SOPRANO SUPREME (4yo Mare by Contributer out of the Zabeel Mare, Falsetto) was impressive at Matamata 12th January when winning the NZ Bloodstock Pearl Series Maiden 1600 by almost five lengths. A strong finishing run for 2nd over 1400m 23rd December saw punters send her out a $3.90 clear favourite with the very much in form Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin (claiming 2kgs) in the saddle. The race plan was to go forward from her mid field draw and that was executed perfectly by horse and rider, landing in a nice spot outside the leader. Traveling nicely in the run, Joe gave her a bit more rein approaching the turn and on turning for home, she sprinted away from field to go to the line with a 4.75 length margin in the smart time of 1.35.38

Click HERE to see the race Video replay

Trainer Jamie Richards was on course and expressed a lot of satisfaction with the win “Soprano has been a very slow maturing mare and we have needed to be very patient with her and give her the time she needed – but she was very good last start 2nd here at Matamata before Christmas and the extra trip today was right up her alley. Lovely ride by Joe who rode her to instructions perfectly. Bred to stay, she will have another run at 1600m and then we will get her up to a 2000m trip. Congrats to John Galvin and his Fortuna Team – they have been incredibly patient with this Mare.”

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin was also on course with a solid representation of Syndicate Members “That was exciting to watch – she always seemed to be going well in the run and certainly was very dominant in  how she finished off the race – in her earlier career starts she was showing us glimpses of her ability, but just needed time to mature and grow into herself. Neat ride by Joe and well done to Jamie for bringing this mare along quietly – and well done to David Ellis for picking this Mare out of the 2019 Sale for us – I had asked him to select a genuine staying type for us and once again he has delivered”

“Soprano Supreme” – Victorious at Matamata 12th January 2021

Soprano Supreme was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the NZ Bloodstock 2019 Karaka Yearling Sale for $62,500 from the draft of Te Runga Stud.

She is raced by the Fortuna Soprano Supreme Syndicate, an Ownership group of 62 individuals from New Zealand and Hong Kong

Fortuna has five runners this Saturday 8^th January – two in NZ and three in Singapore

New Zealand

Leaderboard contests the Marton Cup at Awapuni, a Listed event over 2200m (Race 7 at 4.20pm). Kozzie Asano reunites with him in this race, a final lead up race for him as he heads toward the Wellington Cup 29^thJanuary. A strong finishing 3^rd over 1600m at Timaru 28^th December has set him up for this race – gets a suitable distance, drawn nicely in a field of 12 runners, will get a firmish track which may not be ideal, but if he copes with that, can certainly feature in the finish here with just 53kgs to carry

Charmaine’s Dream runs at Kumara on Saturday in the Rating 65 1150 (Race 4 @ 1.42pm) in what will be her 2^nd start from the Kevin Myers barn – a strong performance for 3^rd at Greymouth on Monday from a tricky draw has set her up nicely for this event, but once again has drawn an outside barrier, so will need luck. The in form Tina Comignaghi takes the mount. Difficult draw, so will need luck in running, but if she gets it can feature

Singapore

Hidden Promise is in the Class 5 1200 Poly (Race 1 at 5pm NZT) – but is Ballot 2, so probably will not get a run. This 9yo Veteran is in his 7^th season if racing but retains the enthusiasm of a 3yo, This is a resuming run and is at a trip short of his best, but has run some cheeky races when fresh at this trip. Shafiq has been engaged to ride – has drawn wide which won’t make it easy if he does manage to get a start

Deception is on debut in the Restricted Maiden 1100m (Race 2 @ 5.30pm NZT), a S$75k event. This 3yo son of I Am Invincible has taken all before him with his trials to date. Will be ridden by Marc Lerner from Barrier 5 in a 9 horse field. Meets a field here of previous runners with moderate exposed form and other debut runners with reasonable trials form. Shows all the attributes of a class galloper and if he can reproduce his trial form on race day, will be a strong each way chance

Entertainer resumes in the Class 3 1100 Poly (Race 10 @ 9.30NZT). “Joker” was the Fortuna NZ Stable star of 2021, with 6 victories from 9 starts. He has drawn awkwardly in Barrier 10 but just loves to jump and run and will either lead or trail. Apprentice K Yusoff takes 3kgs off his back. Back to Class 3 after winning at Class 2 level last time and running at a trip at which he won 6 times from 7 starts in 2021 – looks to be a compelling winning chance in this race

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

1st Pick: ENTERTAINER (3)
Classy galloper who  has an extraordinary record over this course and distance winning six from seven starts.
2nd Pick: FIRST BOWL (11)
Strung together a few nice wins last preparation in Class 4. Not the strongest of races so that form can measure up in this.
3rd Pick: MY MAN (5)
Having his debut start in Singapore after arriving from Argentina. He is a Group and Listed winner in his native home over further distances. Look for him finishing off.
4th Pick: WEBSTER (2)
Dropping sharply in grade and can bring some of his old form back. The last time he raced in this class, he was victorious back in 2018.

Fortuna Track work – Matamata
Tuesday 4^th Jan
Navalha (N Parmar) galloped over an easy 800 metres in 53.7, home in 38.2.
Madame Moet (T Harris) worked over an easy 1000 metres in 1.10.2, last 600 in 43.5.

Thursday 6th Jan
Soprano Supreme (B King) galloped over an easy 1200 metres in 1.23, last 600 in 40.

Madame Moet (T Harris) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.07.5, home in 39.5.

Dancarina (A Gujar) galloped over an easy 1000 metres in 1.11, last 600 in 41.1.

Other News

KING ARTHUR makes it back to back wins in Singapore

KING ARTHUR took no prisoners on the Opening Day of the Singapore Turf Club’s 2022 season when scorching to a win in the Class 4 1000m Polytrack event, making it back to back wins and recording his 3rd Singapore win in the process. The 4yo son of I Am Invincible out of Pentasia (by Pentire) had drawn the outside barrier which had the potential to make things tricky for him, but, in the hands of former Singapore Champion Apprentice rider Shafiq Rusof, he flew the gates and was soon in the lead. Kept wide on the rain affected surface by Shafiq, he turned for home with a narow margin, found a kick and under a strong hands and heels ride, went to the line with 1.3 lengths to spare over the 2nd placed Rocketship, in the smart time of 58.93 sec.

Click HERE to see the race replay

King Arthur’s victory also handed Singapore Trainer Donna Logan her first winner as Head Trainer for the powerful Te Akau Racing operation, on her very first day in that role, having been appointed in December after Mark Walker’s relocation back to New Zealand to take up the reins as Head Trainer in New Zealand – this due to the current NZ Trainer, Jamie Richards, heading to Hong Kong in the Autumn to join the training ranks of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Donna Logan was ecstatic after King Arthur’s victory; “That was a very strong win today, it was always going to be challenging for him to overcome the wide barrier draw, but he simply flew the gates and was ridden perfectly by Shafiq – he has always been a horse who has got himself a bit worked up pre race, but he was very calm and relaxed today in the parade ring – I think he has a bright future ahead of him in Singapore. And a great personal thrill for me to train a winner on Opening Day of the season on my first day as Trainer for Te Akau Racing. Also special for King Arthur to be raced by the Fortuna NZ Stable here in Singapore – they had an excellent season in 2020 with 19 winners in total and John Galvin has put together a very strong stable here in Singapore for Fortuna and its clients.”

Fortuna boss, John Galvin, watching from his Hamilton home in New Zealand was over the moon with the result “Look, we were expecting a strong run as he was a very good last start winner in this grade, however the outside draw had the potential to be tricky and the heavy rain had made the track very sticky, so we weren’t quite sure what we were going to get, but King Arthur simply flew the gates and Shafiq rode him perfectly from there. Great to see Shafiq get another win in the Fortuna silks – he and I go back a long way with many winners together in Singapore and of course with his riding stint in NZ in 2018, he rode Melody Belle to win 3 times, including two Group One wins on her. And I am rapt for Donna Logan – she has been thrust into the hot seat at the helm of Te Akau Racing and she has got her new role off to a flying start. Kudos to Mark Walker also for nurturing King Arthur along in such a professional manner – he has not been the easiest horse to deal with”

Shafiq Rusof returns to scale on King Arthur

KING ARTHUR was originally raced in Australia as Tintagel by clients of the Bjorn Baker Stable, but after they decided to put the horse on the market, he was purchased by John Galvin out of the October 2020 Inglis Digital Sale for A$25,000 and is raced by the Fortuna King Arthur Syndicate, an ownership group of 31 individuals from New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia. From 11 starts in Singapore, he has now accumulated S$103,000 with 3 wins and 6 minor placings

Current Opportunities – the Darci Brahma 2yo “DB”

We still have a few share left in the 2yo Gelding “DB” by Darci Brahma out of the Iffraaj mare Ujjayyi, whom we acquired on very good terms at the Ready To Run Sale in November.

He has been in the paddock since the sale, but this week travelled to Matamata to commence his first full Stable Prep under Jamie’s care.

Both David and Jamie are very bullish about “DB” – Click HERE to see DB parading Thursday morning with voiceover from David. He came in from the farm a few days ago and is in one of Jamie’s front paddocks and Jamie says “John, this is very nice horse – he is well grown, carries good condition and moves well.” He heads to the water walker on Monday for two week’s pre training and then will come under Jamie’s care – Jamie will aim him toward a jumpout and trial late Feb/early March

$1100 for each 1% share and $40 per month per each 1% from 1 April. Click HERE to read full details on the Fortuna website and you can order shares direct off the website. Contact me if you need more info

New Years Messages

A big thanks to those of our clients who sent us New Year’s Greetings – all very much appreciated. One message in particular caught my eye and so is reproduced below.

Dear John and Jessica

Kind regards,
Iain Leishman

Iain is a relatively new Fortuna client who has enjoyed having 5 wins in just 11 starts from 3 horses. Iain is an expat Scotsman who has worked in the oil industry most of his working life, with stints in the UK, Egypt, Syria and now Malaysia – I suspect he would have a few stories to tell over a single malt or two!!! He currently lives in Malaysia with his wife Judie. His wins have come from Mohawk Brave and King Arthur and a few hours after Iain sent this note to us King Arthur won again for him. I am sure Iain and Judie will be glued to their TV screen at around 12.30pm Saturday when their debut runner Deception runs for them.

Thanks so much for your kind words Iain and once this Covid madness is over, I look forward to catching up with you in the Owners Lounge at the Singapore Turf Club, where I am sure we can share a “wee dram” or two together

Next week Matamata 12^th Race Day

Interesting day for us with a “ladies day” for our runners – the two 4yo Mares, Madame Moet and Soprano Supreme, who both ran very promising 2^nd places at the Matamata track at the pre Christmas meeting, while our 3yo Filly, Dancarina, who won a trial at Ellerslie in impressive fashion a few days before Christmas, makes her race day debut

KING ARTHUR took no prisoners on the Opening Day of the Singapore Turf Club’s 2022 season when scorching to a win in the Class 4 1000m Polytrack event, making it back to back wins and recording his 3rd Singapore win in the process. The 4yo son of I Am Invincible out of Pentasia (by Pentire) had drawn the outside barrier which had the potential to make things tricky for him, but, in the hands of former Singapore Champion Apprentice rider Shafiq Rusof, he flew the gates and was soon in the lead. Kept wide on the rain affected surface by Shafiq, he turned for home with a narow margin, found a kick and under a strong hands and heels ride, went to the line with 1.3 lengths to spare over the 2nd placed Rocketship, in the smart time of 58.93 sec.

Click HERE to see the race replay

King Arthur’s victory also handed Singapore Trainer Donna Logan her first winner as Head Trainer for the powerful Te Akau Racing operation, on her very first day in that role, having been appointed in December after Mark Walker’s relocation back to New Zealand to take up the reins as Head Trainer in New Zealand – this due to the current NZ Trainer, Jamie Richards, heading to Hong Kong in the Autumn to join the training ranks of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Donna Logan was ecstatic after King Arthur’s victory; “That was a very strong win today, it was always going to be challenging for him to overcome the wide barrier draw, but he simply flew the gates and was ridden perfectly by Shafiq – he has always been a horse who has got himself a bit worked up pre race, but he was very calm and relaxed today in the parade ring – I think he has a bright future ahead of him in Singapore. And a great personal thrill for me to train a winner on Opening Day of the season on my first day as Trainer for Te Akau Racing. Also special for King Arthur to be raced by the Fortuna NZ Stable here in Singapore – they had an execellent seaon in 2020 with 19 winners in total and John Galvin has put together a very strong stable here in Singapore for Fortuna and its clients.”

“King Arthur” – Singapore Win #3 – 2nd January 2022

Fortuna boss, John Galvin, watching from his Hamilton home in New Zealand was over the moon with the result “Look, we were expecting a strong run as he was a very good last start winner in this grade, however the outside draw had the potential to be tricky and the heavy rain had made the track very sticky, so we weren’t quite sure what we were going to get, but King Arthur simply flew the gates and Shafiq rode him perfectly from there. Great to see Shafiq get another win in the Fortuna silks – he and I go back a long way with many winners together in Singapore and of course with his riding stint in NZ in 2018, he rode Melody Belle to win 3 times, including two Group One wins on her. And I an rapt for Donna Logan – she has been thrust into the hot seat at the helm of Te Akau Racing and she has got her new role off to a flying start. Kudos to Mark Walker also for nurturing King Arthur along in such a professional manner – he has not been the easiest horse to deal with”

Shafiq Rusof returns to scale on King Arthur

KING ARTHUR was originally raced in Australia as Tintagel by clients of the Bjorn Baker Stable, but after they decided to put the horse on the market, he was purchased by John Galvin out of the October 2020 Inglis Digital Sale for A$25,000 and is raced by the Fortuna King Arthur Syndicate, an ownership group of 31 individuals from New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia. From 11 starts in Singapore, he has now accumulated S$103,000 with 3 wins and 6 minor placings

Fortuna has two runners in Singapore on 2021 Season Opening Day 2^nd January

ELLIOT NESS is set to race in the Class 4 1000m Polytrack event – Race 3 @ 6pm NZT, – drawn Barrier 8 with Stable Apprentice Jerlyn Seow to ride, he is a talented type who broke a track record when clearing Maidens. Will need a bit of luck from draw, but has featherweight to carry and represents a strong each way chance

KING ARTHUR resumes in the Class 4 1000m Polytrack event – Race 11 @  10pm NZT – 2 wins and 5 minor placings from 10 Singapore starts indicates a smart improving type and a strong last start win 27^th November underscores that view. Shafiq Rusof takes the mount from Barrier 12  – good form, top rider, but drawn the outside at the 1000m trip and up in weight 4.5kgs over last win  – will need a lot of luck and a cool ride to feature in this

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 28th December

Navalha (R Khan) worked at three quarter pace over 800 metres in 1 minute, home in 44.7.

Thursday 29th December

Navalha (S Pillay) worked over an easy 800 metres in 56.3, home in 41.5.

Other News

Fortuna Racing’s 3yo MOHAWK BRAVE makes it Two Wins from Two Starts at Awapuni Boxing Day

Showing a devastating turn of foot in a whirlwind finish, MOHAWK BRAVE (3 g Extreme Choice – Ben’s Duchess) made it two from two in the $30,000 Aberdeen on Broadway Rating 65 1200 metres on Boxing Day at Awapuni.

Getting back in the running, as he did before producing a similar turn of foot for debut victory in Maiden 3YO 1000 metres on 28 October at Te Aroha, Mohawk Brave and Te Akau apprentice jockey Parmar Singh were equal to task again when, giving the leaders around an eight length start on turning, finished two to one in the run home to score by 3/4 length on the line, running the last 400m in a scintillating 22.24 secs.
Click HERE to see race replay

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin was on course along with a few Members of the Ownership Group – “That was spectacular to watch – he has shown us an exhilarating turn of foot in his trials and on raceday debut, but coming wide on the turn and off a moderate pace, he had a bit to do in the run home, but was simply too good in the end. Congrats to Jamie Richards, who has handled him  perfectly since his debut victory, giving him the time he needed and well done to Parmar, who is riding with a maturity over and above his raceday experience”

Trainer Jamie Richards, who was overseeing a large team of runners at Ellerslie, watched the race on TV “That was a fantastic win,” Richards said. “He’s a horse that has always shown a lot of ability, despite a few niggling immaturity issues. We seem to be on top of them now, with some good help from the team at home who take really good care of him. He’s got a great turn of foot and Parmar is riding so well. His four-kilo claim is invaluable, the way that he’s riding. He didn’t have a lot of room from the 600m, being lent on, but he waited, balanced him up and didn’t knock him around. I am very pleased with both the ride and how was able to win. I am thrilled to have another nice horse for John Galvin (Fortuna Racing) and their Ownership Group, because we have been a touch quiet in the Fortuna colours since the departure of Melody Belle.”

Mohawk Brave was originally purchased by James Harron Bloodstock for A$160,000 as a yearling at the Inglis Classic Sale, but after two moderate trial’s results and showing signs of coltyness, his Ownership group decided to move him on  and John Galvin bought him for A$65,000 in January 2021 at the Inglis Digital Sale. “He was the type of horse that fitted our purchase model perfectly, i.e lovely pedigree, acquired as a Stallion prospect by his original owners, but then offered for sale because he didn’t meet their exacting standards, he was picked out by Mark Walker (Fortuna Racing’s Singapore Trainer) and myself as an ideal type for Singapore racing, but due to uncertainty around flight availability, groom protocols etc, due to Covid, we decided to bring him to NZ instead”

MOHAWK BRAVE  is raced by the Fortuna Mohawk Syndicate, an ownership group of 42 Individuals, in the main, New Zealanders, but with ownership representation in Australia and Malaysia as well

Mohawk Brave was strapped by Te Akau Assistant Trainer Sam Bergerson.

Wellington Cup News – Fortuna runners

Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale – 11th/17th January

The Te Akau Team will be active at this sale – many very good horses have been acquired By David, Mark and Jamie over the years and their acquisitions for Fortuna have yielded Handsome Rebel (bought for A$60k and sold as a 3yo to Hong Kong for NZ$450k), Meteoric Lass, bought for A$55k, a smart type who won twice before going unsound and having to be retired from racing and the current 3yo Dancarina, bought for A$100k in 2020, yet to race, but a very smart trial winner at Ellerslie just before Christmas and on track to make her race day debut Matamata 12^th January,

Given travel restrictions, David and Jamie are not attending this year, but Mark Walker has manged to negotiate the travel protocols, travelled from Singapore to Sydney before Christmas and is on his way to Queensland 1 January to commence inspections – he will be assisted by the NZ expat bloodstock agent, Andy Williams, who has been of immense assistance to Te Akau and Fortuna with their acquisitions from the Aus Sales over the past couple of years.

Mark has drawn up a (long) short list and this will be whittled down to a genuine short list by the 1^st Day of the sale (11^thJan) following physical inspections and Vet checks. Te Akau will, I am sure, be buying several lots with various price ranges – Fortuna is aiming to buy a Filly and, as always, we will be seeking “value” and buying to budget – I have been through Mark’s lists, identified some very suitable types with lovely pedigrees and good parades, now it’s just a matter of waiting for the final short list and then of course, buying to budget.

As soon as we acquire something, it will be on our website and of course, in our Newsletter and Friday Flash updates

Happy New Year

It is a bit trite to say that 2021 has been a “difficult year” – that has been done to death in the media – I think we are all well and truly over the “doomsday” scenarios and just want to get on with our lives without living in fear. On that theme, Jessica and I and our Family wish all of our Clients, friends and supporters a truly prosperous, fulfilling and happy New Year – and may your runners have courage in their hearts and wings on their hooves!!!

Here are a couple of New Year’s wishes

And some musings

Is the Pandemic over? That may seem a strange question given the “surge” in cases we are seeing in Europe, the US and across the Tasman – but notable that the death rates are only a fraction of what they have been with the “alpha” and “delta” variants – plus the Omicron variant seems to be spreading so quickly and easily that very rapidly more and more people are carrying the antibodies – thus carrying ongoing immunity – some “experts” are predicting that “actual” cases may be up to five times more than “reported” with most people just having mild flu/cold like symptoms and not getting tested as a result.

Of course here in NZ, we have yet to see wide spread Omicron infection, however I note that a couple of days ago, the NSW Chief Medical Officer predicted that by the end of 2022, most NSW residents will have been exposed to Covid – will it be any different here!!! If it isn’t different, the “Pandemic” will be over and we would have entered an “endemic” state – i.e one where Covid-19 is with us in one form or another on an ongoing basis – a bit like a normal winter flu.

As I say, just a “musing”!!!

Modelling. I often wonder about the modellers – one well known  modelling body that advises the Government (for big $$$$ one would imagine), a few weeks ago predicted that Delta variant would cause 7000 deaths in New Zealand at an 80% vaccination rate and 1500 deaths at a 90% vaccination rate – when I last looked the total number of deaths from Covid in NZ was 50!!! – I certainly hope these “modellers” don’t take up trying to tip winners on race days!!!

Which reminds me of an old joke. Question “Why do we have Modellers?”  Answer “To make Astrologers look good”

And I also reminded of a famous quote from my favourite American President, Ronald Reagan, who quipped “Here is the scariest sentence in the English language ‘Hi there, I am from the Government and I am here to help you’

Deaths in NZ – this is an interesting one – with all of the focus on Covid cases and deaths this past couple of years, there has been very little interest in the Media about “ordinary” deaths. For the record, in a typical year, around 35,000 Kiwis die from all causes – yes that’s right, about 650 every week – in 2021, it appears that 10,500 died of cancer and 10,000 of heart disease. Of course (and very unfortunately) we also have a lot of deaths by “deliberate” shootings  – notable that since the Christchurch Mosque terrorist attack in 2019, which claimed 51 lives, more than 100 New Zealanders have lost their lives in gun shootings – a horrific figure – and we all know what section of the community has been carrying out the majority of those killings. It certainly isn’t  that section of the community who voluntarily “handed in” their weapons following the Mosque attack!!! And on the subject of deaths, let’s remind ourselves that the families and friends of many of those 3,000 or so that died in New Zealand during the August to December period were unable to mourn their passing in our traditional way due to lockdown provisions – again, not very “kind” is it!!!

Our Trainers – life changing events for Jamie, Mark and Donna Logan in recent times. I am sure you will all join with me in wishing Jamie all the very best as he heads up to Hong Kong to take up his new training position there in the Autumn.

Mark is endeavouring to arrive back in NZ late February, early March – what a homecoming that will be for him as he works in with Jamie during Jamie’s final few weeks in charge and then steps up to the plate himself.

Donna Logan has settled into her role very quickly as the new Te Akau Head Trainer in Singapore and will have her first race day in that role 2^nd Jan with nine runners on the day. Donna has a full barn of 64 horses and given her skills as a Trainer and the quality and numbers of horses under her control, she would have to be a contender for the Trainer’s Premiership in 2022 – Donna is ably assisted by her partner, Peter Woods, who is her “man Friday” in all aspects of running the Te Akau Stable in Singapore

Showing a devastating turn of foot in a whirlwind finish, MOHAWK BRAVE (3 g Extreme Choice – Ben’s Duchess) made it two from two in the $30,000 Aberdeen on Broadway Rating 65 1200 metres on Boxing Day at Awapuni.

Getting back in the running, as he did before producing a similar turn of foot for debut victory in Maiden 3YO 1000 metres on 28 October at Te Aroha, Mohawk Brave and Te Akau apprentice jockey Parmar Singh were equal to task again when, giving the leaders around an eight length start on turning, finished two to one in the run home to score by 3/4 length on the line, running the last 400m in a scintillating 22.24 secs.

Click HERE to see race replay

Fortuna Racing’s John Galvin was on course along with a few Members of the Ownership Group – “That was spectacular to watch – he has shown us an exhilarating turn of foot in his trials and on raceday debut, but coming wide on the turn and off a moderate pace, he had a bit to do in the run home, but was simply too good in the end. Congrats to Jamie Richards, who has handled him  perfectly since his debut victory, giving him the time he needed and well done to Parmar, who is riding with a maturity over and above his raceday experience”

MOHAWK BRAVE – makes it two from two – Awapuni  – Boxing Day 2021

Trainer Jamie Richards, who was overseeing a large team of runners at Ellerslie, watched the race on TV “That was a fantastic win,” Richards said. “He’s a horse that has always shown a lot of ability, despite a few niggling immaturity issues. We seem to be on top of them now, with some good help from the team at home who take really good care of him. He’s got a great turn of foot and Parmar is riding so well. His four-kilo claim is invaluable, the way that he’s riding. He didn’t have a lot of room from the 600m, being lent on, but he waited, balanced him up and didn’t knock him around. I am very pleased with both the ride and how was able to win. I am thrilled to have another nice horse for John Galvin (Fortuna Racing) and their Ownership Group, because we have been a touch quiet in the Fortuna colours since the departure of Melody Belle.”

Mohawk Brave was originally purchased by James Harron Bloodstock for A$160,000 as a yearling at the Inglis Classic Sale, but after two moderate trial’s results and showing signs of coltyness, his Ownership group decided to move him on  and John Galvin bought him for A$65,000 in January 2021 at the Inglis Digital Sale. “He was the type of horse that fitted our purchase model perfectly, i.e lovely pedigree, acquired as a Stallion prospect by his original owners, but then offered for sale because he didn’t meet their exacting standards, he was picked out by Mark Walker (Fortuna Racing’s Singapore Trainer) and myself as an ideal type for Singapore racing, but due to uncertainty around flight availability, groom protocols etc, due to Covid, we decided to bring him to NZ instead”

MOHAWK BRAVE  is raced by the Fortuna Mohawk Syndicate, an ownership group of 42 Individuals, in the main, New Zealanders, but with ownership representation in Australia and Malaysia as well

Mohawk Brave was strapped by Te Akau Assistant Trainer Sam Bergerson.

Fortuna has two NZ runners next few days, – Singapore racing season has come to an end for 2021 – racing resumes up there  2^nd January

New Zealand

Mohawk Brave will endeavour to make it 2 wins from 2 starts when he tackles the Rating 65 1200m at Awapuni on Boxing Day – Race 3 at 1.12pm – this flashy Chestnut 3yo son of Sire sensation Extreme Choice turned a few heads with his stylish win on debut at Te Aroha 28^th October. Stable apprentice Parmar Singh, claiming 4kgs, retains the mount from a mid field draw. Race day and trials form has been very good – is right in this and represents a strong each way chance – can win

Leaderboard resumes at Timaru on 28^th of December in the rating 74 1600m event – race 5 at 3.16pm. Apprentice, Sanu Toolooa, claiming 3kgs, rides. On a path to the Wellington Cup 29^th Jan, this trip is probably too short for him and will get back, but in a fresh state can perform if pace is strong – any rain will help. Place chance

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 21st December

No timed Fortuna trackwork today

Thursday 23rd December

No timed Fortuna trackwork today

Other News

James McDonald ranked No 1 Jockey in world by Thoroughbred Racing Commentary. Click HERE to read this story

Britain’s Charlie Appleby ranked No 1 Trainer in world for 2021 – Jamie Richards ranked 8^th Click HERE  to read this story

Shares For Sale

You may recall the well known TV Ads of yesteryear, proclaiming “Give that man a DB”

Well, it’s not too late to pick up that last minute Christmas gift for a loved one and what could be better than a “DB”? – And I don’t mean a box of beer, but a share in our outstanding 2yo Gelded son of Darci Brahma out of the Iffraaj Mare Ujjayyi – very well bought at the November Ready To Run Sale for New Zealand racing, this handsome, physically correct Gelding (Stable name “DB”)  ticks more than a few boxes. On paddock spell right now, he will commence his first stable preparation in the hands of Jamie Richards mid January – read all about him below – $1100 for each 1% share and $40 per month ongoing costs from 1 April

About The 2yo Gelding “DB” by Darci Brahma out of Ujjayyi

This handsome, athletic Two Year Old Gelding was identified by Fortuna’s Thoroughbred Selectors, David Ellis and Jamie Richards, as a type that fitted the Fortuna criteria of acquiring a nicely bred, physically correct, 2yo Gelding within the Fortuna budget. He was acquired by David and John at the NZB 2021 Ready To Run sale after they had conducted physical inspections, viewed his pre sale breeze up gallop  and he had passed a comprehensive Vet Check conducted by Senior Veterinarian, Dr Doug Black. Mark Walker, from his Singapore base, had also perused his breeze up and parade and rated him a “solid prospect” – this Gelding has been given the stable name “DB” ahead of being allocated a formal Race name

 The Darci Brahma – Ujjayyi 2yo Gelding “DB”

Pedigree
This Gelding has a very strong Pedigree – he is by the high quality Stallion, DARCI BRAHMA, a Champion racehorse on the track, the Sire of close to 500 winners including 58 Stakes winners and twice the Leading NZ Sire of 3yo’s. DB’s dam UJJAYYI is by the outstanding international Stallion, IFFRAAJ (also the dam sire of 14 time Group One winner Melody Belle).  UJJAYYI won a Maiden race by 3.5 lengths on debut and ran 6^th in the Group One Sistema Stakes at Ellerslie before being retired from racing due to injury  – this is her first foal – Click HERE to view DB’s pedigree

Physical type
A strong, athletic Gelding, “DB” is a late August foal of good medium size, who walks well and breezed up nicely at the Ready To Run Breeze up gallops. Click HERE to see him parading ahead of the Ready To Run Sale. Click HERE to view his Breeze Up gallop. Presenting as a 3yo type, DB will benefit  from a 6 week paddock spell ahead of his first stable prep

Trainer’s view (Jamie Richards)
“John, this horse is a really attractive son of Darci Brahma, who caught our attention with his pedigree page and his parade – his breeze up gallop was good, showed a bit of greenness but had a lovely action – he will need a bit of time in the paddock (eight weeks) to strengthen up ahead of his first stable prep – he has “3yo type” written all over him, so we will be patient – he represents great value at the price you secured him for – I am looking forward to having him in my stable”

Selector’s view (David Ellis)
“This horse is a typical son of Darci Brahma, he is strong through the shoulder, has good rib on him, a lovely deep girth, paraded and breezed up very well and is very typical of the sort of horse I like to buy. Over the years, Te Akau trained Colts and Geldings have had spectacular success in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton – we know what it takes of a horse to be competitive in that race and this boy has the right physical credentials – he was very well bought at $60,000 ”

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)
“My brief to David and Jamie was to find a nice athletic 3yo type Colt or Gelding who, on pedigree and type, could be a contender for the “Classic” 3yo races in the 2022/23 season. I had picked him out myself from the catalogue because we have had much success with nearly all of the Darci Brahma progeny we have bought over the years, so it was satisfying to see that he was on David and Jamie’s short list and was given the tick by Mark Walker as well. He is a lovely athletic individual who I am sure will be a great asset to the Fortuna Team”

Disclosure Statement & Agreement
Click HERE to read Disclosure Statement – Click HERE to read Syndicate Agreement and Click HERE to view Declaration
Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $11,000 – 5% share  $5,500 – 2.5% share $2,750 – 1% share $1,100 (all pricing in NZ$)
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, GST, Promoters Fees,  Insurance through to 31st January 2023, and Working Capital of over$13,000
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^stApril 2022 – from that date ongoing costs are –10% share $400 per month – 5% share $200 per month – 2.5% share $100 per month – 1% share $40 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 shares directly off the Fortuna website

Seasons Greetings

Jessica and John and Family wish all of our clients and supporters a very Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring you much happiness and prosperity and also many winners.

Great year in 2021 for the Fortuna Racing Team with 30 individual winners – 19 in Singapore and 11 in New Zealand.

Highlight included

Two Group One victories for Melody Belle as her career came to an end – these giving her 14 Group One victories altogether – a new record for a NZ Owned and Trained Horse

Entertainer winning six races in Singapore

Hadeer winning three races in a row in Singapore

Beau Geste winning 4 races in NZ, three over the jumps, including one wins Wanganui where he won by 38 lengths

Elliot Ness breaking a track record over 1200m in Singapore when winning his Maiden Race

Mohawk Brave winning his debut race at Te Aroha

Click HERE to see Video Footage of the closing stages of all of these wins

Fortuna has one acceptance this week Friday, at Tauranga – Singapore racing season has come to an end for 2021 – racing resumes up there  2^nd January

Charmaine’s Dream contests the Rating 65 1200m at Tauranga Friday 4^th – Race 8 @ 4.30pm. A gallant 3rd placing after an awkward start, this track, trip and grade on 13^th November, she gets 2kgs off her back courtesy of rider Joe Kamaruddin’s apprentice claim and track conditions to suit. Drawn wide and will need luck in running – will be ridden positively and can feature if she gets the right run

Fortuna Track work – Matamata

Tuesday 7^th December

Charmaine’s Dream (M Grylls) galloped over 1000 metres in 1.07, home in 37.8.
Mohawk Brave (S Pillay) galloped over 800 metres in 53.4, home in 37.9.

Thursday 9th December

No timed Fortuna runners trackwork today

Other News

Shares for Sale

Ready to Run Sale purchase – the 2yo Gelding by Darci Brahma out of Ujjayyi (by Iffraaj) – Don’t miss out on this fellow – Very athletic, strong pedigree, he shapes up as a strong 3yo racing prospect.

Shares are now available at $1100 per each 1% share inclusive of all costs and working capital – nothing to pay until 1st April 2022 and from that date $40 per month per each 1% share. Click HERE to view all details and purchase shares

About The 2yo Gelding “DB” by Darci Brahma out of Ujjayyi

This handsome, athletic Two Year Old Gelding was identified by Fortuna’s Thoroughbred Selectors, David Ellis and Jamie Richards, as a type that fitted the Fortuna criteria of acquiring a nicely bred, physically correct, 2yo Gelding within the Fortuna budget. He was acquired by David and John at the NZB 2021 Ready To Run sale after they had conducted physical inspections, viewed his pre sale breeze up gallop  and he had passed a comprehensive Vet Check conducted by Senior Veterinarian, Dr Doug Black. Mark Walker, from his Singapore base, had also perused his breeze up and parade and rated him a “solid prospect” – this Gelding has been given the stable name “DB” ahead of being allocated a formal Race name

Pedigree

This Gelding has a very strong Pedigree – he is by the high quality Stallion, DARCI BRAHMA, a Champion racehorse on the track, the Sire of close to 500 winners including 58 Stakes winners and twice the Leading NZ Sire of 3yo’s. DB’s dam UJJAYYI is by the outstanding international Stallion, IFFRAAJ (also the dam sire of 14 time Group One winner Melody Belle),  UJJAYYI won a Maiden race by 3.5 lengths on debut and ran 6^th in the Group One Sistema Stakes at Ellerslie before being retired from racing due to injury  – this is her first foal – Click HERE to view DB’s pedigree

Physical type

A strong, athletic Gelding, “DB” is a late August foal of good medium size, who walks well and breezed up nicely at the Ready To Run Breeze up gallops. Click HERE to see him parading ahead of the Ready To Run Sale. Click HERE to view his Breeze Up gallop. Presenting as a 3yo type, DB will benefit  from a 6 week paddock spell ahead of his first stable prep

Trainer’s view (Jamie Richards)

“John, this horse is a really attractive son of Darci Brahma, who caught our attention with his pedigree page and his parade – his breeze up gallop was good, showed a bit of greenness but had a lovely action – he will need a bit of time in the paddock (eight weeks) to strengthen up ahead of his first stable prep – he has “3yo type” written all over him, so we will be patient – he represents great value at the price you secured him for”

Selector’s view (David Ellis)

“This horse is a typical son of Darci Brahma, he is strong through the shoulder, has good rib on him, a lovely deep girth, paraded and breezed up very well and is very typical of the sort of horse I like to buy. Over the years, Te Akau trained runners have had spectacular success in races like the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton – we know what it takes of a horse to be competitive in that race and this boy has the right physical credentials – he was very well bought at $60,000 ”

Syndicator’s view (John Galvin)

“My brief to David and Jamie was to find a nice athletic 3yo type Colt or Gelding who, on pedigree and type, could be a contender for the “Classic” 3yo races in the 2022/23 season. I had picked him out myself from the catalogue because we have had much success with nearly all of the Darci Brahma progeny we have bought over the years, so it was satisfying to see that he was on David and Jamie’s short list and was given the tick by Mark Walker as well. He is a lovely athletic individual who I am sure will be a great asset to the Fortuna Team”
Disclosure Statement & Agreement

Click HERE to read Disclosure Statement – Click HERE to read Syndicate Agreement

Terms

• Shares available right down to 1%.
• 10% share $11,000  – 5% share  $5,500 – 2.5% share $2,750 – 1% share $1,100 (all pricing in NZ$)
• Share price includes all Initial Costs (Purchase price, GST, Promoters Fees, Insurance through to 31st January 2023, and Working Capital of over $13,000
• Monthly ongoing costs from 1^st April 2022 – from that date ongoing costs are – 10% share $400 per month – 5% share $200 per month – 2.5% share $100 per month – 1% share $40 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 view all details and purchase shares

  KING ARTHUR wins for the 2nd time in Singapore 27th Nov 2021 – Hakim Kamaruddin in the saddle