MELODY BELLE – Glorious in Victory Group One Tarzino Trophy – Hastings 31 August 2019
Champion Mare, MELODY BELLE, in what will undoubtedly go down as her greatest Group One victory to date, put a high class field to the sword when winning the Group One Tarzino Trophy (1400 metres – $200,000) at Hastings, scoring back to back wins in the event after winning in 2018 as well.
Nervous punters, concerned about her wide barrier draw, sent the mare out at very generous starting odds of $5.70. Drawn barrier 15 of 16, the draw was of concern to her connections, but having faith in MELODY BELLE’s gate speed led Trainer, Te Akau’s Jamie Richards, Syndicate Manager John Galvin and rider Michael McNab to a pre race tactical plan to jump well and endeavour to take up a position in or near the lead. Uncharacteristically however, MELODY BELLE was tardy away and with huge early speed in the race, McNab had to resort to Plan B and finished up near the tail of the field. No panic on the rider’s part however, the speed up front was hot and the field strung out. On turning for home, MELODY BELLE had only two runners behind her, but seeing clear air as they straightened and with a couple of reminders behind the saddle, the bonny Mare got down to business, maintaining a swooping, compelling and powerful run, gathered in the field and went to the line with almost a length to spare in the very slick time of 1.22.12, the fastest time for this event in the past 10 years
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Melody Belle- Simply Amazing – Tarzino Trophy 31st August 2019
Fortuna Director and Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, was ecstatic after the race. “I don’t usually get very emotional on race days,” he said, “but today’s victory was simply outstanding, she had to do it all from the draw and with not getting away well – she is a Super Star. Full credit to a no panic ride by our pinch hitting jockey, Michael McNab and to trainer Jamie Richards for having her spot on for this event.”
MELODY BELLE is a Five Year old race mare by Commands out of Meleka Belle and a descendent of the famous Belle family founded in the 1930’s by Jim and Annie Sarten and continued on by their daughter, Marie Leicester, MELODY BELLE’s breeder.
MELODY BELLE was purchased by Te Akau Supremo DAVID ELLIS, on behalf of Fortuna Syndications at the NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale of 2016 for $57,500. Now the winner of twelve races, including seven Group Ones, two Group Twos, a Group Three and the Listed Karaka Million, MELODY BELLE has won prize money of $1,750,000 for her ownership Group, the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate, a group of 34 individuals.
MELODY BELLE was strapped by Mette Mosebo