Double Winning Saturday

Te Akau horses were again in the spotlight with two New Zealand winners on Saturday - the first being at Trentham where the team saddled up two horses for this win and a very good second by a debuting two year old ...

Our Abbadean (5 m Lookin At Lucky - Highland Lights, by Fantastic Light) displayed her liking for the staying caper when winning the $35,000 NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport (Open, 2100m) on Saturday at Trentham.

Showing appreciation for the course, having previously finished fourth in both the Douro Cup (Rating 85, 1600m) and Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m), Our Abbadean had impressed over 2200 metres last April, before spelling, and again delivered over ground at her third start this time in.

Ridden assertively by Samantha Wynne to lead a field of five, dictating terms before being set upon by Nympe Monte (Tavistock) at the 900m, she was in front again at the 300m and drew clear to win by one and a half lengths.

“It's wonderful to win races for the Hawkins family at Wentwood Grange,” said Te Akau principal David Ellis.

“They're a great family, always have a horse in the stable and have been supportive of Te Akau for many years now.

“They run a first-class business, are terrific breeders, and we love buying off them at the sales.

“Our Abbadean has continued to be a progressive mare. She took awhile to come of age, but Steve (Autridge) and Jamie (Richards) have handled her patiently and with this approach, and such patient owners, she's won  five races she can win more,” he said.

On Dead5 footing, Our Abbadean ran the 2100 metres in 2.20.6 and paid $3.30 & $2.10 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was a good ride and a good gutsy win, and showed she can come from anywhere,” said Dean Hawkins. “She's got a turn of foot, but today was required to outstay them.

“She's developing into a good staying mare. Steve and Jamie have done a great job with her, and it was a skilful ride by Sam.

“The trainers know that as breeders, black type is our target and we'll leave it up to them to plot the right course.

“It's great to be winning races with Te Akau and the communications from the team are excellent. David (Ellis) is a huge supporter of the industry and he bought a yearling off us again this year. They do a fantastic job.”

Co-trainer Jamie Richards said: “We went to the South Island, chasing some black type, but things didn't go to plan for her there, and it took us awhile to get back up, get her fit, and she certainly appreciates getting up over ground.

“It was a nice ride by Sam (Wynne). Very clever when she eased them, and got off the fence when the pace came around.

“We certainly think she's up to black type and can press on to it now.”

Our Abbadean was strapped by Meg Lambert.

Te Akau presented two horses to race at Trentham, with debutante two-year-old colt Byzantine (Savabeel) running a top race for second earlier in the programme, ably ridden by returning Te Akau rider Shafiq Rusof.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz