Hooray for Henry

Prince Henry (3 g Henrythenavigator - Ocean of Tears, by Minardi) kept a phenomenal record intact for Fortuna Syndications when on debut he won the Annie Higgins 1200 metres on Sept. 19 at Taupo.

“We ended last season with Highly Likely (High Chaparral) winning in July and we've now had four runners for four winners so far this season in New Zealand; Highly Likely (High Chaparral), again, Darci's Dream (Darci Brahma), Sir Darci (Darci Brahma) and Prince Henry,” said Fortuna Syndicator John Galvin
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On the back of very solid trials' form, which saw him win and place three times from four outings, Prince Henry worked forward from a wide barrier as intended but remained trapped three wide in fifth. Little did it matter as rider Leith Innes sent him after the leaders approaching the home turn and after galloping to the front at the 200 metres he kept up a strong gallop to win by three-quarters of a length from stable-mate Sonsy (Thorn Park).

On footing downgraded to Slow8 after two races, Prince Henry covered the 1200 metres in 1:14.1, last 600m in 36.6, and given his trial from returned over the odds dividends of $13.00 & $3.60 on the NZ TAB.

“He's a real galloping horse; one that likes to bowl along,” said Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman. “The draw was tricky and it was quite contentious early. When Leith took a hold of him, took him back, I was a little apprehensive as to what he would do after that. But he did run on in his last trial from a long way off them, so it was a nice ride and horse with ability."

Leith Innes said: “I rode him where he was happy. Once I got him balanced, I bought him out to the better part of the track and he was too good."

In a syndicate of twenty-five owners, one, Shane Thompson was on hand to experience the winning feeling for the first time.

“It's an interesting story how we got this horse,” said Galvin. “We bought him privately, with the help of David Ellis, through Hallmark Stud. They were preparing him for the Ready to Run sale and he's by Henrythenavigator (Kingmambo) who was a fantastic racehorse and we made them an offer to buy the horse when they were doing the deal to buy Super Easy (Darci Brahma). I would like to thank the Bakers (Denny & Mark) for giving us the opportunity to acquire him.

“David (Ellis) was on the search for me to find a horse and he has again shown a great eye.  He's a lovely type. Always been a three-year-old type, but trialled well as a two-year-old and slaughtered them at the Te Teko trials in early August and ran another nice second at his second August trial when under no pressure. So, we were confident today and at least more confident than the thirteen dollars on the tote,” said Galvin.

Prince Henry stems from a family that has left some classy performers including Hips Don't Lie (Stravinsky), Tristachine (Sir Tristram) and Procurement (O'Reilly).

Darci's Dream will attempt to make it six from six for Fortuna when she contests the Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m) at 3.22 p.m. tomorrow Saturday at Riccarton.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz