Richards Raring to Go

Date: 29 May 2020

Richards Raring to Go














Premiership leading trainer Jamie Richards is looking forward to cracking the ton when racing recommences in July, after an enforced break at the end of March left him on 99 wins for the season.





It was a case of what could have been for Richards, who was sailing along at a great rate and ahead of target with a view to chasing down the record of 143 set in 2017/18 by the Baker/Forsman Stable. 





Richards has horses earmarked to trial on June 9 & 23 at Te Rapa, and given the likelihood of rain-affected footing in July hopefully a couple may put their hands up with the ability to handle those conditions. 





So, where might his next winner come from?





“We've got three older horses: Bak Da Master (Mastercraftsman), Al Haram (Sea The Stars), and Richard of Yorke (Oasis Dream), who are all getting fit and looking pretty good,” Richards said. “And horses like Cicciolina (Burgundy) and Shebringsmerubies (Sebring) that are probably knocking on the door and can handle a bit of cut in the track. 

















SHEBRINGSMERUBIES

















“We're obviously not renowned for wet trackers in the winter but I think we've got a few bullets there to fire.”





Having ended last season on 98 wins in his first as solo trainer for Te Akau Racing, notching 100 would be just reward for an outstanding effort. Richards leads the premiership in all facets: wins, prize money, group & listed wins, and the best strike rate (4.8) among the top 10 trainers in the country.





Adding to his 17 stakes victories in New Zealand, Richards added three Group One wins in Australia, 11 of his 20 Group & Listed wins coming in Group One races.





As is usually the case, the stable heated up during the summer months when richer spoils were on offer and he exceeded 20 wins in November, January, and February.





Historical moments occurred, too, when Horse of the Year Melody Belle (Commands) nailed the Bostock New Zealand Spring Carnival Triple Crown and Probabeel (Savabeel) completed the Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) and Karaka 3YO Classic (Restricted Listed, 1600m) double. 





Among many other highlights, Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel) became his fourth consecutive Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winner, Probabeel (Savabeel) and Te Akau Shark (Rip Van Winkle) each won Group One races on the same day at Royal Randwick, and Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel) and Avantage (Fastnet Rock) emulated the feat at Ellerslie. 





All of these horses we purchased by David Ellis.





Asked to single out a win of particular significance, Richards opted for the double at Randwick.





“Mainly because of the prestige around racing in Sydney,” he said. “It's one of the most competitive racing jurisdictions in the world. We had two runners that day and they both won Group Ones, so quite unbelievable really. 





“That was the highlight, closely followed by the double on Karaka Million Night. We thought it would be hard to beat that, but then we did.” 





Richards also reported on the three Australian Group One winners this season that spelled at the Lime Country property of Kiwis Greg and Jo Griffin, Burradoo, N.S.W.





“Melody Belle and Probabeel are back in today (Tuesday) at the stables at Randwick, and Te Akau Shark will stay out a little bit longer,” he said.

















TE AKAU SHARK

















“They've been really well cared for and the fillies in particular have put on a good amount of weight. They're going into John Thompson's stables and our staff member Ashley Handley will be looking after them again. 





“We're going to sit tight in Sydney, where the weather is generally a bit better, get them fit, poke them towards a trial, and see how it comes together. We haven't worried too much about particular race plans, as yet.”





Richards added that he and the staff were happy to be back into the training routine at Matamata, after Covid-19 lockdown. 





“We're chipping away, building their fitness and looking forward to them stepping up,” he said. “It's great to welcome back proven horses like Avantage (Fastnet Rock), Savy Yong Blonk (Savabeel), Prise De Fer (Savabeel), Need I Say More (No Nay Never), Brando (Savabeel), and all of those sorts of horses. 





“And, it's also great to have the new crop of yearlings coming through and seeing the exciting young horses that Dave's (Ellis) bought. So, it's a good time of year to be back into it.”


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