenomenal international family, with third dam Love Me True (Kingmambo), leaving five-time Group One winning stallion Duke Of Marmalade (Danehill), a European Champion that won from 1400m – 2400m, Champion Three-Year-Old and The Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) winner Ruler Of The World (Galileo), along with Group winners Norway (Galileo) and Annus Mirabilis (Montjeu).
Owned by the Fortuna Sailing Away Syndicate – an Ownership group of 56 individuals, he was purchased by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing for $60,000, from the draft of Cambridge Stud, at the Karaka 2022 Book 1 Sale.
Sailing Away was strapped by Naomi Warrander.
RAGAMUFFIN salutes the judge at Hawera 21st April for his 3rd career win
Published22 April 2024
RAGAMUFFIN brought a lot of joy to his large ownership group when taking out the Johnny Neil Ltd Rating 60 1600 meter event at Hawera 21st of April in the hands of jockey Craig Grylls – it had been a long time between drinks for Ragamuffin, who had not greeted the judge since March 30th 2022. In his early career he had won twice from his first four starts, but subsequently had had a long period away from the track after post surgery complications and had been to the races 15 more times before producing his third career win at Hawera. Drawn midfield Grylls bounced Ragamuffin away from the gates nicely, using up a bit of petrol to get to the lead and over to the rail, but then was happy to hand up the lead to You’ll Do and was content to lob along in second place – challenging on the turn Ragamuffin hit the lead at the top of the straight and was a dominant winner, going to the line with a two length margin in a time of 137.12 on a Good 4 surface and returned $2.80 and $1.40 on the New Zealand TAB
Ragamuffin was having his second start from the stable of Robbie Patterson, after having previously been trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson of Te Akau Racing Stables. Patterson was on course and was naturally pleased to get a quick result for his new charge. “It’s always a bit of a challenge to take on a new horse from another stable and to get to know its personality and quirks, but Ragamuffin has settled in very nicely with us, produced a good effort over 1400m at Woodville recently to run third and we figured that stepping up to 1600 would be ideal and the addition of the blinkers seemed to work very well also – he didn’t beat much today but clearly he is a galloper with some good ability and I think he could be in for a profitable late autumn/winter of racing. Congratulations to John Galvin and his Fortuna team of owners – Ragamuffin is the first horse we have trained for John and it’s great to get a result for the Fortuna team”
“Ragamuffin” – Hawera 21st April 2024 – Craig Grylls aboard
Savouring the 3rd individual winner in eight days for his Fortuna Team, John Galvin was on course at Hawera to witness Ragamuffin’s win along with a small number of his large ownership group and was a very happy man after the race “It was very satisfying to get this win today – Ragamuffin had showed quite a bit of ability in his early career, but in April 2022 he required some knee surgery, developed some complications from that, was away from racing for over 12 months and since his return it has taken him a while to get back to form, but his previous two starts leading into this race were very good and today he got the job done in stylish fashion for his ownership group. Well done to Robbie Patterson who has only had the horse for about three weeks – he’s got to know him very quickly and has done a great job with him – lovely ride by Craig Grylls, who as we know, is one of New Zealand leading jockeys and who has a fabulous strike rate riding for the Patterson stable. And well done to his ownership group who have been extremely patient over the last couple of years waiting for Ragamuffin to come back into form”
Owned by the Fortuna Ragamuffin Syndicate – an Ownership group of 37 individuals, Ragamuffin was purchased by David Ellis CNZM on behalf of Fortuna Racing for $80,000, from the draft of Lilywhites Lodge, at the NZ Bloodstock 2020 Ready To Run Sale
John to attend Warrnambool Carnival 30th April – 2nd May
Our grand stayer and former Wellington Cup winner Leaderboard is in Victoria to participate in the Victorian jumping season – he will run on the first day of the famed three day Warrnambool carnival which starts on Tuesday, the 30th of April and ends on the 2nd of May. Monday morning John is on a plane to Melbourne and as well as visiting the Cranbourne stable he will attend the Warrnambool meeting and hopefully Leaderboard can salute the judge on the first day – he did run a very encouraging 3rd placing when making his Victorian hurdles debut a couple of weeks ago
In a weekend where we commemorate the role of the armed forces and victims of all wars including equine heroes it’s always a very special time for racing enthusiasts in both NZ and Australia.
On reflection of last week we had two of our three runners that fronted with Pour the Wine running second with the quickest sectionals after a slow start for the first time in her life and Wiseman’s Diva looking the winner at the furlong but sadly not when it mattered!!
(Our third selection St Bathans gets another chance at Te Rapa in the transferred from Ellerslie Manco Easter Mile.)
Three to follow at Te Rapa:
(1) Karman Lane in race 5.
She’s talented and she comes out of a solid group one run where she displayed the quickest last 800m. Attacking the line is akin to her racing style. She’s been the quickest home from the 800m in her last three races.
(2) Tomodachi in race one.
She’s been outstanding in her last two runs. Also she was unlucky on debut. Her form should read three from three. She’s up in class but I’m picking she’s a group one horse in waiting!!
(3) Irish Legacy in race 5.
She’s another who I feel who within the next 12 months will be winning her share of black type races. She clearly beat the hat trick hero Billy Lincoln in race one before the big step into group 3 when desperately unlucky for third behind the classy Certainly and company and didn’t get the rub of the green in the Guineas at Trentham after being slow away in a stop start affair.
Stop Press:
My email selection service of a best bet and a value bet each NZ gallops race day before 9am as well as my top two selections on Saturday is available on subscription.
Cost $230 (gst inclusive) starts May 1 and extends until July 31.
As a bonus to Fortuna clients this service is ex gratis for this weekend should you wish to take up the offer by sending notification to me dcoppins@xtra.co.nz before 9am Saturday.
Des has also launched his 2024 Melbourne Cup package as we advised last week – he tells me that a couple of Fortuna clients made enquiry last week and so here is the information again below for anyone that may fancy participating in this tour – spaces are limited
– Click HERE to see full PDF with all details and booking form – many of the Fortuna clients have been on this tour – some even go every year and all report what a great experience it is – see more below – incredibly Des has been hosting this tour for 32 years!!! – this year will be his 33rd
RAGAMUFFIN brought a lot of joy to his large ownership group when taking out the Johnny Neil Ltd Rating 60 1600 meter event at Hawera 21st of April in the hands of jockey Craig Grylls – it had been a long time between drinks for Ragamuffin, who had not greeted the judge since March 30th 2022. In his early career he had won twice from his first four starts, but subsequently had had a long period away from the track after post surgery complications and had been to the races 15 more times before producing his third career win at Hawera. Drawn midfield Grylls bounced Ragamuffin away from the gates nicely, using up a bit of petrol to get to the lead and over to the rail, but then was happy to hand up the lead to You’ll Do and was content to lob along in second place – challenging on the turn Ragamuffin hit the lead at the top of the straight and was a dominant winner, going to the line with a two length margin in a time of 137.12 on a Good 4 surface and returned $2.80 and $1.40 on the New Zealand TAB
Ragamuffin was having his second start from the stable of Robbie Patterson, after having previously been trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson of Te Akau Racing Stables. Patterson was on course and was naturally pleased to get a quick result for his new charge. “It’s always a bit of a challenge to take on a new horse from another stable and to get to know its personality and quirks, but Ragamuffin has settled in very nicely with us, produced a good effort over 1400m at Woodville recently to run third and we figured that stepping up to 1600 would be ideal and the addition of the blinkers seemed to work very well also – he didn’t beat much today but clearly he is a galloper with some good ability and I think he could be in for a profitable late autumn/winter of racing. Congratulations to John Galvin and his Fortuna team of owners – Ragamuffin is the first horse we have trained for John and it’s great to get a result for the Fortuna team”
“Ragamuffin” – Hawera 21st April 2024 – Craig Grylls aboard
Savouring the 3rd individual winner in eight days for his Fortuna Team, John Galvin was on course at Hawera to witness Ragamuffin’s win along with a small number of his large ownership group and was a very happy man after the race “It was very satisfying to get this win today – Ragamuffin had showed quite a bit of ability in his early career, but in April 2022 he required some knee surgery, developed some complications from that, was away from racing for over 12 months and since his return it has taken him a while to get back to form, but his previous two starts leading into this race were very good and today he got the job done in stylish fashion for his ownership group. Well done to Robbie Patterson who has only had the horse for about three weeks – he’s got to know him very quickly and has done a great job with him – lovely ride by Craig Grylls, who as we know, is one of New Zealand leading jockeys and who has a fabulous strike rate riding for the Patterson stable. And well done to his ownership group who have been extremely patient over the last couple of years waiting for Ragamuffin to come back into form”
Owned by the Fortuna Ragamuffin Syndicate – an Ownership group of 37 individuals, Ragamuffin was purchased by David Ellis CNZM on behalf of Fortuna Racing for $80,000, from the draft of Lilywhites Lodge, at the NZ Bloodstock 2020 Ready To Run Sale
Fortuna 2yo amazing track record over the past two years
Des Coppins returns as Guest Selector
Talking of Des – his 2024 Melbourne Cup package has just been launched
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Fortuna has six runners next three days – five in NZ – one in SingaporeMatamata – Friday
HAYATE contests the R65 1400m event – Race 4 @ 2.22pm and will be ridden by Stable Apprentice, Jessica Allen, claiming 3kgs, from the outside barrier – resumed at Matamata this trip 27th March and ran home strongly for 3rd – has taken big improvement from that but does face a tricky gate here –is ready for this but will need luck from the draw – 3kgs does help – showing $7/$2.50 Fixed Odds
Riccarton – Saturday
SAILING AWAY contests the Maiden 1400m event – Race 1 @ 11.50pm and will be ridden by Niranjan Parar, claiming 1kg, from Barrier 2 – a slow maturer, he was spelled in January after 3 race day starts and was good resuming at Ashburton 1200m 4th April, finishing 5th – looking for more ground and gets it here – right in this @$4.50/$1.90 Fixed Odds
ANGELS WINGS runs in the R75 1000m event – Race 4 @ 1.30pm with Ashvin Goindasamy to ride from an outside draw – ran 3rd this grade 1200 Wingatui 17th March – has been freshened for this shorter trip – has a good win/place strike rate – can feature here if she gets luck in running from the wide draw – market have discounted her @$21/$5.50 and seems to be well over the odds at that quote
INCA BELLE races in the R75 1600 event – Race 7 @3.09pm and will be ridden by Niranjan Parmar, claiming 1kgs, from a wide draw – was a good 3rd at Ashburton 4th April at first go at 1600m – has taken big improvement from that and can go one better here – drawn wide, but the big roomy Riccarton track will suit and is very well weighted in this – $8/$2.80
Hawera – Sunday
KHAFEEF contests the Restricted Open Steeples – Race 2 @ 1.33pm in the hands of Michael Roustoby – has had a trial and two flat runs to prepare for this – won over the Hurdles this venue 12 months ago and placed 3rd this grade over the big fences in October – is inclined to over race but if he settles here he is a strong contender to be in the finish
RAGAMUFFIN backs up in the R60 1600 – Race 6 @ 3.50pm with Craig Grylls aboard – was strong to the line this grade 1400m at Woodville 12th April – nice draw, very much in form rider, stable is going well, blinkers go on – will be hard to beat here
Singapore – Sunday
GUN is in the Class 4 1200m Turf event – Race 6 @ 3pm (7pm NZT) – Brazilian rider, Carlos Enrique, will ride from a wide barrier – form has been patchy of late, but has had excuses – has enough ability to feature here if luck favours him from the wide alley and will be at big odds
Hayate (W Pinn) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.04.7, home in 37.2.
Singapore Trackwork
Saturday 13th April GUN( ASLAM)800/600-38; PRINCELONHRO (ASLAM)800/600-39;
Wednesday 17th April GUN (CARLOS)600-40
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OTHER NEWS2yo Filly STAR SHADOW wins on debut at Otaki
Fortuna Two Year Old Filly, STAR SHADOW, makes a winning debut at Otaki 13th April
Published14 April 2024
Making a perfect start to her racing career, Star Shadow(2 f Reliable Man – Scene Queen) won the $35,000 McMillan Equine Feeds 2yo 1300 metres on Saturday 13th April at Otaki.
A sizeable grey filly, Star Shadow had been the beneficiary of five solid trials ahead of her race debut, most recently steadying back from the outside gate and storming home late for second on 28 March at Tauranga and was rated a top three chance from barrier one on debut. In similar style to his recent winning ride on stable-mate Move To Strike (I Am Invincible) in the Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) at Trentham, jockey Wiremu Pinn was content biding his time at the back of a small field and after circling up with more to offer Star Shadow always appeared to have an edge.
“She was a sweetheart to ride and very professional,” Pinn said post race. “She tucked her head and relaxed nicely and when I asked her to go, she went. Kudos to her, she’s a nice filly and hopefully she can press on.”
Although just a half head margin, Star Shadow got the job done on Heavy8 footing, ground that can prove tricky for young horses, and drifted in betting to pay $3.50 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB tote after running the 1300 metres in 1:20.3
Star Shadow became the 15th individual two winner this season for trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson, winning 22 races, including Group One winner Move To Strike (I Am Invincible), dual Group Two and Group Three winner Captured By Love (Written Tycoon), Group Two winner and Fortuna owned Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) – and Group Three winner Star Of Justice (Justify).
“It was a really nice win and a good patient ride of Wiremu’s,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “She’s a really nice Filly that Dave (Ellis) and John (Galvin) bought cheaply at Karaka. I loved the way she relaxed and finished the race off and she looks to have a bright future.”
2yo Filly “Star Shadow” wins on debut Otaki 13th April – Wiremu Pinn aboard
On course looking after the team at Otaki, Te Akau racing manager Reece Trumper added: “It was a great ride by Wiremu. He is riding a lot of work for us and deserves these opportunities, and well done to John Galvin and his Fortuna Team. We’re thrilled to get another winner for John because he’s a big supporter of all our stables, at Matamata, Riccarton, Australia, and Singapore. I think it probably played into her hands being a wet track. She’s bred to be on rain-affected ground, so that was ideal to see and the way she finished off was good to see and the further she gets, in time, the better she’ll be I think”
Unable to be present on track at Otaki, Fortuna Director John Galvin watched the race from his Hamilton home and loved what he saw.“She was last in the running, but I could see that Wiremu had got her to relax nicely and I was pretty sure she would come right into it in the run home and while the 2nd placed horse, Ballon d’Or, made it a bit of a dogfight closing stages, our Filly got the job done nicely. Big kudos to Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson for how they have handled this Filly – selected by us at the 2023 Karaka Sale as a 3yo type, she showed early Two Year old precociousness, however they resisted the temptation to make her race debut earlier, focusing on making sure she was well prepared before making her debut”
Purchased by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing for $35,000 at the 2023 Karaka Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Westbury Stud, Star Shadow is a rare two-year-old winner for her sire, who won two Group One races to 2100 metres and whose progeny excel as three-year-olds and upwards.
Owned by Fortuna Star Shadow Syndicate an Ownership Group consisting of 65 individuals, Star Shadow is out of a mare by world-class champion sire Redoute’s Choice, and carries a Northern Dancer cross on the dam line of Reliable Man (Dalakhani) and sire line of Scene Queen
Fortuna 2yo’s amazing track record over the past two years
Remarkably Star Shadow is the fifth two year-old we have sent to the races since May 2022 in NZ and Singapore and every single one of them has won on debut, starting with Malborough Bay at Matamata in May 2022, Rubicon Crossing at Wanganui in September of 2022, Rhett Butler in Singapore in April 2023, Bellatrix Star at Wanganui in September 2023 and now Star Shadow in April 2024. That is quite a remarkable record for a boutique syndicator such as Fortuna
Can we keep the track record going? Well we won’t know until the Spring of 2024 now as that will be when, potentially one or more of our current four yearling Fillies will make their race day debut and note that of those four we still have shares available in two of them – the Spirit of Boom Filly that we call “Boomer” and the El Roca Filly that we call “Meg” – both are nearing the end of their first Stable preps – you can see Boomer trotting up during the week for Mark HERE and Meg HERE
As I say, we still have a few shares left in each – you can read all about Boomer HERE and Meg HERE and orders can be placed directly off those links as well – if you have any questions or queries on either of these two lovely Fillies, just email me or call/text 021 921 460
It’s so nice to be back and hopefully the relatively consistent run I’m having with my new email tipping service may assist you all over the next few weeks.
John has asked me to find three horses for the Fortuna Team to follow for the weekend punt – so here we go!!!
Wisemen’s Diva, Race 2 Riccarton.
From a stable that’s going gangbusters at the moment – that of Robbie Patterson- I’d be surprised if this horse can’t back up from its strong finishing second last Saturday to get the job done. Stepping up from 1200 to 1400 should work the oracle. I’d price the horse anywhere between $2.50 and $3 and because it’s a bonus back bet on the fixed odds ( up to $50) a win bet makes total sense.
Pour the Wine, Race 1 EllerslieShe’s a quality 4yo who continues to shine. She won her first three this season and attacked the line to run clearly the best sectionals from the 400 in each of those 3 wins.
At her last start she was brave when running third in the rich Rangitoto Classic not far from the talented runner up Town Cryer, a subsequent group one placegetter. That’s a great form recommendation. She’s a tad fresh and from her position in the weights she’ll the relish the 1200m with moisture in the air and I’d say on this surface which she clearly enjoys she’ll have an army of bettors confident she can get the job done.
Saint Bathans, Race 7.
It may well be a rainy day at Ellerslie and running in the rain is something Saint Bathans enjoys.
He’s been ticking over nicely for this and I reckon he’s spot on to give the Easter field a shake.
His three runs this term have all been solid. He dropped back from 1600 to 1300 last time but attacked the line strongly with the quickest last 600m. Back to 1600m I feel he can give us a great run for our money.
Good punting! DesAs readers would be aware Des has been running a tipping service for many many years, but in recent times he has changed his subscription model – previously his service was accessed via an 0800 number – that has now changed to a three monthly subscription service at $240 incl GST for each three months or approximately $18.50 per week
– Des provides a seven day service with the Best Bet and the Value Bet Sunday to Friday and on a Saturday, he provides not only the Best Bet and the Value Bet, but also his top two selections in every race on a Saturday – selections are delivered by email– it is a great service and I am a subscriber myself – to subscribe just email Des at dcoppins@xtra.co.nz======================================================
Talking of Des – his 2024 Melbourne Cup package has just been launched
Yes, the famed and long-standing Des Coppins/Sporting Tours Melbourne Cup Tour is underway again in November – Click HERE to see full PDF with all details and booking form – many of the Fortuna clients have been on this tour – some even go every year and all report what a great experience it is – see more below – incredibly Des has been hosting this tour for 32 years!!! – this year will be his 33rd
Sailing Away(3 g Merchant Navy – Anchovy, by Galileo) got the day off on a bright note for Te Akau trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson when winning the $20,000 Maiden 1400 metres on Saturday at Riccarton. Freshened following three starts in his first campaign, which included a third over 1200 metres at Timaru, Sailing Away finished fifth from a handy position when resuming in the Maiden 1200 metres on 4 April at Ashburton, and took the necessary improvement.
Beginning well from barrier one to idle along in the trail, Sailing Away received a clear passage near the rail and kept mustering under the urgings of stable apprentice Niranjan Parmar, who recorded his 20th win for Te Akau this season and 10th at Riccarton. In the race named Riccarton Park Function Centre, Sailing Away ran 1400 metres in 1:24.3, last 600m in 34.7 (approx.), and shortened in betting as race favourite to pay $3.80 & $1.70 on the NZ TAB tote.
Present on course, co – Trainer Mark Walker said: “It was a nice ride of Parmar’s to have him travelling so well in the trail and it’s always good to get a winner for John Galvin and Fortuna Racing. Sailing Away been a slower maturing horse than initially expected, but he is out of Galileo mare so he should improve with more time and distance. He’s getting that little bit stronger now, that’s the key to him, and Hunter (Durrant) and the team at the Te Akau stables down here at Riccarton have done a really good job with him.”
SAILING AWAY breaks Maidens – Riccarton Park 20th April – Niranjan Parmar aboard
It was the second victory in a week for the Te Akau/Fortuna Racing partnership, after two-year-old stable-mate Star Shadow (Reliable Man) scored on debut in the 2YO 1300 metres last Saturday at Otaki.
Syndicate manager, John Galvin, watching the race from his Hamilton home, was well satisfied after the race “David and Mark picked this horse out of the 2022 Karaka yearling sale, believing that on physical type he would make a lovely two year-old and he certainly suggested that in his initial preparation, but then had a real growth spurt and we had to abandon our two year-old plans for him and wait for more physical development. He had three starts in the December/January period of this season but then, believing he needed a break, he was given a freshen up and his resuming run at Ashurton recently indicated that he was certainly knocking on the door. His pedigree page indicates that he may well prosper over more ground and the way he won the race today would tend to confirm that as well. Well done to Parmar for a well judged ride and congratulations to Mark and Sam and their team for exhibiting so much patience in the way they have handled Sailing Away.”
Sailing Away stems from a rather phenomenal international family, with third dam Love Me True (Kingmambo), leaving five-time Group One winning stallion Duke Of Marmalade (Danehill), a European Champion that won from 1400m – 2400m, Champion Three-Year-Old and The Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) winner Ruler Of The World (Galileo), along with Group winners Norway (Galileo) and Annus Mirabilis (Montjeu).
Owned by the Fortuna Sailing Away Syndicate – an Ownership group of 56 individuals, he was purchased by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing for $60,000, from the draft of Cambridge Stud, at the Karaka 2022 Book 1 Sale.
Making a perfect start to her racing career, Star Shadow(2 f Reliable Man – Scene Queen) won the $35,000 McMillan Equine Feeds 2yo 1300 metres on Saturday 13th April at Otaki.
A sizeable grey filly, Star Shadow had been the beneficiary of five solid trials ahead of her race debut, most recently steadying back from the outside gate and storming home late for second on 28 March at Tauranga and was rated a top three chance from barrier one on debut. In similar style to his recent winning ride on stable-mate Move To Strike (I Am Invincible) in the Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) at Trentham, jockey Wiremu Pinn was content biding his time at the back of a small field and after circling up with more to offer Star Shadow always appeared to have an edge.
“She was a sweetheart to ride and very professional,” Pinn said post race. “She tucked her head and relaxed nicely and when I asked her to go, she went. Kudos to her, she’s a nice filly and hopefully she can press on.”
Although just a half head margin, Star Shadow got the job done on Heavy8 footing, ground that can prove tricky for young horses, and drifted in betting to pay $3.50 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB tote after running the 1300 metres in 1:20.3
Star Shadow became the 15th individual two winner this season for trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson, winning 22 races, including Group One winner Move To Strike (I Am Invincible), dual Group Two and Group Three winner Captured By Love (Written Tycoon), Group Two winner and Fortuna owned Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) – and Group Three winner Star Of Justice (Justify).
“It was a really nice win and a good patient ride of Wiremu’s,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. “She’s a really nice Filly that Dave (Ellis) and John (Galvin) bought cheaply at Karaka. I loved the way she relaxed and finished the race off and she looks to have a bright future.”
2yo Filly “Star Shadow” wins on debut Otaki 13th April – Wiremu Pinn aboard
On course looking after the team at Otaki, Te Akau racing manager Reece Trumper added: “It was a great ride by Wiremu. He is riding a lot of work for us and deserves these opportunities, and well done to John Galvin and his Fortuna Team. We’re thrilled to get another winner for John because he’s a big supporter of all our stables, at Matamata, Riccarton, Australia, and Singapore. I think it probably played into her hands being a wet track. She’s bred to be on rain-affected ground, so that was ideal to see and the way she finished off was good to see and the further she gets, in time, the better she’ll be I think”
Unable to be present on track at Otaki, Fortuna Director John Galvin watched the race from his Hamilton home and loved what he saw.“She was last in the running, but I could see that Wiremu had got her to relax nicely and I was pretty sure she would come right into it in the run home and while the 2nd placed horse, Ballon d’Or, made it a bit of a dogfight closing stages, our Filly got the job done nicely. Big kudos to Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson for how they have handled this Filly – selected by us at the 2023 Karaka Sale as a 3yo type, she showed early Two Year old precociousness, however they resisted the temptation to make her race debut earlier, focusing on making sure she was well prepared before making her debut”
Purchased by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing for $35,000 at the 2023 Karaka Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Westbury Stud, Star Shadow is a rare two-year-old winner for her sire, who won two Group One races to 2100 metres and whose progeny excel as three-year-olds and upwards.
Owned by Fortuna Star Shadow Syndicate an Ownership Group consisting of 65 individuals, Star Shadow is out of a mare by world-class champion sire Redoute’s Choice, and carries a Northern Dancer cross on the dam line of Reliable Man (Dalakhani) and sire line of Scene Queen
Champion Te Akau Mare, Imperatriz, has been retired
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Fortuna has five runners next three days – three in NZ – one in Victoria and one in Singapore
Woodville – Friday
RAGAMUFFIN contests the R60 1400m event – Race 6 @ 3.41pm and will be ridden by Joe Doyle from a mid field draw from his first up outing in the hands of his new trainer, Robbie Patterson – produced a very good performance second up at Matamata last start finishing second in R65 grade – back to R60 here – strong work during the week – up to 1400 and this race looks tailor made for him @ $5/$2 fixed odds
Otaki – Saturday
STAR SHADOW makes her race day debut in the 2yo 1300m event – Race 2 @ 3.41pm and will be ridden by Joe Doyle from the ace draw in a five horse field – has not put a foot wrong in her preparation – has had five trials to prepare – with a very strong performance at her most recent – right in this @$2.30 Fixed Odds
MALBOROUGH BAY races in the R65 1400 event – Race 8 @5.09pm and will be ridden by Jess Allen, claiming 3kgs, from a widish draw – was very good 2nd up at Matamata this class and trip 27th March on a Heavy 9 track carrying 60kgs – can go one better here @ $10/$3.30 Fixed Odds
Pakenham (Victoria) – Sunday
LEADERBOARD makes his Victorian debut in the Maiden Hurdles over 3200m at Pakenham – Race 2 @ 12.55pm Aus time (2.55pm NZT) – Aaron Kuru to ride in a field of nine runners – he has not had a run over hurdles since June of last year – he ran well but was hampered by a runner that fell – he is a very confident jumper and trialed well at Yarra Valley recently over 3200m – expecting bold run – watch the market – online bookmaker Neds says “will take beating”
Singapore – Saturday
RHETT BUTLER is in the Class 5 1200m Poly event – Race 1 @ 12.30pm (4.30 NZT) – eight time Champion Jocker in Macau, Luis Corrales, will ride from Barrier 2 – won brilliantly on debut late April 2023, but has not greeted the judge since – Poly will suite, blinkers go on and Corrales is a strong rider – take on trust but could be at good odds
Here is what the tipsters at the STC have to say about this race
1st Pick: WINDFALL (3)
Put in a great performance last start when dropping down in class finishing second behind Summer Wind. He has good stats on the Poly track and looks like a nice 3yo for the in-form trainer Ricardo Le Grange. Carlos Henrique gets the ride from a perfect draw.
2nd Pick: BENBO (4)
He has mixed form in class 5 and can be hit or miss. Ran well three starts back behind Ciango over 1200m on the turf and has won on the Poly track in the past. Nunes is aboard which is a plus and can play apart in this.
3rd Pick: LIM’S ZOOM (8)
He has run well in this grade but keeps battling for a veteran. Ran a much-improved race last start behind Otahuhu and Lerner is aboard. Wide draw doesn’t help his chances.
4th Pick: RHETT BUTLER (9)
He could be a sneaky chance considering the weaker class 5 field. He is yet to produce a solid performance but has continued to mature with each run. Can surprise. Draws well.
Star Shadow (N Parmar) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.05.5, las 600 in 37.1. Thursday 11th April
Malborough Bay (A Goindasamy) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.09.5, home in 38.6.
Star Shadow (N Parmar) aworked at three quarter pace over 1000 metres in 1.14.7, final 600 in 44.9.
Singapore Trackwork
Saturday 6th April RHETT BUTLER(ASLWM)800/600-36
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OTHER NEWS
Winx Yearling Filly sells for A$10m
It was pure theatre at the Riverside complex at the Inglis Easter sale during the week when the Yearling Filly by Pierro out of Winx sold for a record breaking and mind-boggling A$10 million – knocked down to Debbie Kepitis, who is a part owner of Winx and her progeny. At first blush paying 10 million for a yearling Filly makes no economic sense but there were special circumstances here with the key points being as follows.
Winx won 25 Group One races and over A$26m in Stakes – she had a small ownership group with Debbie Kepitis having a 33% share
Debbie is a daughter of the late Bob Ingham who with his late brother Jack, became billionaires via their Ingham Chicken business and during the 80’s and 90’s created a thoroughbred empire as well
Debbie before the sale said she had not made her mind up to buy the Filly however after she took into consideration her family history and the fact that Winx was a much loved horse she became determined in the days ahead of the Sale to keep this Filly in Australia
Additional background to that that was that a well known American, John Stewart, who has built a significant Thoroughbred Empire in the USA and has now spread his tentacles into Australia, had indicated that he would be endeavouring to get this Filly
And so it proved with Stewart going head to head with Debbie during the sale and bidding up to A$9 million before it was knocked down to Debbie for A$10 million
Of course given that Debbie owns a third of the Filly anyway, the net cost to her was A$6.66 million, certainly not an insignificant sum, however I’m sure that Ms capitis is not short of a quid given her family background and notable that her homebred 3yo Riff Rocket had on the previous Saturday wne the Australian Derby at Randwick, this after taking out the Victorian Derby in November and has now won A$3.5m on the race track
So the summarise it was definitely a case of the heart coming before the head but isn’t that the great thing about the racing industry and the individuals were they like who have a strong love of the thoroughbred
The Filly will be trained by Chris Waller
Finally the news of the sale was featured in mainstream media right across Australia and New Zealand and also global media as well so there was certainly a lot of Bible focused on racing during this past week
Champion Te Akau Mare, Imperatriz, has been retired
And hot on the heels of the Winx news was the shock announcement yesterday that the mighty Imperatriz has been retired from racing. She had returned to New Zealand for a paddock spell but after giving her a Vet examination on her return, the team at Te Akau decided that she should be retired and offered for sale at an upcoming broodmare sale. Here are comments from David Ellis.“Te Akau always puts the well-being of our horses first. The indications are that another high-level racing preparation would not be in her best interests, so whilst sad, the decision is very straightforward. Her welfare is our top priority, and she will retire a happy and sound horse.”
Imperatriz won 19 of her 27 starts, including 10 of 13 since 1 January last year, she won 10 Group Ones in her career, most of those in Australia and collected nearly NZ$7.6 million in prize money for her Owners – at retirement she was rated the 2nd best horse in the world behind Hong Kong galloper Golden Sixty
Easter Discount Offer – 10% off the cost of the shares currently available on the Fortuna website
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Fortuna has a busy Easter weekend with five runners at four different locationsCranbourne – Friday
RUBICON CROSSING races in the BM 64 1000m – Race 8 @ 9.45pm Aus time (11.45 NZTpm) – Apprentice Dakotah Keane, claiming 3kgs, will ride from barrier 7 in a field of 12 runners – won brilliantly at her Australian debut in September and then ran creditably with minor placings from her next four starts – was then given a break and is now resuming – has a slightly tricky draw to contend with, so will need a clever ride by the apprentice and a bit of luck in the running. She always races well fresh and is set to give a bold showing here– market has her a warm favourite @ $3/$1.20
Singapore – Saturday
PRINCE LOHNRO races in the Maiden 1400m Turf event – Race 2 @ 12.30pm – Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2ks, will ride from barrier 8 in a field of 14 runners. Form has been patchy, but has runs on the Turf have had merit. Has the ability to feature in the finish here at good odds
Stawell (Victoria) – Sunday
FLEET FOOTED contests the Maiden 1300m event – Race 2 @ 3.35pm Aus time (5.35pm NZT) – the in form Harry Coffey will ride from barrier 9 in a 14 horse field. Yet to win from 5 race day starts but has shown ability and has been freshened for this – draw is a bit tricky but can feature here if he brings his best form to the table – currently showing fixed odds of $11/$3.50
Otaki – Monday
MITRE PEAK races in the Maiden 1300m event – Race 4 @ 2.43pm – leading NZ jockey Warren Kennedy will ride from barrier 7 in a 14 horse field. This is only her second race day start. She made her debut early December and put in a moderate performance. Trainers’ view was that she needed time to mature and strengthen, so was spelled – and in her lead up preparation to this race on Monday, her work has been very good– top man in the saddle and a bold run here would not surprise – showing $11 Fixed odds
KHAFEEF races in the R65 2100m event – Race 6 @ 3.52pm – no rider fixed yet will ride from barrier 7 in a 14 horse field. On a pass towards jumping in events soon, this is a second up run for him. He did need his resuming run over 1800m but was working strongly to the line, has taken improvement and will benefit from the extra distance. He has been a winner in the past second up – hard to gauge his chances in this, but he is fit and should run well at $26
Mitre Peak (C Grylls) worked over 1000 metres in 1.05.4, home in 37.16.Thursday 28th March
Mitre Peak (C Grylls) worked over 1000 metres in 1.07.48, home in 37.5.
Singapore Trackwork
Saturday 23rd March GUN(JAMIL)1000/600-38.5; PRINCE LONHRO(AWAH)1000/600-37.5;
Tuesday March PRINCE LONHRO(AWAH)600-38;
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OTHER NEWSEaster Discount Offer – 10% off the cost of the shares currently available on the Fortuna website
Yes the Easter Bunny has arrived – a welcome sight in these inflationary/recessionary times – we have shares in two lovely Fillies, one bought at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale in mid January, the other at the Karaka Sale in late January – an overview summary for both is below and full details can be read on their respective Fortuna website links – both Fillies are nearing the end of their breaking in period – all has gone really well with both and shortly they will head to the Te Akau barn at Matamata to have their first stable prep
When placing an order (which can be done at those links) please enter the words “apply Easter discount please” in the notes box, top right hand corner of the order page – then submit your order, but if paying by Internet banking don’t pay immediately, wait for my greetings letter which will outline the net amount to pay and the bank account details. If you choose to pay by credit card, you will need to pay the full amount when ordering, but we will reimburse the 10% discount to your bank account when we see the payment.
SPIRIT OF BOOM – AOTEAROWER YEARLING FILLY – “BOOMER”
By Spirit Of Boom, a strong race track performer and a consistent proven Top 10 Stallion in Australia
Out of the tough NZ racemare, Aotearower, the winner of 4 races in NZ and herself out of a Shamardal Mare (Shamardal is the dam sire of Imperetriz) – this is the family of Katoon, Black Panther and Cross Roads, all hardy NZ bred types
A Filly of good size and scope, she looks to be a type that will run as a 2yo
Mark Walker describes her as follows; “John, this Filly just breezed across the ground beautifully when she paraded for us – I just love the fact that she is out of a Sharmardal mare, the same as Imperatriz – this is a very strong NZ Family that consistently produces winners, but in particular, I loved her on type physically, very correct with a great walk. I am sure she will run as a 2yo, but will develop and mature into a strong 3yo type”
Yearling Filly by Spirit Of Boom out of Aotearower
Note that “Boomer” is registered for the Magic Millions Series and is eligible to contest the Magic Millions 2yo race in Jan 2025 for A$3m prizemoney and the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas in Jan 2026 for A$3m – she is also eligible to contest a number of $1m races held on the Magic Millions Series Race Day at the Gold Coast in January each year for the rest of her racing career · 10% share $18,000, 5% share $9,000, 2.5% share $4,500, 1% share $1800 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
· Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $12k
· Monthly ongoing costs from 1st August 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
· Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card
By El Roca, currently the equal No 2 NZ Stallion (after Savabeel) by winners for the current season
Out of the winning Encosta De Lago Mare, Megara, who has left 4 winners already from 5 to the races
A Filly of good size and scope, she may run as an Autumn 2yo but has a real 3yo look about her
Mark Walker describes her as follows;“John, this Filly by El Roca really caught our eye at inspections – she is very athletic with a great walk and we think she could run as an Autumn 2yo but train on nicely to be a lovely 1600m plus type 3yo – out of a mare by Encosta de Lago who is a Champion Broodmare sire, the dam herself had had four winners out of five to the races including one that is a Stakes winner and one who is Stakes placed – she is a ripper”
Yearling Filly by El Roca out of Megara
Note that “Meg” is registered for the Karaka Millions Series and will also qualify for the new Slot Race – the NZ Kiwi, as a 3yo in 2026, with prizemoney of $4m · 10% share $16,000, 5% share $8,000, 2.5% share $4,000, 1% share $1600 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
· Initial Capital includes Purchase Price plus GST , Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Karaka Millions Series Fee and working capital of over $12k
· Monthly ongoing costs from 1st April 2024– from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
· Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card
UK super star racehorse and now Stallion at Stud, Paddington, is to shuttle to NZ to stand at Windsor Park Stud
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Fortuna has three runners over the Friday/Saturday – two in NZ and one in Singapore
NZ – New Plymouth – Friday
KHAFEEF races in the R65 1800 – Race 5 @ 2.42pm – Lily Sutherland, claiming 1kg. will ride from barrier 4 in a field of 12 runners Last raced at Trentham in November, has been spelled since and is being prepared for the jumping season – will probably need this run
NZ – Tauranga – Saturday
VIVACIOUS races in the 3yo S/W 1400m – Race 1 @ 12.25pm – Craig Grylls will ride from barrier 4 in a field of 7 runners. Talented Filly who is 3rd up – represent a solid top 3 chance in this
Singapore – Sunday
KING ARTHUR contests the Kranji Stakes A 1200m Poly event – Race 10 @ 4.30pm Sing time (9.30pm NZT) – Stable Apprentice, Fadzli Yusoff, claiming 2kgs, will ride from barrier 10 in a 12 horse field. Has won nine races in Singapore, but has been out of the winners circle for some time. Meets a strong field here and has a difficult draw – has trialed well recently. Will need a lot of luck to feature here
Tuesday 19th MarchLeaderboard (T Melvin) worked over 1000 metres in 1.04.18, home in 36.4.
Vivacious (O Bosson) worked over 1000 metres in 1.04.9, home in 37.23.Thursday 21st March
Singapore Trackwork
Friday 15th March
PRINCE LONHRO(ASLAM)1000/600-38;
Tuesday 19th March
KING ARTHUR(ASLAM)800/600-39.5; CHARMINTON(ASLAM)800/600-39;
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OTHER NEWS
UK super star racehorse and now Stallion at Stud, Paddington, is to shuttle to NZ to stand at Windsor Park Stud
This is genuinely exciting news for the breeding industry in New Zealand – looking at Paddington’s race record, he would have to be one of the best performed racehorses ever to stand here at stud in New Zealand. Quite a “coup” for Windsor Park Stud I believe – see story below from NZ Racing Desk
One of the world’s best racehorses last year has been secured to stand at Windsor Park Stud in 2024.Ballydoyle superstar Paddington, a four-time Group One Classic and Royal Ascot-winning son of leading commercial sire Siyouni will shuttle to Windsor Park following the completion of his first stud season this year at Coolmore, Ireland.Paddington is the only horse in history to win the Group One quartet of the Irish 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, Eclipse Stakes & Sussex Stakes.
This unique achievement illustrated his versatility and dominance, not just against his own generation but also against older horses.
“Paddington is a history-maker,” Windsor Park’s Rodney Schick said. “He was exceptional from the beginning being a top-drawer yearling himself, a champion miler on the racetrack and is by the exceptional sire Siyouni, one of the world’s most in-demand sale-ring sires.”
A winner of seven races in succession, Paddington only raced as a two and three-year-old, capturing the attention of the racing world with a sequence of world-class performances. A two-year-old winner at the Curragh at his second start, Paddinton commenced his Classic season with successive victories prior to his inaugural Group One victory in the Irish 2000 Guineas (1600m). Following this first Group One success, Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien then took Paddington to Royal Ascot for the Gr.1 St James’s Palace Stakes where he produced a commanding performance to defeat the best European three-year-old milers which included English 2OOO Guineas winner Chaldean who finished in second position, 3.75 lengths behind Paddington.
O’Brien then pitched Paddington up in distance and against the best older horses in the Gr.1 Eclipse Stakes (2002m) at Sandown where he again proved superior to defeat arguably the best mare in training, multiple Group One winner Emily Upjohn. With his Eclipse success Paddington became the first horse since Sadler’s Wells, four decades earlier, to complete the Irish 2000 Guineas/Eclipse Stakes double.O’Brien was then sufficiently confident to drop Paddington back to a mile in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood where he produced an even more emphatic result to win again against older horses.
“He thrives on racing and is very uncomplicated,” champion jockey Ryan Moore said. “He’s a very unique horse and I’m very fortunate to be riding him.”
Seven consecutive victories confirmed Paddington’s mental and physical progression and cemented his superstar status among the best horses racing globally.
“To do what he did takes a very special horse, very unique really,” his Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien said. “In terms of his attitude and determination he was very similar to Giant’s Causeway but Paddington was a much quicker horse. He had great tactical speed but could quicken off it. He’s an unbelievable specimen who got physically stronger from race to race which is a very unusual thing in a thoroughbred.”
A €420,000 (NZ$750,000) Arqana October Yearling sales graduate, the 16.1hh Paddington is a son of the Aga Khan Stud’s highly commercial Champion Sire Siyouni. One of Europe’s most sought-after sires, Siyouni had yearlings sell to $A3.6 million in 2023 and he stands at stud in 2024 for €200,000 (NZ$357,000). A Group One winning two-year-old, Siyouni has been twice General Champion Sire and four-times Champion Sire of two-year-olds.
Bred by the famed Wildenstein family’s Dayton Investments Ltd, Paddington comes from one of their most illustrious families. His first four dams are either stakes winners or Group One performers descending from their undefeated Champion and dual Classic-winning racemare Madelia.In addition, Paddington’s first three damsires were either winners of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe or Kentucky Derby. His 4×4 linebreeding to sons of Nureyev combines the precocious brilliance of his sireline with the championship, middle distance qualities of an Arc and Derby winner.
“He was an unbelievable racehorse,” Coolmore’s Tom Magnier said. “Everything we threw at him he delivered. Also, he’s got the looks and he’s got the pedigree. He really just ticks every box.I believe that he is the most exciting horse to go to stud in New Zealand in a very long time.”
Paddington is enjoying his first Northern Hemisphere season at Coolmore, Ireland where he has attracted an outstanding book of mares at a fee of €55,000 (NZ$98,000).
“Our partnership with Coolmore bringing outstanding stallion prospects to Windsor Park stems back to Montjeu and High Chaparral among others,” Schick said. “We are delighted to continue our great relationship through standing stallions of the calibre of Paddington and Circus Maximus.”
Windsor Park has negotiated to stand PADDINGTON in 2024 at an introductory fee of $35,000 +GST which includes a Live Foal Guarantee.
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2024 Fortuna Yearling Purchase Update
Our featured Yearling this week is our El Roca – Megara Filly – “Meg“
By El Roca, currently the equal No 2 NZ Stallion (after Savabeel) by winners for the current season
Out of the winning Encosta De Lago Mare, Megara, who has left 4 winners already from 5 to the races
A Filly of good size and scope, she may run as an Autumn 2yo but has a real 3yo look about her
Mark Walker describes her as follows;“John, this Filly by El Roca really caught our eye at inspections – she is very athletic with a great walk and we think she could run as an Autumn 2yo but train on nicely to be a lovely 1600m plus type 3yo – out of a mare by Encosta de Lago who is a Champion Broodmare sire, the dam herself had had four winners out of five to the races including one that is a Stakes winner and one who is Stakes placed – she is a ripper”
Yearling Filly by El Roca out of Megara
Note that “Meg” is registered for the Karaka Millions Series and will also qualify for the new Slot Race – the NZ Kiwi, as a 3yo in 2026, with prizemoney of $4m · 10% share $16,000, 5% share $8,000, 2.5% share $4,000, 1% share $1600 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
· Initial Capital includes Purchase Price plus GST , Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Karaka Millions Series Fee and working capital of over $12k
· Monthly ongoing costs from 1st April 2024– from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
· Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card Click HERE to order a share online
Entain to inject a tripartite shot of new life into TAB NZ
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Fortuna has three runners over the weekend – two in NZ and one in SingaporeNZ – Tauranga – Saturday
MALBOROUGH BAY
races in the R75 1200 – Race 6 @ 3.39pm – Jessica Allan, claiming 3kgs, will ride from barrier 4 in a field of 11 runners. Is resuming after a lengthy spell – has trialed nicely and is working well. Presents a danger here with nice draw and only 53kgs to carry – appreciates sting out of track and there is rain forecast – $12/$3.80NZ – Wingatui – Sunday
ANGELS WINGS races in the R75 1200 – Race 2 @ 1.50pm – Ashvin Goindasamy will ride from barrier 1 in a field of 7 runners. Won well Riccarton 1100m 27th Jan but then disappointed same track 1200m 23rd Feb, after over racing. Has been working well and blinkers come off for this race – Good each way chance in this
Singapore – Sunday
RHETT BUTLER contests the Class 5 1200m Poly event – Race 1 @ 12 noon Sing time (5pm NZT) with Stable Apprentice, Sarwi Jamil, claiming 3kgs, will ride from barrier 7 in a 12 horse field. Brilliant winner on debut in Singapore almost a year ago, he has not greeted the judge since – but faces a big drop in class for this event. Can feature here – watch the tote
Tuesday 12th MarchMitre Peak (A Pawar) worked over 800 metres in 54.1, home in 38.6.
Vivacious (W Pinn) worked over 1000 metres in 1.06.24, home in 37.12.
Malborough Bay (T Melvin) worked over 1000 metres in 1.04.21, home in 36.
Leaderboard (T Melvin) worked over 1000 metres in 1.06.4, home in 39.2.
Portia Catonis (J Allen) worked over an easy 800 metres in 54.81, home in 38.86.
Our Paramour (S Hussain) worked over 800 metres in 55.18, home in 38.8.Thursday 14th March
Malborough Bay (N Parmar) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.09.3, final 600 in 38.6.
Singapore Trackwork No Singapore gallop information this week
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OTHER NEWS
Entain to inject a tripartite shot of new life into TAB NZ
Unquestionably, the arrival of Entain to our shores has breathed life back into what was fast becoming a moribund racing scene in NZ and over recent times, the message from Entain has been ” we are only just getting started” – the article below from The Optimist (aka Brian De Lore) brings some further exciting news
by Brian de Lore
Published 14 March 2024
Owners, trainers and jockeys have already tasted the benefits this season of increased stakes money emanating from the partnering of TAB NZ with the global betting giant Entain, and by the end of April, punters will get their turn, and it should be a game changer. Come to think of it, a large proportion of owners and trainers (not jockeys, hopefully) will fall into the category of punters, so they will be doubly pleased when Entain announce their three-pronged attack on the TAB NZ betting experience at the end of April.
