Saturday Double - Return To Conquer Stakes' Winner Again
2 February, 2025
Although not all plain sailing, Return To Conquer (2 c Snitzel – Vaujany, by Lonhro) justified favouritism in the $120,000 Group 3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (1200m) on Saturday at Ellerslie.
A stylish stakes' winner on debut in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) on 23 November at Pukekohe, Return To Conquer was given a let-up by trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson, before quickening off the trail in timely fashion to win nicely at the trials on 14 January at Matamata.
Despite a small field of six, Return To Conquer was caught three wide in the early stages before progressing forward inside the 800m, where he travelled comfortably outside the leader, and quickened clear a furlong out to score with authority.
“He’s just a very good horse,” said jockey Wiremu Pinn, who was also aboard for his first win.
“We wanted it be more of a learning experience. He jumped a length clear of them and I tried to pull back for cover but saw there was nowhere to get in, so I sidled up outside the leader – probably should have made that decision a little bit quicker.
“But he’s such a true professional. He relaxed good and hit the line good.
“All the work I do with him at home, once I have a feel for these horses I’ve got the confidence in them. He’s a very good horse.
“Dave (Ellis) paid $1.3 million for him. He’s one of the best judges in all of New Zealand, and I think he’ll get every cent back.”
Backed as if unbeatable ($1.20), Return To Conquer ran 1200 metres in 1:12.5, last 600m in 34.3 (approx.), on Soft5 footing.
“It’s great to see him win first-up at Ellerslie, and there’s good improvement to come in him” Walker said.
“He had to make two runs in the race after getting caught wide early, but he relaxed when sent forward which was good to see, and it was a pretty confident ride of Wiremu’s. He had them covered and was pretty soft on him to the line.
“He still remains unbeaten, through his trials and two starts to date, and I think you’ll find that out of today he’ll improve more fitness-wise. He’s a very exciting colt.”
Walker said Return To Conquer would now prepare for the $150,000 Group 3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m) on Saturday 15 February at Matamata, ahead of the $550,000 Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) on Champion's Day, Saturday 8 March at Ellerslie.
The same programme has been mapped for recent impressive debut winning stable-mate He Who Dares (Snitzel).
“It was also very exciting to win the first edition of the Colin Jillings' race. He was a very close friend of Dave’s and he was a great mentor for me as a young trainer,” Walker added.
Owned by the Te Akau 2024 Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Return To Conquer was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for A$1.3 million at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, from the draft of Blue Gum Farm.
“It’s a great thrill to win the inaugural running of the Colin Jillings 2YO Classic,” Ellis said.
“He was a great friend for over 40 years, a Hall of Fame Trainer, and he introduced Karyn (Fenton-Ellis MNZM) and me, so I’ve got a lot to thank him for. He was such a wonderful man to so many people.
“We used to spend all day together at the races. He’d help me saddle horses and he taught me so much about horses and the racing industry.
“It was a couple of years ago that we hosted a lunch for him, not long before he passed away, and it was a special time with his friends: John Frizzell, Peter and Doug Grieve, Keith Haub, and it was a great day.
“Mark and Sam have done a terrific job with the colt, along with our assistant trainer Nicole Shailer, racing manager Reece Trumper, Kohen Collett that strapped him, and all the team in the colt barn that looks after him.
“He’s part of the colt syndicate that I put together after the Magic Millions sale last year. He’s now had two starts in black type races and he’s won them both, and not many start their careers like that, so it’s a big thrill.”
Ellis, who has been busy buying yearlings in January, at Magic Millions on the Gold Coast, and also Karaka, reported that the uptake in ownership shares had been very positive.
“We’ve just finished buying 48 yearlings across two of the biggest yearling sales in Australasia, and they’re all now here on the farm (Te Akau Stud),” he said.
“We’re now hosting owners, some long-time loyal owners and some new ones too, coming here to tour the farm and inspect them.
“I was out on the farm first thing this morning and they’re all very happy, have their heads down eating grass, and it’s a beautiful sight.
“The future is very exciting for racing here in New Zealand, and also having our 70 boxes now in Melbourne, and we’ve got some lovely yearlings among this crop to go on with.”
Return To Conquer was strapped by Kohen Collett.
Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz