Hororata Raceday Review
Valachi Downs to La Fille En Jeu
- The old adage that class is permanent was never more evident when champion jockey Lisa Allpress, in only her second day of riding after a lengthy absence due to shoulder injury, won five races from only six rides.
- She was persuaded to Riccarton Park by Wanganui trainer Nigel Auret to ride his good mare LA FILLE EN JEU in the days Group 3 feature the Valachi Downs South Island Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes. Nigel was nervous prior to the start, not with any doubts about the ability of his mare, but reflecting on the fact that Lisa had already won four races. This concern proved unfounded as the mare was too strong for a good field with the fast finishing ELFEE running second from FLYING SARDINE and BELLA COURT.
- SON OF ZAC was a convincing winner of the Seaton Family Memorial Hororata Gold Cup from the hot favourite FLAG THE GROOM, Allpress’ only beaten mount, and WHO DARES WINS. Kevin and Pam Hughes trained the winner with Courtney Barnes the successful rider.
- Scratchings due to the slow going robbed the ‘SHARE Open Sprint’ of some interest but it was, nevertheless, a competitive contest. Terri Rae produced KOLONEL KEV to win in his first start since the first week of February with JOHNNY JONES and JAZZMAN next home.
- Fourteen two-year-olds faced the starter in the Petersens Jewellers Ladies Bracelet. Ascot Park trainer Sabin Kirkland is no stranger to success at Riccarton Park and he combined with Lisa Allpress to win the race with first starter GOING TO WAR. Favourite XPRESSMYMIND was gallant in defeat not quite handling the ground, and KHIMAR WAR ran third.
