Entriviere - Group 3 Excellence

Off the ballot and drawn barrier one, Entriviere  (4 m Tavistock - Marcey's Belt, by Golan) produced a brilliant victory in the $70,000 Brighthill Farm Concorde Handicap (Gr. 3, 1200m) on Karaka Millions night at Ellerslie.

Romping home in the Rating 74 1200 metres on Boxing Day at Ellerslie, running the fastest last 600m (33.2) on the day, and prompting rider Danielle Johnson to say: “She's machinelike, amazing, such a good turn of foot. She's so fast, and exciting. She going places and doing it so easily”, Entriviere extended her enviable to record four wins from five starts.

It was a cagey ride by Johnson, who forced those wider out to work early and once happy was able to find her intended spot in the trail. Off in time in the straight, a wall of horses lined up to battle it out but the class of this special race mare kicked in and she was simply too quick.

“She got the soft run from the good gate, it was her biggest test and she duly obliged,” said trainer Jamie Richards, who saddled three winners on the six-race programme.

“She's an exciting mare by Tavistock, but she's got speed to burn. She could have led and led easily. I'm glad she got a bit of cover and she might be bound for the top drawer.

“She's athletic, a typical Tavistock she's quite long and she's got a fair bit of quality about her as well. It's a big thrill and it's been a great night.

“I'd like to give a big thank you to the owners in this horse. We syndicated her off the back of a couple of trials. My grandparents are here from Alexandra and have a share in her, and some really good stable clients including our vet Doug Black, and John Elstob one of our biggest supporters. It's a great group in this horse.”

For leading rider Danielle Johnson, who a week earlier notched her 100^thwin for the season aboard stable-mate Quattro Quinta (Darci Brahma) in the Wellesley Stakes (Listed, 1000m) at Trentham, the victory became her 11^thstakes success.

“Danielle gave her a 10 out of 10 ride,” said Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM. “She is doing such a good job, setting the benchmark among New Zealand jockeys and we're very proud to have her in our team.

“Anytime you go to the races and win half the card, three black type races, including a million-dollar race, you've got to be extremely happy.

“All the horses went well and I'm very proud of everyone in the team. They work so hard and I love seeing them rewarded, especially on such big occasions like this.

“I'm thrilled for all our owners that have invested in the yearlings that we've bought and been able to experience and enjoy these successes.

“We can't run the business without the input of our owners and we are incredibly indebted to them for their support. And, in return we try and give them memories for a lifetime. It's incredibly exciting to be involved in a winning horse.

“Our filly in the 3YO Karaka Classic (Amarelinha) ran an outstanding race. It was an amazing finish and all credit to Aegon for getting his head in front. He's a really good horse, but I was also very proud of our filly.

“We've won 98 races so far this season, 23 stakes races in New Zealand and Australia, and it's a great advertisement for us heading into the yearling sales at Karaka.”

Entriviere was bred by Kevin & Kathleen Gray, Copper Belt Lodge.  Owned by the Te Akau Buckle Up Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she is from the family of triple Group 1 winner of the Cox Plate, Orr Stakes, and Yalumba Stakes, Maldivian (Zabeel).

Entriviere was strapped by Hunter Durrant.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz