3 Win Wednesday - NZ Season Win 90

Given a dream run by jockey Masa Hashizume, Court Of Appeal (4 m Eminent – Katy O’Beel, by Zabeel) was an easy winner in the $25,000 Joe Yorke Bloodstock Rating 65 1800 metres on 26 February at Taupo.

Recording the third win on the card for trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson, following Shockabella and Lady Of Court, both ridden by Craig Grylls, Court Of Appeal had been given time since running home with more to offer in the Rating 65 1600 metres on 27 January at Tauranga, and appeared ideally drawn (1) to prove competitive in a solid field. 

With the draw ensuring an economical trip, Court Of Appeal was allowed to find her feet back on the inner, settling ninth of eleven and seven lengths astern at the 600m. However when a grand parting occurred turning for home, she quickly asserted her authority to race clear with a two and a quarter length winning margin.

“She jumped okay and I had to give her a couple of slaps to keep up, but after that she settled straight away,” Hashizume said. 

“She was going so good on the corner, luckily everyone came off the fence, and she quickened well through the gap. She kept galloping strongly to the line.”

On Good4 footing, Court Of Appeal ran 1800 metres in 1:51.6, last 600m in 36.0, and paid handsomely ($11.10 & $3.00) on the NZ TAB tote. 

“It was a really good win and certainly a lovely ride of Masa’s,” said Mark Walker, who trains with Sam Bergerson.

“She’s been promising this for a while, and went through a growing stage and weakened off - but she’s coming back to it and John (Galvin) and his team of owners have been really patient with her. 

“She’ll be up into a much tougher grade now, but hopefully that win gives her a lot of confidence.

“We’re looking forward to watching her progress over the next six to 12 months. The mother was much better as an older horse, as well, and it’s a family that is slower maturing.”

Purchased for $20,000 by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing from the Karaka 2022 Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Brighthill Farm, she is owned by the Fortuna Court Of Appeal Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin).

“We’ve had a lot of winners here over the years and it’s a fantastic track and venue to come to,” said Galvin, on the inaugural Cockies' Racing Day, which attracted over 250 farmers. 

“It was hard to get a carpark when I arrived, which is incredible, but it just goes to show how well the Club has promoted the day and how much local support they get.”

Galvin also congratulated Club President Terry Campbell and his committee and track staff for the irrigation system that has been installed.

“I went onto the track with Terry before the race and it has a magnificent sole of grass, so it’s a really good effort from everyone involved,” Galvin said.

“Well done to Mark and Sam for training this horse. She’s a lovely filly that we bought as a staying type in Book 2 at Karaka, didn’t pay a lot for, out of a Zabeel mare, so it was great buying.

“We have a couple of our owners here, John Nixon and Julie Carter, both stalwarts, and congratulations to everyone.

“I thought she might lack a bit of early speed, which she did and got shuffled back, but the (genuine) tempo of the race helped, and as they turned for home it was like the Red Sea opening up in front of her. 

“Well done to the rider, Masa, who’s had a recent comeback after injury.”

Brighthill Farm stallion Eminent, a Group Two winner and dual Group One placed son of peerless racehorse and sire Frankel (Galileo) – currently leading the TRC Global Sires Rankings – was trained by Sir Mark Todd and owned by Sir Peter Vela.

From the first crop by Eminent, Court Of Appeal is out of a mare that won three times to 2200 metres, in turn from sensational staying mare Katy Keen (Zorro’s Lad), a Group Two and Group Three winner that won 10 times to 2500 metres.

Court Of Appeal is the second winner from Katy O’Beel, following Enright (Power), a three-time winner to 2100 metres. 

Court Of Appeal was strapped by Michael Gray. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz