I knew a man Bojangles & he'd dance for you ...

A recent addition to the stable, Bojangles (4 g Roc de Cambes - Stever House, by El Gran Senor) would not be denied when winning fresh-up in the $10,000 P & C Insurance Rating 65 1400 metres on Anzac Day at Awapuni.

Having produced Qian Cheng (Artie Schiller) to win earlier in the programme, Bojangles continued a very good day for the Te Akau Racing team, with trainers Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards also presenting Tiffany's Time (Alamosa) for second at Awapuni, and Seirios (Pierro) finished second at Avondale.

And while Shafiq did the job beautifully to win aboard Qian Cheng, he was at his outstanding best on Bojangles.

Easy through the early stages, settling ninth on the inner and seven lengths astern at the 600m, Shafiq had Bojangles off the rail rounding the home turn, angled clear at the 200m, and got the best from his mount in a driving finish.

On footing downgraded to Slow8, Bojangles covered the 1400 metres in 1:26.8, last 600m in 35.7, and returned $6.80 & $2.60 on the NZ TAB.

Bojangles had shown to act previously in a fresh state for trainer Paul Richards (father of Jamie), winning on debut at Avondale, and following a solid trial earlier in April he presented in the right condition to oblige. It was a polished display by both horse and rider.

“He arrived in terrific order, really pleased us in his work last Saturday morning and it's great to see him win first up,” Richards said.

“He handles a bit of give in the ground and after the Rating 65 1400 metres came up very strong at Avondale, we thought it best to place him down the line and it all worked out well.

“It was a big thrill to win a race for Bill and Sandra (Duell). Obviously I've had a lot to do with them over the years as family friends and owners of Natuzzi and other horses that they've had with dad.

“Dad recently took a horse to Melbourne, Mazzuro, which was beaten by a lip today in a mile Maiden at Moe, a horse he really likes that Bill and Sandra own, so he's sent Bojangles to us while he's away.

“It was a lovely ride by Shafiq, and, really, he remains underrated and not getting the crack that he deserves, but it will come. Also, too, a big thanks to Meg Lambert and Kendyll Lee that took the horses down to Awapuni.

“Two wins and a second from three runners, shows that the team are travelling the horses well and results are there for everyone to see.”

The training partners have won 20 races in the past two months, while Shafiq has ridden six winners and eight places from 18 rides for the stable since commencing here on 10 March.

Bojangles was strapped by Kendyll Lee.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz