Abbey Kay Kicks Home

Owned and bred by Stan Painton, Abbey Kay (3 f Keeper - Abbey Tralae, by Traditionally) registered the second win on the programme for trainers Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards on 9 February at Te Aroha.

It was the 54^th win this season for the partnership, placing them five off the lead, and in addition to the victory they also saddled the second horse, Leonessa (Pour Moi), who ran a top race on debut.

At her third start, following a notable debut fourth at New Plymouth, and solid seventh to subsequent winner Miss Dalghar (Dalghar) in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 22 January at Te Rapa, Abbey Kay was given a peach of a ride by Michael McNab.

Ninth in the early stages of the Maiden 1200 metres, McNab improved Abbey Kay on the rail nearing the home turn and she displayed plenty of dash, quickening through a gap at the 200m, with the stable-mate coming after her to finish a length away at the line.

In a time of 1:10.5, last 600m in 35.0, for the 1200 metres on Dead5 footing, the pair was dominant over their rivals with almost three lengths back to third. Abbey Kay paid $14.00 & $3.80 fixed odds and $13.50 & $3.20 on the tote.

“She's not very big, but has always shown enough,” Autridge said. “On today's effort she was very game. Her work leading up had been spot on and we knew she would run well.

“Stan bred the filly out of a mare of his that raced very well, winning seven times, and he also has a colt and a filly out of her to continue on with.”

A winner up to 1400 metres, Abbey Tralae impressed winning on both good and slow footing.

McNab said after the race that Abbey Kay was strong through the line and suggested she would get 1400 metres okay.

Abbey Kay was strapped by Wiremu Pinn.

Photo credit - www raceimages.co.nz