A Smart Conclusion

Date: 11 Nov 2018

A Smart Conclusion

Following a strong finishing second on the course a fortnight ago, Conclusion (5 g Fully Fledged - Every Reason, by Howbaddouwantit) went one better with an authoritative victory in the $30,000 Millennium Hotels & Resorts 1200 metres at Riccarton on Saturday.

Presented in outstanding order and perfectly poised in his preliminary, Conclusion was given a lovely trip by rider Jason Laking, camped on the leaders, received a lovely split at the 400m, and he looked a class above his rivals when drawing clear over the latter stages by two and a quarter lengths.

On rain-affected footing upgraded to Slow9 after the first race and again, to Slow8, following the fourth, Conclusion ran the 1200 metres in 1:10.8, last 600m in 35.6, and he paid $5.00 & $1.70 fixed odds on the NZ TAB.

A winner on heavy footing over 1200 metres in February at Pukekohe, Conclusion joined the Te Akau stable ahead of his current campaign and trainer Jamie Richards has placed him nicely for parents Paul & Leanne Richards (racing in their hot pink colours) and fellow owner Ray Chalklin.

“It's a great result for the family and Ray Chalklin, whose been a good owner of Dad's for a number of years, so that should get me some brownie points,” Richards said.

“He had a few little issues behind, but good to see it all come together and a bit of give in the track was probably a big help to him as well.

“He was given a lovely ride by Jason (Laking). He's done a lot of work for us down here in the spring, ridden plenty of work, and I'm really pleased to see him rewarded with the win. His weight's good and he's a very competent rider. So, a good result for him, too, on a big day at Riccarton.”

Paul Richards said: “Jamie (Richards) bought him as a weanling for me and we've had to wait a while. He's now five, so it's been a lesson in patience, but he's won twice and had three seconds from eight starts.”

Conclusion stems from a family that can certainly leave a good horse: Champion NZ Three-Year-Old Beechcraft (Sea Anchor), more recently New Zealand Cup winner Pentathon (Pentire) and talented winner of seven races Conference (Lord Ballina).

Co-owner Ray Chalklin, from Dunedin, said: “I've had horse with Paul (Richards) for quite a few years at Wingatui, and more recently this horse with Te Akau. Conclusion is my first winner at Riccarton, and I've had winners all over the place, so to win on 2000 Guineas Day is a big thrill.

“Firstly, I bought a horse that Paul bred called Anzac Star and he won ten races. From there, we've raced others and every horse I've had with Paul has been a winner.

“I'm very happy to have a horse in the Te Akau stable. They're very professional and good communicators. I couldn't ask for better communication, they're wonderful people.”

Conclusion was strapped by Libby Richards.

Back

Sign up to our newsletter