Last 2020 Te Akau Starter a Winner

In a fitting way to conclude 2020, Te Akau's final starter for the year saluted the judge!

What looked the best of the day for trainer Jamie Richards, Zouluminous  (4 m Zoustar - Luminous Harmony, by Fastnet Rock) duly delivered in the $10,000 J. Swap Contactors Rating 65 1800 metres on 30 December at Taupo.

A filly that improved with racing to win her fourth start by four lengths in January at Wanganui, Zouluminous had taken good form to the Rating 65 1600 metres on 3 December at New Plymouth, where slow footing quelled her quickening, but fought well for fourth, and having finished third at the corresponding meet last year she was able to justify her favouritism ($3.60 & $1.60) with a degree of authority.

After sweet seating three back on the inner, Zouluminous improved to trail nearing the home turn, found galloping room two off the rail on straightening, and knuckled down when rider Danielle Johnson asked for her best a furlong out.

“We had that raced picked out for three or four weeks and it was good win,” Richards said. “It's always satisfying if you target a race and it comes off. It's gratifying for the ownership group and every win is important.

“She looked the part in training, leading up to the race. Milou Grylls had been riding her work and was very pleased with the way she'd been moving. She was confident going into the race that she'd run well and Danielle (Johnson) gave her a great ride.

“It's always a great Christmas meeting at Taupo, and good to get a winner on the programme.”

It was a copybook ride and resulted in a nice win for the filly purchased by David Ellis CNZM, from the draft of Rosemont Stud, at the 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, and owned by the Te Akau Shining Light Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

“What a way to finish a fantastic year for Te Akau Racing by winning with our last runner,” Ellis said. “She became our ninth winner since Christmas Day and it's a great thrill for the owners and all our team heading into what shapes to be an exciting race day on 1 January at Ellerslie.”

Her dam, Luminous Harmony (Fastnet Rock), won four races to 1400 metres in Australia, a sister to highly talented dual Group 3 winner Neena Rock, and now left three individual winners.

“She has taken a bit of time to mature, but she's won twice now and in the money seven out of ten starts, and I can see her winning more races,” Ellis said.

“Jamie (Richards) has placed her well; her dam-sire Fastnet Rock is an absolute champion sire, currently third highest for wins as a broodmare sire in Australia, and every win makes her even more valuable as a broodmare in the future. 

“I thought the ride by Danielle (Johnson) was as good as you'd ever see. She was straight into an economical spot while the others were going hard in front of her. She moved at the right time, got the split and she looked like the winner after that. 

“It was a 12 out of 10 ride and it's no wonder she is the leading jockey in New Zealand, with more than double the wins of any other rider. She really is flying and it's a credit to her determination and professionalism, and great to have her riding our horses.”

Zouluminous was strapped by Tracy Collis.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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