Romantic One Rocks Home

Presented in first-class order, last start winner Romantic Lady  (3 f Power - Romantic Time, by Fastnet Rock) recorded a dominant victory in the $10,000 Christmas at the Races - 18^thDecember Rating 65 1200 metres on Friday at Matamata.

In the colours of Sir Patrick and Justine, Lady Hogan, and shared in ownership with John Aubrey, Richard Johnstone, Michael Macky, James Montgomerie, and Warwick Taylor, Romantic Lady was given time (29 days) after winning at Otaki, when running a slick last600m (34.6), and having her second start on the home course, following a debut third, and second at Ruakaka, has now won two of her four starts.

Combining with Cameron Lammas, who scored aboard stable-mate Enrichment (Rock ‘n' Pop) midweek at Pukekohe, Romantic Lady began well from barrier seven to secure a sweet spot fourth on the outer, was ready to pounce approaching the home turn and sprinted clear of her rivals to win easily by nearly three lengths.

“She felt good and track's got a bit of give,” Lammas said. “She was keen early, but I gave her a dig to get handy. She settled and did it nice and easy, really.”

On beautiful Dead4 footing, Romantic Lady ran the 1200 metres in 1:09.9 and last 600m in 34.8. 

“It's never easy for a three-year-old, or any aged horse, to go bang, bang through the grades like that and she probably surprised me a touch with the way she won,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “Cameron (Lammas) gave her a lovely ride and onwards and upwards.

“Sir Patrick (Hogan) has a got a great group of his friends involved. I just said to them ‘we might have to raise our sights' and she might be able to pinch some black type somewhere.”

Having justified her support ($2.20 & $1.50) as favourite at Otaki, Romantic Lady again held sway in the market to return $3.20 & $1.40.

“When she won at Otaki it was the first win for Richard and Jim,” said racing manager Barry Lee. “She's grown into a nice filly now, developed a backside and looks like she won't be outclassed racing on a Saturday's.”

Accepting on behalf of the owners, Richard Johnstone said: “We had a cup of tea with Patrick this morning. He looks very well, laughing and chiacking, unfortunately couldn't make it over to the races, but I'm sure Barry (Lee) will be reporting back. He invited us to come in on this filly and we're all very pleased we did. 

“Jamie and his team at Te Akau are great communicators. They let us know exactly what is going on. We have a few disappointments if she's scratched and doesn't get the right draw, or it rains, and you've got your glad rags out ready to go to the races, but you switch off, and then you're back with a winner. It's great and I'd like to pass on thanks to everyone.”

Romantic Lady was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $92,500 at the2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Cambridge Stud, Romantic Lady is the first foal of a race winning filly over 1250 metres in Sydney, by Champion sire Fastnet Rock (Danehill). 

“It's always a thrill to train a winner in Sir Patrick's colours,” Ellis said. “Jamie (Richards) gave her a let up after she'd had a third and a second and she came out to win first-up. She was perfectly placed to win at Otaki, and again today, and I call that very good training.”

Romantic Lady was strapped by Mason Stevens.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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