Jamie Richards Wins Newcomer to Training Award

If we think Melody Belle was the red-hot favourite for Horse of the Year honours - also a shoo-in, Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards won the Newcomer to Training Award - at the annual NZTR Horse of the Year Awards on Sunday night.

In his first season as sole trainer, Richards trained 99 winners in New Zealand and Australia, including 18 stakes wins (17 in NZ and 1 in Australia) and prize money nearing $4 million.

Only a week ago, Richards became the highest ranked (21^st) New Zealand trainer in the Thoroughbred Racing Commentary Global Rankings, following the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) win by Melody Belle (Commands) at Hastings.

“We've got a great team of staff,” Richards said. “I was very well grounded through the partnership with Stephen Autridge, and the backing of New Zealand's biggest syndicator. And, it's been a big advantage having both great owners and staff.”

David Ellis: “Jamie was runner-up in the training premiership last season and we'll be doing our best to go one better this year”.

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