PRINCE HENRY victorious at Taupo today on debut
3yo Gelding PRINCE HENRY (Henrythenavigator-Ocean of Tears) put in a commanding performance at his race day debut at Taupo today. A well performed trialist, confidence in the camp was high for a bold showing, although punters thought differently, allowing the horse to drift out to $13 on the TAB. With the very experienced senior jockey, Leith Innes aboard, the race plan was to use PRINCE HENRY’S gate speed to jump well and race right on the speed, however, the horse just dwelt slightly as they jumped and with a hot pace on, Innes chose to take a hold of the horse and let him just bowl along. As they came past the 600 metre mark, Innes rode PRINCE HENRY hard to move up the leaders, was four to five horse widths wide as they turned, but under a vigorous ride in the straight PRINCE HENRY responded, keeping his stable mate SONSY at bay, going to the line three quarters of a length clear. Click HERE to see video replay
Fortuna Director, John Galvin was naturally delighted, “We have always thought that this horse has more than his share of ability; that was a strong field of Maiden runners out there today and to win like that, with what was a tough run on debut, augers well for his future prospects.”
PRINCE HENRY, trained by Jason Bridgman of Te Akau Racing, was acquired from Hallmark Stud after Fortuna Selector David Ellis had given the horse a big tick after being pointed in his direction by Danny Rolston of New Zealand Bloodstock in July 2013. He is owned by the Fortuna Prince Henry Syndicate made up of 26 individuals, many of them first time owners.
PRINCE HENRY on Friday at Taupo and DARCI’S DREAM Riccarton on Saturday
A big two days of racing ahead for the FORTUNA 3yo’s, PRINCE HENRY and DARCI’S DREAM. First out of the blocks is the strapping Gelding, PRINCE HENRY, who makes his race day debut at Taupo on Friday 19th September. An effortless trials winner at Te Teko in early August, this son of Henrythenavigator then backed up with a strong second over more ground in a the next set of trials in late August. “He is ready to go to the races,” said Fortuna Director, John Galvin,” he has been really strong at trials level, now he gets his chance on raceday.” PRINCE HENRY will contest a Maiden event over 1200 metres with senior jockey, Leith Innes, to ride.
Very impressive at Taupo on 20th August, when resuming after a winter break, 3yo Filly DARCI’S DREAM takes a further step up in class when contesting the CANTERBURY BELLE STAKES at Riccarton, Saturday 20th August. A winner as a 2yo, this daughter of Darci Brahma has developed and strengthened as she has transited into a 3yo. “She was super impressive when winning at Taupo fresh up,” says John Galvin,” now she faces a sterner test in Stakes company, but she is up for it.” DARCI’S DREAM will be ridden in the 1200 metre event by New Zealand’s most successful jockey ever, David Walsh.
Picture courtesy of Race Images Palmerston North
FORTUNA September Newsletter
FORTUNA NEWSLETTER – 01 September 2014
DARCI’S DREAM victorious at Taupo 20th August 2014 – Matt Cameron aboard
IN THIS ISSUE
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Wonderful August results for Fortuna horses
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DARCI’S DREAM beats quality field at Taupo. Click HERE for race replay
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HIGHLY LIKELY makes it two wins from three starts. Click HERE for race replay
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August trials performances creates excitement.
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Upcoming Racing News
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Singapore Update
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Shares For Sale
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Fortuna Website
Wonderful August results for Fortuna Horses
Late in July, John and Jessica Galvin hosted Jason and Stacey Bridgman at dinner one evening and toasted the results of the 2013/14 season which saw four individual Fortuna NZ based horses salute the judge for six wins. Naturally enough, we also focused on what the 2014/15 season may bring us and, in general terms, we agreed that the Fortuna NZ team had real depth to it and the upcoming season may prove to be a fruitful one. Now, with one month of the new season gone, Fortuna horses have trialed five times for four wins and a second and had two horses to the races (Darci’s Dream and Highly Likely) for two wins, heady stuff forFortuna and its Members. Read more on these results in the news items below.
Dream Result at Taupo for Darci’s Dream
The 3yo Fillies race over 1100 metres at the Taupo August meeting is often a starting point for some very good 3yo Fillies, with 2013/14 season Sprinter of The Year, BOUNDING winning in 2013 and the multiple Group winning FIX successful in 2012. The 2014 renewal lacked little for class with eight of the ten runners having been successful as 2yo’s. The Fortunarunner DARCI’S DREAM was one of those who had been successful as a 2yo, having had five starts for one win, a second and a third. A smart trial winner at Te Teko on the 5th August, she had certainly declared her hand as having the potential to carry over her fine 2yo form into her 3yo season. Confidence in the camp, however, was tempered by the quality of the field.
In the run, DARCI’S DREAM was three wide but strode nicely into the race before the turn, however as they turned, she was six lengths shy of the race leader Queen of Navarre, who had not covered an inch of extra ground. 2014 Premiership winning jockey,Matthew Cameron, knuckled down to ride the Fortuna filly out and she showed great strength to run out the final two hundred metres strongly and take out the event. Click HERE to view Race Video Replay.
Fortuna Director, John Galvin was on hand, along with a number of the Syndicate Members, to cheer their charge home, “A great result for this horse, every Filly in the field today has Classic race aspirations and for her to win like that is a great thrill for us and all of her owners. This horse has been patiently handled by Jason Bridgman and his team and that patience is bearing fruit” he said.
DARCI’S DREAM, bred by David Ellis and Karyn Fenton-Ellis, was acquired by Fortuna Syndicators at the 2013 Karaka Select Sale, is owned by the Darci’s Dream Syndicate, comprising 30 individual owners.
HIGHLY LIKELY living up to his name
FORTUNA four year old Gelding, HIGHLY LIKELY, showed that his debut win at Te Aroha in June at just his second race day start was no fluke, when taking out the Rating 65 1600 event at Matamata Wednesday 27th August. Freshened since his June win, connections regarded the distance as possibly too short for this strapping son of High Chapparral out of the Volksraad mare Starrinka and with track conditions steadily drying out, there was also a concern that the going may be too good for him. In his favour was a good barrier draw, blinkers for the first time and a 3kg weight allowance for apprentice jockey, Lee Magorrian.
The horse dwelt slightly at the start, however, his rider soon had him up on the rail just in behind the leaders and enjoyed a lovely run in transit. Magorrian peeled him out as they straightened and he burst to lead with 150 metres to go, however faced a stern challenge from Thats How We Roll, who was finishing like a train down the outside, but in a dramatic head bobbing finish, HIGHLY LIKELY got the nod from the judge. Click HERE to see the race replay
FORTUNA Director, John Galvin, who was on track along with a number of the Syndicate Members, was naturally proud of his charge. “He is a lovely horse, a real stayer in the making, he has come on beautifully since his Te Aroha win and still has a lot of maturing to do yet; we probably won’t see the best of him until he is a five and six year old. Full credit to Jason Bridgman and the Te Akau team for their work with this horse; in particular Jamie Richards who rides him in most of his work and has taken him up Ann Brown’s hill at Cambridge a few time recently; this has contributed to his development and fitness levels as well.”
HIGHLY LIKELY was the top priced lot at the 2012 South Island sale, where he was selected on behalf of Fortuna by Te Akau Racing Supremo, David Ellis. The horse is raced by the Fortuna Highly Likely Syndicate, an ownership group consisting of 25 individuals.
HIGHLY LIKELY (inside) striding to victory – Matamata 27th August 2014- Lee Magorrian aboard
August Trials performances create excitement
As is customary, the month of August saw two sets of trials at the Te Teko racecourse, its pumice surface providing a reasonable racing surface for those horses getting their Spring campaigns under way. At the first set of trials on the 5th August, Fortuna produced three runners, 3yo Filly DARCI’S DREAM, 4yo gelding SIR DARCI and 3yo Gelding PRINCE HENRY. Incredibly, all three won on the day.The second set of trials on the 26th August saw two Fortuna runners, 2yo Filly,WINDBORNE, having her trials debut and PRINCE HENRY having a final trials run before making his race day debut. There was a lot of interest inWINDBORNE, for two reasons. Firstly, she is a full sister to the two time winner,DARCI’S DREAM and secondly, the quality of her track gallops at Matamata had been turning a few heads. She didn’t disappoint, going straight to the lead from a widish draw in her 600 metre event and showing a clean pair of heels to her rivals, winning under a hold by two and a half lengths. “This filly is well named”, said rider Matt Cameron as he dismounted, “she runs like the wind.”
WINDBORNE all alone near the wining post-Te Teko 26th August 2014
3yo PRINCE HENRY had won as he liked at his 800 metre trial on the 5th August; this time he was going over 1000 metres and the trial plan was to ride him a lot quieter in order to teach him a bit more about the racing game. However, blessed with early speed, he burst to the front as they jumped, but rider Matt Cameron restrained him, letting a few runners go around and then allowed the horse to run on strongly in the straight, but under no real pressure, to finish second to another runner who was being pressured all the way to the line. A powerfully built 3yo with a lovely smooth galloping action, PRINCE HENRY will probably debut at Taupo on 19th September.
PRINCE HENRY in action Te Teko 26th August 2014
UPCOMING RACING NEWS
Recent winner HIGHLY LIKELY (High Chapparal), is pencilled in to run in a rating 75 event over 2200 metres Rotorua 14th September, PRINCE HENRY (Henrythenavigator)
will probably debut at Taupo on 19th September, while the very promising 3yo filly, DARCI’S DREAM, will chase black type in theCanterbury Belle Stakes over 1200 metres at Riccarton on 20th September.SIR DARCI is ready to go to the races and is just awaiting suitable track conditions.
In other news 4yo Mare SELINE (Pentire) will trial at Cambridge (track conditions being suitable) on 9th September. 3yo Geldings DURAN (Darci Brahma) and ROYAL ASCOT (Keeper) are both having paddock spells, while 3yo Filly, OUR DRAHMA QUEEN (Darci Brahma) continues to recover from a shoulder injury suffered some time ago. Of the Two year Olds that we we acquired as yearlings at Karaka earlier this year, filly EBONY EYES (Bachelor Duke-Keepa Cruisin) will probably trial late in September, 2yo gelding BUTCH CASSIDY (Darci Brahma-Twelve Carat) is currently spelling at Te Akau and will return to work late in September while the physically outstanding 2yo“BELLA” Savabeel-Lynisky filly returned to Matamata in this past week for her second stable preparation. “LORDE” (Iffraaj-Naturo) is recovering from some fetlock swelling and will resume work in late September and “JACK” (Sakhees Secret) is in the final stages of his breaking in regime at Te Akau Stud.
Singapore News
4yo Gelding KING SAVINSKY (Savabeel) has completed all of his early Singapore preparation and will debut there in a Class 4 event over 1200 metres on Sunday 7th September. A genuine staying type, the 1200 metre trip will no doubt be too short for him, but is a good starting point for the horse. 3yo fillySECRET SPICE (Sakhees Secret) who ran a fair 5th when resuming from a spell recently, starts again Friday 19th September. The staying type 4yo, DOUBLE JEOPARDY (Mettre En Jeu) is back in work after spelling and will return to the races soon. 5yo READY FORTUNE (More Than Ready)who was successful in July, has been enjoying a spell and resumes work this coming week, while 6yo VON SNITZEL (Snitzel) continues to campaign solidly, running into the money in most of his runs since winning in June. EATONS GOLD (Jetspur) and OUR RIVER DANCER (Danehill Dancer) are both spelling in Malaysia, following knee surgery and will return to Singapore later in the year.
VON SNITZEL with Lisa Allpress aboard and Trainer, Mark Walker, after wining in Singapore 27th June
Fortuna Website
Often we get emails or phone calls for clients asking how they can know when FORTUNA horses may be racing. The very simple answer is to check the FORTUNA website www.fortuna-nz.com on a regular basis as we have a section on the Home Page which features upcoming starts forFORTUNA runners. Members should save the website to their favourites and check on a regular basis.
Near the top right hand corner of the FORTUNA website are a number of links to Social Media sites, such as FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Blogger. Clicking on any of these will take you to the FORTUNA pages on these sites. “Liking” and “Sharing” the Fortuna page on FaceBook is particularly helpful to us in this day and age of Social Media and does help us immensely in spreading the FORTUNA story. Clicking on the YouTube link will take you to replays of Fortuna horses winning races and trials, either on the Home Page or at PlayLists/Fortuna Horses Racing.
Fortuna Syndication Opportunities
In our August newsletter, we mentioned the possibility of a lovely Darci Brahma 2yo Filly becoming available. Unfortunately, this Filly failed a vet check and so we have not proceeded. We continue to look for a suitable opportunity. In the meantime, there are still a few shares left (10% on total) in the strong, powerful 2yo Filly by Savabeel out of Lynisky. Nicknamed BELLA, she was acquired by us at Karaka Select Sale this year and we really rate her. She has completed an initial stables preparation, has been spelled for two months and has just gone back to Matamata for her second prep.
She won’t be a Two Year Old type but with her pedigree and physical attributes, will furnish into a real staying type as a 3yo and older. The mare, Lynisky (by Stravinsky) has had four foals to the races and all have been winners, Each 5% share in this filly is $7400 for Initial costs plus $900 to cover the monthly ongoing expenses April to September inclusive with $150 per month ongoing from October. We will also do shares in this filly as low as 1%, so if you have interest in a parcel of any size. contact John Galvin.
BELLA – TwoYear Old Filly by Savabeel out of Lynisky
Summary
No question that the new season has got off to a flyer for us, although we would be the first to observe that this racing game can be a great leveller. However, we do seem to have lot of firepower across the board with our runners in both New Zealand and Singapore and we wish all of our Members the very best of luck over the ensuring months.
Fortuna Director – John Galvin
Contact John Galvin directly by email john@fortuna-nz.com or cell phone 021 921 460
More Fortuna Syndication success – SIR DARCI wins at New Plymouth.
Fortuna Thoroughbred Syndications successful run of good fortune continued today with 4yo Gelding SIR DARCI (Darci Brahma-Dominant) taking out the Rating 85 event over 1200 metres at New Plymouth, ridden by last season’s premiership winning jockey, Matt Cameron. It was SIR DARCI’S first run as a 4yo after recording a strong trial win at Te Teko on the 5th August. SIR DARCI had fashioned a very consistent record as a 3yo accumulating three wins and three minor placings from nine starts. Click HERE to see race replay
Fortuna Director, John Galvin was on hand to see his charge perform. ” He is developing into a lovely strong horse; as a 3yo we were always just a tad behind the eight ball with him due to a virus that he picked up pre Christmas,” said John Galvin, ” today he was fresh up over 1200 metres, he was very relaxed pre race but did race very keenly in the run; he came into contention as the turned for home, then seemed to hit a flat spot before finding another gear and charging home to win.”
SIR DARCI’S primary initial target will be the Couplands Bakeries Mile run at Riccarton on November 12th, but he will need to accumulate more ratings points to gain entry to that event.
SIR DARCI was selected by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna at the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale from the draft of the Oaks Stud. Trained by Jason Bridgman, he is raced by the Fortuna Sir Darci Syndicate, an ownership group made up of thirty two individuals.
HIGHLY LIKELY wins again – this time at Matamata
FORTUNA SYNDICATES four year old Gelding, HIGHLY LIKELY, showed that his debut win at Te Aroha in June, at just his second race day start, was no fluke, when taking out the Rating 65 1600 event at Matamata today. Freshened since his June win, connections regarded today’s distance as probably too short for this strapping son of High Chapparral out of the Volksraad mare Starrinka and with track conditions steadily drying out, there was also a concern that the going may be too good for him. In his favour was a good barrier draw, blinkers for the first time and a 3kg weight allowance for apprentice jockey, Lee Magorrian. The horse just dwelt slightly at the start, however, his rider soon had him up on the rail just in behind the leaders and enjoyed a lovely run in transit. Magorrian peeled him out as they straightened and he burst to lead with 150 metres to go, however faced a stern challenge from Thats How We Roll, who was finishing like a train down the outside, but in a dramatic head bobbing finish, HIGHLY LIKELY got the nod from the judge. Click HERE to see the race replay
FORTUNA Director, John Galvin, who was on track along with a number of the Syndicate Members, was naturally proud of his charge. “He is a lovely horse, a real stayer in the making, he has come on beautifully since his Te Aroha win and still has a lot of maturing to do yet; we probably won’t see the best of him until he is a five and six year old. Full credit to the Te Akau team for their work with this horse; in particular Jamie Richards who rides him in most of his work and has taken him up Ann Brown’s hill at Cambridge a few time recently; this has contributed to his development and fitness levels as well.”
Trained by Jason Bridgman of Te Akau Racing, HIGHLY LIKELY was the top priced lot at the 2012 South Island sale, where he was selected on behalf of Fortuna by Te Akau Racing Supremo, David Ellis. The horse is raced by the Fortuna Highly Likely Syndicate, an ownership group consisting of 25 individuals.
Dream Result at Taupo for Darci’s Dream
The 3yo Fillies race over 1100 metres at the Taupo August meeting is often a starting point for some very good 3yo Fillies, with 2014 season Sprinter of The Year, BOUNDING winning in 2013 and the multiple Group winning Filly FIX in 2012 and todays renewal lacked little for class with eight of the ten runners having been successful as 2yo’s. The Fortuna runner DARCI’S DREAM was one of those who had been successful as a 2yo, having had five starts for one win, a second and a third. A smart trial winner at Te Teko on the 5th August, she had certainly declared her hand as having the potential to carry over her fine 2yo form into her 3yo season. Confidence in the camp was tempered by the quality of the field. In the run, DARCI’S DREAM was three wide but strode nicely into the race before the turn, however as they turned, she was six lengths shy of the race leader Queen of Navarre, who had not covered an inch of extra ground. 2014 Premiership winning jockey, Matthew Cameron, knuckled down to ride the Fortuna filly out and she showed great strength to run out the final two hundred metres strongly and take out the event. Click HERE to Race Video Replay.
Fortuna Director, John Galvin was on hand to cheer his charge home, “A great result for this horse, every Filly in the field today has Classic race aspirations and for her to win like that is a great thrill for us and all of her owners.” he said.
DARCI’S DREAM, bred by David Ellis and Karyn Fenton-Ellis, was acquired by Fortuna Syndicators at the 2013 Karaka Select Sale, is owned by the Darci’s Dream Syndicate, comprising 30 individual owners and is trained by Jason Bridgman.
Picture courtesy of Race Images Palmerston North
NZ Thoroughbred Awards evening a celebration of excellence
The evening of Thursday 14th August saw the 2014 renewal of the Annual NZ Thoroughbred Awards, also known as The Horse of The Year Event. A true celebration of excellence, this occasion honours outstanding achievements in the Thoroughbred industry, both human and equine, over the previous racing season.
Fortuna Thoroughbred Syndicators Director John Galvin and his wife, Jessica, hosted a number of Fortuna clients at the event which saw Lisa Latta crowned as Trainer of the Year and Matt Cameron Jockey of the Year, with both Lisa and Matt being first time winners of these prestigious awards,
As expected, the dominance of the 4yo Galloper, DUNDEEL (aka ITS A DUNDEEL), in Australia this past season, saw him crowned as Horse of The Year as well as winning the Champion Middle Distance award. Outstanding performances in both NZ and Australia saw the Melbourne Cup bound SILENT ACHIEVER earn the Champion Stayer Award.
Other awards of note were BOUNDING win the Champion Sprinter Award, VESPA the Champion Two year Old Award, PUCCINI the Champion Three Year Old Award while COSTA VIVA took out the coveted Filly of the Year. A regular visitor to the winners podium was Valachi Downs supremo, Kevin Hickman, who won the Owner and Breeder of the Year awards, Kevin being the Breeder and Owner of SILENT ACHIEVER. Veteran Jockey, DAVID WALSH, who during the season established a record for the most career races ever won by a jockey in NZ, was awarded the very prestigious and sought after Outstanding Contribution to Racing award.
Joining John and Jessica at the Fortuna table were Fortuna clients Rick and Anne Middleton, Shane and Marianne Thomsen and Mick and Wendy Willock with Mark and Sarah Chitty from Haunui Stud joining us at the table.
FORTUNA NEWSLETTER 6th August 2014
FORTUNA NEWSLETTER – 06 August 2014
READY FORTUNE Deadheating for a win in Singapore 19th July 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
- More Singapore success for Fortuna
- Fabulous Trials Day at Te Teko for Fortuna Horses
- New Syndication Opportunity about to be launched
- Matt Cameron takes out NZ Jockey Premiership
- Upcoming Racing News
Fortuna’s READY FORTUNE wins in Singapore in dramatic dead heat finish.
READY FORTUNE’s very patient ownership group were rewarded for their patience at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse on Friday night when their charge scored a nail biting dead heat win in the Class 5 event over 1600 metres on the Polytrack on 18th July. Prior to the race, 4yo READY FORTUNE (More Than Ready-Bahira), had faced the starter 22 times, with sixteen prizemoney winning placings, including five seconds. While sent out the favourite, BASIL, as the horse is nicknamed, did have the top weight and a wide barrier draw to overcome from the tricky 1600 metre start. Indeed, with 100 metres to go in the event, it looked for all money as if READY FORTUNE was going to run 2nd again as the Laurie Laxon trained FOREIGN EXCHANGE headed him. However with his characteristic strong finish, READY FORTUNE clawed back over the concluding stages and two strides short of the line, looked to have mastered his rival, but in a compelling heads up, head down finish, the judge could not separate the two. Click HERE to see the race replay
“That was marvellous” said Fortuna Director, John Galvin, “he is as honest as the day is long, hardly ever runs a bad race and has been unlucky not to have won before this.”
Trained by expatriate New Zealand Trainer, Mark Walker, READY FORTUNE was ridden by Singapore’s leading jockey, Manuel Nunes.
READY FORTUNE was selected by David Ellis for Fortuna Thoroughbred Syndicators at the 2011 Karaka Yearling Sale and is raced by the Fortuna Ready Fortune Syndicate, an ownership group comprising 37 individuals
Three Fortuna runners, Three winners at Te Teko
Trials 5th August
Published 5 August 2014
“Two out of three ain’t bad” according to the Meatloaf song, but three out of three is even better. And so it was at the Te Teko Trials August 5th with Fortuna presenting three of its runners and scoring a 100% success rate. Fortuna Director John Galvin, who was present, was understandably very pleased with his charges. “Well, it is always nice to have horses, that you believe are talented, to perform well on trials days, but what was special today was that all three won their trials with a stamp of authority.”
First away in an Open Trial over 1040 metres was the well performed 4yo SIR DARCI (Darci Brahma-Dominant). SIR DARCI is no stranger to success, having won three times as a 3yo, but has really strengthened and developed as he has transited to a 4yo. He finished off his trial under no pressure in the hands of Danielle Johnson.
SIR DARCI in birdcage Te Teko 5th August
Second away in a 3yo 1040 metre event was 3yo DARCI’S DREAM (Darci Brahma-Sweet Dreams Baby). Already a winner as a 2yo, DARCI’S DREAM has trained on nicely into her three year old year and went to the line strongly in the hands of Danielle Johnson, one and a quarter lengths clear.
DARCI’S DREAM strides clear Te Teko Trials 5th August
Last but not least was 3yo Gelding PRINCE HENRY (Henrythenavigator-Ocean of Tears) in a Maiden 3yo event. Not yet tried on raceday, PRINCE HENRY had shown ability as an Autumn 2yo running 2nd and 3rd in two trials. Spelled subsequently, this strong, scopey gelding was particularly impressive at Te Teko, winning his 800 metre trial with a lot in hand. Rider Matt Cameron was fulsome in his praise of the horse post trial.
PRINCE HENRY showing a clean pair of heels Te Teko 5th August 2014
NEW FORTUNA SYNDICATION OPPORTUNITY ABOUT TO BE LAUNCHED – 2yo FILLY BY DARCI BRAHMA
” I have yet to train a bad DARCI BRAHMA” says Fortuna NZ Trainer, Jason Bridgman, ” they have great temperaments and go particularly well fresh.”
Unquestionably DARCI BRAHMA is forging a great record as a young Sire, second only on the 2013 Stallion Premiership to the mighty O’REILLY. FORTUNA has had two DARCI BRAHMA progeny to the races to date, SIR DARCI and DARCI’S DREAM and both have been winners on the track. We also have two 3yo’s, DURAN and OUR DRAHMA QUEEN, who have yet to get to the races, but both have trialed impressively as 2yo’s.
Recently we have been offered a strong, rangy 2yo Filly (turned Two on 1st August 2014) by DARCI BRAHMA out of BREEZED (by Fusaichi Pegasus); this makes her a full sister to our talented 3yo DURAN. The deal is not yet finalised as we are still undergoing due diligence on this filly with a full Vet Check and inspection by two valuers, but am bringing the opportunity to your attention as she is being offered at compelling value and I am sure that shares will go quickly. Her full brother DURAN trialed twice as a 2yo, November and March, running strong ends each time and is rated highly by the Te Akau Racing Stable staff. He is set to trial again at the Teko 26th August as a precursor to his racing debut. Our initial assessment of the filly is that she is a slightly larger and stronger type than DURAN was at the same age.
This filly has been broken in, has already had her initial stable preparation at Matamata, has spelled in the paddock for two months since the end of that initial prep and is about to commence her second prep at Matamata in the care of Jason Bridgman; this preparation will lead through to a trial or two and probably a race day debut in the early Autumn. As is typical of the Darci Brahma’s, we do not see her as a natural 2yo type, but will come into her own as a 3yo.
Subject to our due diligence process proving satisfactory, shares will be available in this lovely filly @$4600 per 5% share and $150 per month ongoing (commencing 1st October 2014). As always, larger shares will be available and we will also do 2.5% shares as well. Please let me know soonest if you have interest in becoming involved in this lovely filly. I don’t yet have an up to date picture of her, but will be taking fresh pictures later this week or early next week.
DURAN at Cambridge trials March 2014
MATT CAMERON TO BE CROWNED AS PREMIERSHIP WINNING JOCKEY
After a frustrating couple of years in which he finished a close runner up each time, Te Akau Racing and Fortuna Stable rider, Matthew Cameron, finally nailed the NZ Jockey Premiership, with a compelling victory riding 143 winners, well clear of his nearest rival, Jonathan Parkes. Matt rode 11 Group and Listed winners, including the Auckland Cup on Who Shot The Barman and had an overall winning strike rate of 6.05, a great effort. Matt is no stranger to being on the podium as he did win the Apprentice Jockey Premiership in 2005/06; he would credit two major steps to his success, firstly moving from the Central Districts to Cambridge after he completed his apprenticeship and secondly, his link to the powerful Te Akau Racing team in 2012 propelling his career forward, not to mention, of course, a fabulous work ethic and a willingness to learn and adapt to his craft.
Aged 27, Matt is fast approaching 800 career wins and could nudge through the magic 1000 win mark over the next couple of seasons. CongratulationsMatt and we look forward to you kicking home a lot of winners in the Fortuna colours in the coming season.
Matthew Cameron – Premiership winning jockey
UPCOMING RACING NEWS
Excitement and anticipation builds as the news season gets under way here in NZ. The three successful trialists at the Te Teko trials, SIR DARCI, DARCI’S DREAM and PRINCE HENRY will all get their racing seasons underway in the next three to four weeks. In the meantime 4yo Gelding HIGHLY LIKELY (High Chapparal), who won in June at his second start, has had a break, and is penciled in to resume in a Rating 65 1600 metre event at Woodville on 21st August. 4yo mare, SELINE (Pentire), is back in work and will trial in September. 2yo fillies WINDBORNE (Darci Brahma) and LORDE* (Iffraaj) will trial at Te Teko on 26th August along with Singapore bound 3yo Gelding ROYAL ASCOT (Keeper) and 3yo Gelding DURAN (Darci Brahma). The 2yo Gelding BUTCH* (Darci Brahma) is in his second stable prep while 2yo Filly EBONY* (Bachelor Duke) has recently returned to work following a spell after an initial stable preparation. Fellow 2yo Filly BELLA* (Savabeel) is spelling after completing an initial stable prep and 2yo Gelding JACK* (Sakhees Secret) has just commenced his breaking in process at Te Akau Stud. 3yo Filly OUR DRAHMA QUEEN (Darci Brahma) is battling a shoulder issue at the moment and is box spelling.
Note, horse names marked with * are stable names as they do not have official names yet.
In Singapore 4yo Gelding KING SAVINSKY (Savabeel) has completed his two mandatory trials, will have one more trial and then be ready to make his race day debut in Singapore, 3yo Filly SECRET SPICE (Sakhees Secret) trials Thursday 7th August after being spelled and will resume racing shortly. The recent winner, 6yo Gelding VON SNITZEL (Snitzel) races Friday 8th August while fellow recent winner, 5yo Gelding READY FORTUNE (More Than Ready) is enjoying a wee freshen. Meanwhile 6yo Gelding EATONS GOLD (Jetspur) and 4yo Gelding OUR RIVER DANCER (Danehill Dancer) are both having paddock spells in Malaysia following knee surgery.
All in all, the Fortuna team is shaping up nicely with a lot of depth and talent and we wish all of our owners the very best of good luck and fortune as the 2014/15 season unfolds.
Fortuna Director – John Galvin
Contact John Galvin directly by email john@fortuna-nz.com or cell phone 021 921 460
Three Fortuna runners, Three winners at Te Teko Trials 5th August
” Two out of three ain’t bad” according to the Meatloaf song, but three out of three is even better. And so it was at the Te Teko Trials today with Fortuna presenting three of its runners and scoring a 100% success rate. Fortuna Director John Galvin, who was present, was understandably very pleased with his charges. “Well, it is always nice to have horses that you believe are talented, to perform well on trials days, but what was special today was that all three won their trials with a stamp of authority.”
First away in an Open Trial over 1040 metres was the well performed 4yo SIR DARCI( Darci Brahma-Dominant). SIR DARCI is no stranger to success, haven won three times as a 3yo, but has really strengthened and developed as he has transited to a 4yo. He finished off his trial under no pressure in the hands of Danielle Johnson.
Picture courtesy of Race Images Palmerston North
Second away in a 3yo event was 3yo DARCI’S DREAM (Darci Brahma-Sweet Dreams Baby). Already a winner as a 2yo, DARCI’S DREAM has trained on nicely into her three year old year and went to the line nicely in today’s trial in the hands of Danielle Johnson, one and a quarter lengths clear.
Picture courtesy of Race Images Palmerston North
Last but not least was 3yo PRINCE HENRY (Henrythenavigator-Ocean of Tears) in a Maiden 3yo event. Not yet tried on raceday, PRINCE HENRY had shown ability as an Autumn 2yo running 2nd and 3rd in two trials. Spelled subsequently, this strong, scopey gelding was particularly impressive today winning his 800 metre trial with a lot in hand. Rider Matt Cameron was fulsome in his praise of the horse post trial.
Subject to all three horses coming through their trials satisfactorily, all three may be seen on the racetrack in the near future.
Fortuna’s READY FORTUNE wins in Singapore in dramatic dead heat finish.
READY FORTUNE’s very patient ownership group were rewarded for their patience at Singapore’s Kranji racecourse on Friday night when their charge scored a nail biting dead heat win in the Class 5 event over 1600 metres on the Polytrack. Prior to last night’s race, 4yo READY FORTUNE (More Than Ready-Bahira), had faced the starter 22 times, with sixteen prizemoney winning placings, including five seconds. While sent out the favourite, BASIL, as the horse is nicknamed, did have the top weight and a wide barrier draw to overcome from the tricky 1600 metre start. Indeed, with 100 metres to go in last night’s event, it looked for all money as if READY FORTUNE was going to run 2nd again as the Laurie Laxon trained FOREIGN EXCHANGE, headed him. However with his characteristic strong finish, READY FORTUNE clawed back over the concluding stages and two strides short of the line, looked to have mastered his rival, but in a compelling heads up, head down finish, the judge could not separate the two. Click HERE to see the race replay
“That was marvellous” said Fortuna Director, John Galvin, “he is as honest as the day is long, hardly ever runs a bad race and has been unlucky not to have won before this.”
Trained by expatriate New Zealand Trainer, Mark Walker, READY FORTUNE was ridden by Singapore’s leading jockey, Manuel Nunes.
READY FORTUNE was selected by David Ellis for Fortuna Thoroughbred Syndicators at the 2011 Karaka Yearling Sale and is raced by the Fortuna Ready Fortune Syndicate, an ownership group comprising 37 individuals