Saturday Double - Trobriand Terrific

A talented Group Two winner and consistent stakes performer, Trobriand (5 g Kermadec – Arboreal, by Lonhro) won the $50,000 Open Handicap 1200 metres on Saturday at Wingatui.

Winner of the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m), stakes' placed five times, including three Group Three, and twice fourth at Group One level, Trobriand was claimed late (second) in the Listed Stewards Stakes (1200m) during Cup Week in November at Riccarton - he subsequently contested the Listed Timaru Stakes (1200m) on 24 January at Riccarton, and struck soft footing to his liking for a return to winning form. 

Ridden by Brazilian jockey Bruno Queiroz, who was aboard in the Stewards and recorded his 15th success with Te Akau trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson, Trobriand eased back to last from a wide draw (13), and was nine lengths off the leaders at the 600m. He was still well adrift on straightening for the run home but let rip with a powerful finish to engulf the field and hit the line strongly.

It was a terrific resurgence to the abilities he had shown in the past, confirmed a liking for the course at his first attempt, and signalled that further success could be forthcoming.   

In the race named Happy Retirement Wayne Stevens, Trobriand ran 1200 metres on Soft6 footing in 1:11.8, last 600m in 34.7 (approx.), and paid $7.80 & $3.00 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“It was a really good effort,” said assistant trainer Reece Trumper, on course.

“We instructed Bruno (Queiroz) to ride him quietly, thinking there would be plenty of speed on, and he was really tough to come widest and from last. 

“He was obviously good enough as a young horse to win the Eclipse Stakes, was a favourite for the Karaka Millions, but he’s a had a few issues since which have been sorted out by the vets and farriers, and it’s a great effort by everyone involved to get him back winning at the races.”

Assistant trainer Hunter Durrant, who manages the Te Akau Stables at Riccarton, added: “It was a good ride by Bruno (Queiroz) to get him to relax and have one shot at them.

“We’d been happy with him at home and it’s great to get another win for a group of owners that have been patiently waiting for him to win again.”

Trobriand has won six races for owners in the Te Akau Island Paradise Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), after being purchased as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM for $260,000 at the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud. 

“He’d indicated with a close second in the Stewards' Stakes that he was capable of getting back to his best and it’s just been a matter of getting the ducks in a row, in terms of right footing and suitable race,” Ellis said.

“He looked well placed carrying 55kg and Hunter (Durrant) and the team at Riccarton were happy with his condition, but it was still a massive effort to beat a field like that, coming from last.

“We’ve got some really good longstanding Te Akau owners involved in the horse and I’m pleased he’s given them plenty to cheer about.

“You’d have to think he’d take plenty of confidence from a win like that and can go on with it.

“It was also a terrific ride by Bruno (Queiroz), who obviously gets on well with him, and sometimes horses just click with some jockeys.”

With a good quality pedigree, his sire Kermadec (Teofilo) included Group One 1600-metre victories in the Doncaster Handicap and George Main Stakes, while dam sire Lonhro (Octagonal) – the black flash –was Champion Three-Year-Old, Champion Miler, Horse of the Year, and simply outstanding Australian racehorse who won 11 Group Ones.

Te Akau also has plenty of experience with the extended family, through high quality race mare and fourth dam Arletty (Centaine) leaving Axiom (Zabeel) the dam of dual Group 1 winner and Champion 3YO Xtravagant (Pentire).

Trained by Te Akau to sensationally win the Group 1 2000 Guineas (1600m), Xtravagant included victory in the Group 1 NRM Sprint (1400m) - both by 8.5 lengths and now stands at Newhaven Park Stud in Australia.

Trobriand was strapped by Julie Solomon.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz - previous winning performance