Coming is a state-of-the-art app and betting platform and a refresh of the TAB NZ brand’s livery. Sydney-based Entain CFO and Deputy CEO Lachlan Fitt expressed his enthusiasm for the app at a recent Ellerslie race meeting. The app and new platform comes to TAB NZ after around $200 million of Entain IT development for its global operations.
Punters in NZ are historically entitled to a degree of TAB NZ cynicism after a prolonged period of poor service, poor odds, and incompetents in charge —some of whom had never placed a bet in their lives. How did it ever come to that?
But suddenly, we have gone from the invisible and uncontactable TAB people to an Entain trio of three passionate racing people – CEO Dean Shannon, Lachlan Fitt and NZ-based Managing Director Cameron Rodger.
Entain’s main players making the decisions for the future of NZ racing. From left, CEO Dean Shannon, CFO and Deputy CEO Lachlan Fitt, and NZ Managing Director Cameron Rodger
The infusion of Entain money into stakes and these three’s presence, enthusiasm and availability has put a spring in the steps of Kiwi racing stakeholders. It’s a refreshing start.
Cameron Rodger told me by phone last week: “We’re keeping the name and brand and everything that’s built up on it, but we’re giving it a new colour scheme and logo to give customers frustrated with the old platform – maybe the ones that have not been with us for a while – just to let them know this is a fresh start. And it’s very good—a high-quality customer offering,” continued Rodger. We think the user experience will be top of the market, and the other key part of it is that it’s very stable. We know just how frequently you’ve had outages and downtime with the current platform, and that will be a thing of the past.
New technology will provide a new experience
So, I asked, what else can punters expect from the new app and platform?
“What you have now is the exact product you’ve had all along; we’ve done nothing to improve it. We have put all our time and effort into the new product to get it up as quickly as possible. It will have more generosity, more flexibility, same-game, same-race multi-products—things that have become commonplace with offshore bookmakers and which, in NZ, the technology has lagged.
“It will be a huge, ‘brought up to speed,’ moment that will include simple things such as navigating quickly between races. It will be one or two clicks for what currently might take four or five. And that makes a world of difference for someone trying to quickly get on pre-race or pre-match.
“Betting on sports has been a big pain point for customers. It’s painfully slow, taking too long to accept, which has led people to think the bookmakers are being conservative, but it’s actually just the platform which was wired that way and can’t be changed.”
Thanks, Mr Allen, Ms Hughes and company, for spending $50 million on a dud platform and committing the TAB to pay $17 million annually for the updates for ten years. But that commitment happened only five-and-a-half years ago, so has Entain negotiated its way out of the contract? I asked Cameron Rodger if we had settled the Openbet and Paddy Power baggage.
Openbet and Paddy Power red-carded
“Yes, we have completely moved off that platform, and there’s no residual Openbet or Paddy Power reliance. As part of the deal we struck, it was our cost to bear, which we factored into our equations. That was all sorted and squared away after we signed up.
“It was a big cost, but we couldn’t stand still on that platform.”
What a relief to hear that the potential to be weighed down by the ball and chain NZRB Allen/Hughes debt had been rectified and kicked for touch.
But in my chat with Cameron Rodger, the ‘music to my ears’ part came when he said: “I think the big one I can give you that hopefully will be interesting and exciting for people to hear is that we are huge believers in freeware and broadening the television coverage to a wider audience.”
Free-to-air televised racing?
Free to air Trackside – wow, that would be a game-changer on its own.
According to the constitution, marketing racing is supposedly the domain of NZTR but is rarely actuated. By default, it’s now the territory of Entain, whose presence has generated newsworthy coverage on mainstream TV and radio.
At the Karaka Sales, Dean Shannon told me that Entain knew they had to make a ‘big splash’ to kick start racing here in NZ—it needed to be jolted into life to move forward. On the same question, Cameron Rodger recognised the need to revive the racing marketing and encourage new people to engage.
We have had droll accountants making the decisions, closing down radio, newspaper content and TAB retail outlets, reducing broadcasting costs, and annoying the customer base. How does any industry thrive on a downsizing mentality?
Entain has shown it is diametrically opposed to that thinking. And since its arrival, it has injected $30 million more into NZ racing than its commitment to the contract.
Other positives have happened in NZ racing in the past year: the revival of Ellerslie; NZ Bloodstock embracing the arrival of Entain and joining in with sponsorship, and NZTR initiating ‘The Kiwi’ slot race, which, according to several sources, is a collaboration between all three parties.
Entain dragging the industry up with it
Simply put, Entain is dragging the rest of the industry along with its dynamism.
Meanwhile, the TAB NZ board can only be sitting on its hands, doing practically nothing, and wondering if it should be embarrassed by continuing to draw directors’ fees. The board is now relatively powerless and has failed to produce a half-year and full-year report for the year ending July 31, 2023.
Why haven’t they? The answer simply lies in an embarrassing rise in costs and a downturn in profits for the year in question. At the half-year mark last financial year, the TAB profit had fallen behind by $9.4 million on the previous year and heading for a record annual running cost in the vicinity of $130 million.
My regular reviews of the TAB’s financial downturn caused the bosses to stop publishing the monthly figures. And now, no half-year or annual report. There is no transparency or accountability, which is the short history of NZ racing.
The TAB board comprises Anna Stove (Chair), Wendie Harvey, Raewyn Lovett, and Bill Birnie. Kristy McDonald no longer appears on the website as a director, so she presumably has resigned.
Dean Shannon told me I shouldn’t be concerned about the cost of running the TAB from now on because Entain now covers all its expenses, along with a guaranteed minimum payment of $150 million a year to run the codes and provide stakes. He also said Entain expected to lose money for two years but should be in the black by year three.
30 percent of NZ online betting placed with Bet365
He aims to claw back the 30 percent of all online betting in New Zealand that goes directly offshore to Bet365, a privately owned platform that gives nothing back for the use of NZ racing. Cameron Rodger said Entain would not be pushing the issue of geo-blocking but leaving it to the due process of government to decide. The codes will benefit by an additional $100 million from Entain if it’s passed into law.
Things have improved since Entain’s arrival, but this partnership has a cautionary side regarding the long-term sustainability of racing. We are in the honeymoon phase but should remember that the deal has to work financially for both parties to survive beyond the annual $150 million guarantee, which ceases in 2028. The five years will come around quickly, after which the partnership will be conducted on a 50/50 gross profit basis. We need Entain to turn its massive NZ investment into an excellent annual long-term profit so we can run for prizemoney that will incentivise Kiwis to grow breeding and racing back to higher levels than we have now.
So, what do we really know about Entain beyond the charismatic trio of Shannon, Fitt and Rodger?
What we know about Entain
We know it’s a highly geared $4 billion global betting empire that, in August 2020, changed its name from GVC Holdings to Entain and has since invested heavily in various betting jurisdictions worldwide, including our TAB NZ.
We know that the company is registered in the tax-haven Isle of Man, where it runs worldwide gambling operations under the Ladbrokes, Neds, BetCity, Eurobet, Sportingbet, Crystalbet, Coral, PartyPoker, bwin and BetMGM brands. BetMGM is Entain’s joint venture with MGM Resorts.
We know the company’s share price fell by 40 percent last year, which caused shareholder dissatisfaction and indifferent reviews. Since then, replacements have arrived for the CEO and several board members.
We know that Entain expects the NZ betting market of approximately NZ$600 million to grow by 35 percent over the next five years.
We know that in an Australian interview last week, Dean Shannon was asked if he thought a 17 to 20 percent betting downturn across the board was a sizeable shift. He answered, “Yes, it has been a sizeable shift, but it shouldn’t be that surprising. This is predominantly driven by macroeconomic factors such as higher interest rates and cost-of-living pressures.”
We know, most importantly, that if it hadn’t done a deal with Entain, TAB NZ would now be either broke or less attractively partnered with one of two alternative offers – fact.
What else is there to know beyond that last bit?
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2024 Fortuna Yearling Purchase Update
Our featured Yearling this week is our Spirit Of Boom – Aotearower Filly – “Boomer“
By Spirit Of Boom, a strong race track performer and a consistent proven Top 10 Stallion in Australia
Out of the tough NZ racemare, Aotearower, the winner of 4 races in NZ and herself out of a Shamardal Mare (Shamardal is the dam sire of Imperetriz) – this is the family of Katoon, Black Panther and Cross Roads, all hardy NZ bred types
A Filly of good size and acope, she looks to be a type that will run as a 2yo
Mark Walker describes her as follows; “John, this Filly just breezed across the ground beautifully when she paraded for us – I just love the fact that she is out of a Sharmardal mare, the same as Imperatriz – this is a very strong NZ Family that consistently produces winners, but in particular, I loved her on type physically, very correct with a great walk. I am sure she will run as a 2yo, but will develop and mature into a strong 3yo type”
Yearling Filly by Spirit Of Boom out of Aotearower
Note that “Boomer” is registered for the Magic Millions Series and is eligible to contest the Magic Millions 2yo race in Jan 2025 for A$3m prizemoney and the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas in Jan 2026 for A$3m – she is also eligible to contest a number of $1m races held on the Magic Millions Series Race Day at the Gold Coast in January each year for the rest of her racing career · 10% share $18,000, 5% share $9,000, 2.5% share $4,500, 1% share $1800 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
· Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $12k
· Monthly ongoing costs from 1st August 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
· Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card 7% Left – Click HERE to order a share online
Mark Walker surges to a dominant leading Strike Rate in the Victorian Metro Trainers rankings
2024 Fortuna Yearling Purchase Update
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Fortuna has four runners on Saturday – one in NZ and three in SingaporeNZ – Trentham
INCA BELLE
races in the R75 1400 – Race 9 @ 4.58pm – Ashvin Goindasamy to ride from the outside barrier in a field of 11 runners. Two solid efforts since winning at Tauranga in January – gets back to 1400m here – wide draw to contend with but will appreciate the roomy track and only carries 54.5kg – strong top 3 contender $4.80 Singapore
TRIDENT contests the Class 3 1600m Turf event – Race 8 @ 3.30 Singapore time (8.30 NZT) with Ronnie Stewart to ride from a mid field barrier. Steps up to the Mile here for only the 2nd time in his 16 start, 4 win career – raced without much luck last start – but ready for this trip now
Here is what the STC tipsters have to say about this race;
1st Pick: MAKIN (4)
Last start was his best performance yet, was caught in trouble in the straight and powered home thanks to a great steer from Nunes. Finds another class 3 and steps up to 1600m against similar competition. Will be a short price favourite and should be hard to beat. Main danger.
2nd Pick: TRIDENT (6)
Coming out of the same race behind Makin, was crowded during the run and had some excuses. Has placed behind the impressive Silo before and gets Ronnie Stewart in the saddle this week. He should get his chance.
3rd Pick: PACIFIC BAO BEI (7)
He is a last start winner and might be looking for further, likely to sit close in the run. Can be competitive here.
4th Pick: BLACK STORM (12)
The last two performances have been encouraging, had every chance most recently and peaked on his run. He needs to be respected in class 3.
KNIPPENBERG runs in the Class 3 1200m Turf event – Race 10 @ 4.30 Singapore time (9.30 NZT) with Stable apprentice Sarwi Jamil, claiming 3kgs, to ride from the outside barrier. Disappointed somewhat last start, but 4 wins and 3 2nds from 14 career starts is his formline – has a difficult draw in what is a good field, so will need some luck in the running, but if he gets it, is a top 3 chance
GUN runs in the Class 4 1200m Turf event – Race 12 @ 5.35 Singapore time (10.34 NZT) with Stable apprentice Sarwi Jamil, claiming 3kgs, to ride from the No 1 barrier – has shown promise with a win and a 2nd from his six start career – gets the ace draw with a featherweight to carry – good top 3 chance
Tuesday 5th MarchInca Belle (V Colgan) worked over 1000 metres in 1.07.8, home in 40.6.
Malborough Bay (R Sheehan) and Leaderboard (T McCrissican) worked over 1000 metres in 1.11.2, home in 39.9.
Wednesday 6th MarchStar Shadow (T Melvin) worked over an easy 800 metres, home in 38.89.
Thursday 7th March
Vivacious (O Bosson) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.14.1, home in 44.6. Ragamuffin (R Sheehan) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.08.2, home in 38.7.
Inca Belle (O Bosson) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.09.8, home in 40.0.
Singapore Trackwork Saturday 2nd March
GUN (JAMIL)1000/600-37.5; KNIPPENBERG (ASLAM)1000/600-38.5;; KING ARTHUR (YUSOFF)1000/600-38;
Tuesday 5th March
RHETT BUTLER (JAMIL)1000/600-39.5;
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OTHER NEWS
Mark Walker surges to a dominant leading Strike Rate in the Victorian Metro Trainers rankings
Te Akau Racing’s Cranbourne stable has got off to a flying start. While stable numbers remain relatively small and the total number of starts in the current season (33) are also small, Mark has managed to produce 11 winners from these 33 starters, giving a strike rate of 33.3%, well ahead of his closest contender, Simon Wylde, on 20.8% and more than double or strike rate of most of the leading contenders. Of course, it helps when the Stable has a bonny Champion Mare like Imperatriz in the stable, but even if you take her wins and starts out of the figures, Mark’s strike rate is still in the low 20’s
Knowing Mark and the Te Akau principals well, I am sure they will not be sitting on their laurels and will be firmly focused on continuing the plan to build more boxes and continuing to deliver winners from the Cranbourne complex. Mark is certainly racking up the air miles at the moment as he criss-crosses the Tasman and on a day to day basis, Assistant Trainer at Cranbourne, Ben Gleeson and the other stable staff are doing a great job in getting this relatively new venture humming along – see the Trainers table below
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2024 Fortuna Yearling Purchase Update
Too Darn Hot – Miss Challenger Filly – (Karaka) – 100% Sold
Written Tycoon – Selica Filly – (Karaka) – 100% Sold
Spirit Of Boom – Aotearower Filly – (Magic Millions) – 13% Left
El Roca – Megara Filly (Karaka) – 35% Left
Our featured Yearling this week is our Spirit Of Boom – Aotearower Filly – “Boomer“
By Spirit Of Boom, a strong race track performer and a consistent proven Top 10 Stallion in Australia
Out of the tough NZ racemare, Aotearower, the winner of 4 races in NZ and herself out of a Shamardal Mare (Shamardal is the dam sire of Imperetriz) – this is the family of Katoon, Black Panther and Cross Roads, all hardy NZ bred types
A Filly of good size and acope, she looks to be a type that will run as a 2yo
Mark Walker describes her as follows; “John, this Filly just breezed across the ground beautifully when she paraded for us – I just love the fact that she is out of a Sharmardal mare, the same as Imperatriz – this is a very strong NZ Family that consistently produces winners, but in particular, I loved her on type physically, very correct with a great walk. I am sure she will run as a 2yo, but will develop and mature into a strong 3yo type”
Yearling Filly by Spirit Of Boom out of Aotearower
Note that “Boomer” is registered for the Magic Millions Series and is eligible to contest the Magic Millions 2yo race in Jan 2025 for A$3m prizemoney and the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas in Jan 2026 for A$3m – she is also eligible to contest a number of $1m races held on the Magic Millions Series Race Day at the Gold Coast in January each year for the rest of her racing career · 10% share $18,000, 5% share $9,000, 2.5% share $4,500, 1% share $1800 – with ongoing costs from 1 April 2024 @$44 per month per each 1% share
· Initial Capital includes Purchase Price, NZ GST on entry to NZ, Promoters Fees, Insurance to 31 Jan 2025, Magic Millions Race Series Fee, Airfreight to NZ and working capital of over $12k
· Monthly ongoing costs from 1st August 2023 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $440 per month – 5% share $220 per month – 2.5% share $110 per month – 1% share $44 per month.
· Monthly ongoing costs can alternatively be paid up to 12 months in advance as an option for subscribers by Bank Payment or Credit Card
