3 Wins in 24 Hours - Pokuru Strikes Gold

In training for owner/breeder Ian Farrelly, Pokuru Gold (4 g Darci Brahma – Pokuru Nugget, by Stravinsky) comfortably won the $40,000 Join TAB Racing Club Rating 75 1100 metres on Saturday at Ellerslie.  

His victory marked the start of three wins for the stable in 24 hours with War of Succession also winning at Ellerslie, followed by Colonel Warden on Sunday at Awapuni.

Third to Champion Two-Year-Old Velocious last start in the Open Handicap 1100 metres on 24 May at Te Rapa, Pokuru Gold had recorded his fourth win from six starts with an impressive performance - running the fastest last 600m (34.0) in the Rating 75 1100 metres on 7 May at Ellerslie. He has now made it two from two on the course, and extended his winning record to five from eight starts.  

Ridden by Te Akau apprentice Hayley Hassman (a3), Pokuru Gold trailed race favourite Judicial (Written Tycoon) from barrier one, was off to level up at the 200m, and exuded a good action when quickening clear under a hands and heels ride to win easily by one and a half lengths.

“Oh man, he’s an athlete,” Hassman said. “He travelled beautifully throughout and just showed an amazing kick turning for home.

“I was right behind him (Judicial) and ready to pounce the whole way and we blatted on past him.”

On Soft7 footing, Pokuru Gold ran 1:04.7, last 600m 33.6, carrying 59kg, and paid $4.00 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB tote.

On course, assistant trainer Reece Trumper said: “We know the ability is there. He’s got a very good record and the three kilos off today was key, for sure.

“Big thanks to Ian Farrelly, he’s taken time with a horse that has had his issues, and he’s a champion to train for and the horse always wins when Ian’s on track like he is today.

“He’s had knee chips removed in the past, which has been mentioned in his racing career, but he’s one-hundred percent sound now and the team does a wonderful job managing and keeping him that way.

“We just try and keep the horse happy, manage him with trips to the water walker after his races, and he does the rest.”

Pokuru Gold recorded the 120th win, including 18 stakes' successes, this season for premiership leading training partners Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson.

“It was a great win, lovely ride of Hayley’s, and great to train another winner for Ian Farrelly,” Walker said.

“He’s had his problems this horse, but, geez, he tries hard and seems to love the Ellerslie (StrathAyr) track.

“We’ll give him a freshen-up now and look forward to seeing him race again next season.”

For Farrelly, who was introduced to racing by his father, the victory added to his love of the thoroughbred industry.

Farrelly owns Farrelly Calves at Te Awamutu, a calf-rearing farm that employs 30 people, rearing 15,000 calves, and is currently in the throes of expanding to Mid-Canterbury. 

Deriving speed from dam Pokuru Nugget (Stravinsky), who won over 1200 metres, Pokuru Gold is out of a top Waikato Stud family, going back to third dam Star of the Knight (Sir Tristram), which includes Group One winners by Savabeel (Zabeel): Diademe and Te Akau trained Noverre (now standing at Waikato Stud), along with terrific filly Starcent (Centaine), while Farrelly purchased the grand-dam Pokuru Star (O’Reilly), from Waikato, as a yearling at Karaka. 

“I bought this horse’s grandmother (Pokuru Star) off Waikato Stud, one of my first horses,” Farrelly said.

“Unfortunately, I’ve lost the dam, but I have a full-sister to her and she’ll be one of four mare I’ll breed this season.

“I just love the racing and breeding. We’re commercial calvers and I work on the farm, but racing is a tremendous hobby for me. In saying that, I treat it like a business, have enjoyed success buying and trading horses, and it’s in the blood.

“There is great camaraderie in the racing industry. David Ellis is a good friend of mine and I’ve just had a text from Peter Vela. He was one of the first people to message me congratulations, from London, and he’s preparing for Royal Ascot next week. 

“This time last year I had four horses in work, but with Entain coming on board, and the new track at Ellerslie, I’m thrilled with the way the industry is going. And I’ve got eight in work now.

“I haven’t had a champion, but the thrills you get from a horse like Pokuru Gold is a great buzz.

“There are some excellent young people coming through in the game, too, and David Ellis does a great job fostering these talents, and I’m excited about the industry going forward.”

Pokuru Gold was strapped by Nicole Weatherley. 

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz