Rip Van Gogh - You Ripper

Race day experience saw Rip Van Gogh (4 g Rip Van Winkle - On the Move, by More Than Ready) prevail in a punishing finish to the $12,000 Ed Stapleton Bloodstock Maiden 1300 metres on 2 February at Te Rapa.

Rated a top three chance after galloping home solidly for second at the trials on 21 December at Ellerslie, and running well for second to stable-mate Highborn (Savabeel) in a Maiden 1200 metres on 12 January at Matamata, Rip Van Gogh overcame his awkward barrier (9).

Although without competitive gate speed, Rip Van Gogh kicked up under rider Opie Bosson to travel boldly outside the leader and eventual second placed Leonaroar (Turn Me Loose) at 800m. The pair matched strides until Rip Van Gogh realised today was his day and pinned his ears back over the concluding stages.

On Good3 footing, Rip Van Gogh ran 1300 metres in 1:18.0 and paid $5.80 & $2.00 on NZ TAB tote.

“It was great to get a win with him,” said trainer Jamie Richards, breathing sigh of relief. “He's been such a frustrating horse to have around the stable, he's been slow maturing, had a poor appetite and because of that he hasn't carried any extra condition.

“But, to be fair to the horse, he probably looked the best he ever had today, carrying the most amount of weight. I was really happy with the way he ran last time (when second), showing a good bit of fight and he had to be pretty genuine there again today to beat the plunge horse.

“He's a better horse ridden for cover, but Opie didn't think he was going to get any, so slipped forward which was the right thing to do and he showed a bit of heart. He had the opportunity to lie down and run second, if he wanted to, but instead showed fight, put his ears back and had a crack.

“I'm thrilled for the owners, who have been awfully patient with him, the guys that ride him work; he's a hard pulling horse, and we thank them all for their efforts in getting him into the winner's circle.”

Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $122,500 at 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, from draft of Phoenix Park, he is owned by Te Akau Fast Action Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

By Rip Van Winkle (Galileo), sire of dual Group 1 winning former stable-mate Te Akau Shark, Rip Van Gogh is the first foal from a mare by exceptional Australian broodmare sire More Than Ready (Southern Halo). Renowned the world over, More Than Ready is one the best sires of winners (3851) worldwide and is also an outstanding sire of sires.

“There are a number of first time owners in the horse and I'm thrilled for them,” Ellis said. “He wanted it today and I'm proud of him.

“He had a strong pedigree and we thought he was the best Rip Van Winkle in the sale when we bought him. His grand-dam, Russetting (Commands), won nine races including the Tatt's Tiara (Gr. 1, 1400m) at Eagle Farm.

“Let's hope, now he's learnt how to win, that he can do the same thing up in grade.”

Rip Van Gogh was strapped by Milou Grylls.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz