Happy connections post-race for Quintabelle
- The Grand National Racing Festival remains one of the few three-day racing events in New Zealand. Whilst the middle day is now on the Polytrack that must be viewed positively given the modern challenges facing racing in extremely wet going. Having the middle day on the Polytrack gives confidence that all three days will be successfully run with a full week between the two racedays on a wet Course Proper.
- The time-honoured Group 3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup always attracts a capacity field of inform winter milers and attracts significant wagering. This year was no different with the opening market having three horses sharing $7.50 favouritism. However, punters were left out in the cold when 34/1 chance QUINTABELLE ran out a very convincing winner for Riccarton Park trainer Anna Furlong and northern apprentice Toni Davies. Gallant topweight BRADMAN having his third consecutive start in the race was a brave second from Opunake Cup winner PRIORESS.
- Punters had been happier earlier in the day when their elect LORD SPENCER was too strong in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Koral Steeplechase. The ever-popular JJ Rayner put her nerves behind her to achieve an emotional win with Lemmy Douglas in the saddle. The Kevin Myers trained pair of PRINCE TURBO and INVISIBLE SPIRIT filled the minor placings. LORD SPENCER was tightened to a $1.90 favourite for the Racecourse Hotel Grand National Steeplechase after his win.
- The Myers trained QUID started favourite in the Avon City Ford Sydenham Hurdles but had to settle for second behind the Jo Rathbone trained AFFORDABLE under Jay Kozaczek. Nevertheless QUID retaineds favouritism for the Hospitality NZ Canterbury Grand National Hurdles at $3.80 with AFFORDABLE second in betting at $4.20.
- Canterbury Jockey Club life member Terry Lines had his colours carried to an impressive win in in the three-year-old race by SPILL IT. Ridden by Yogesh Atchamah SPILL IT was the first of two winners for trainer Anna Furlong.