Midweek Winning Double - Win No.2 Madame Moet

Making it two wins for the stable on 7 September at Matamata, Madame Moet (5 m Iffraaj - Champagne Katie, by Darci Brahma) scored in the $14,000 Brian Tims Rating 60 1600 metres on Life Members' Race Day.

Winning her Maiden without a hitch over 1600 metres in January at Matamata, Madame Moet got back and was unable to quicken when resuming in the Rating 65 1300 metres on 24 August at Taupo, won by stable-mate Zeitaku (Savabeel), but bounced back on Wednesday in convincing fashion.

Patiently ridden by Opie Bosson, Madame Moet came from sixth before ranging into contention around the home turn and she quickened clear to trounce her rivals.

“We found the right race, did everything right, and it was good ride by Opie,” said trainer Mark Walker, bagging his 19^thwin in the first five weeks of the season.

Owned by Fortuna Madame Moet Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), she was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $70,000 at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Wentwood Grange.

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “She's very correct, walks well, has a good head and eye, nice deep colour, and really good buying at the price,”

By high-quality International Group One sire and sire of sires Iffraaj (Zafonic), from a stakes' performed mare by five-time Group One winner and multiple Champion Sire Darci Brahma (Danehill), Madame Moet is line bred to immortal sire Northern Dancer and has plenty of substance and quality about her as physical type.

When accepting the spoils, John Galvin made mention of Joan Jolley, a racehorse owner for 22 years and longstanding owner with Fortuna Racing.

“Joan was also in Tell A Tale with us and he won the 2000 Guineas when it was a one-million dollar race, and also Ian Upson, who recently clocked up 100 winners with Fortuna.

“Also, congratulations to Mark Walker. Mark and I have worked together since 2002, so 20 years.

“Madame Moet was our 31^stwinner this year (15 in Singapore, 16 in New Zealand and Australia) and last year we had 30 wins, so we've surpassed that with four months of the year remaining.

“It's fantastic to have Mark back in New Zealand, and working with us.

Madame Moet was strapped by Stephanie Hyde-Richards - her first for the stable, since joining the Matamata team from Te Akau Stud.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz