Spirit of Galway Superb

Te Akau's third domestic win in New Zealand on new Year's Day was recorded by a thoroughly deserving mare ...

Good things come to those who wait, and that was never truer than for owners in the Te Akau Galway Girl Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) when Spirit of Galway (4 m Rip Van Winkle - Galway, by Savabeel) staged an unbelievable performance in the $10,000 NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden 1400 metres on 1 January at Hastings.

A mare that has never made her job easy by getting back in races, Spirit of Galway appeared to have blown her chances when six lengths off the second last horse through the early stages, but in the end she won for fun under Te Akau apprentice Chelsea Burdan.

“I was a bit worried when she jumped slowly from the gates and we couldn't keep up with the rest of the field,” Burdan said. “She picked up the bridle turning for home and once she got clear running she found about three gears in one go. She really hit the line and was the only horse, really, to win from behind today.”

On footing rated Dead4, Spirit of Galway ran the 1400 metres in 1:23.9, winning by one and a quarter lengths and returning $3.50 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“It was quite unbelievable watching the race unfold,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “She missed the kick a little bit, then veered out at the crossing where there's no rail. It's hard to believe she was unable to win from there. Chelsea (Burdan) used her brains, stayed inside before coming across heels in the straight and saved some ground which was probably the winning of the race. 

“Spirit of Galway's done a good job all the way through, but just needed time to strengthen. The progeny of Rip Van Winkle generally need a bit of time. We've seen that with Te Akau Shark and we've given Spirit of Galway time, too. Now that she's got a bit of confidence and experienced winning she can hopefully go on with it. 

“We've had really good day here at Ellerslie, with Prise De Fer winning the Rich Hill Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m), Lilikoi finishing third in the Royal Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m), Star of Bombay third in the Auckland Guineas (Gr. 2, 1600m), and Savy Yong Blonk second in the City of Auckland Cup (Gr. 3, 2400m), so to pick up two at Hastings, as well, was great. I'm really proud of the horses and the staff.”

One of the best Maiden gallopers in the country, previously, having recorded two seconds, four thirds, and a fourth from eight starts, Spirit of Galway was bred by Christopher Grace QSM and Susanna Grace (Surrey Farm) and purchased by David Ellis for $100,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.

The first foal from a mare that showed talent to win twice over 1600 metres, from limited starts, she is from a family that has provided Te Akau with plenty of success, including her three-quarter sisters: Group One winner Shillelagh (Savabeel) and stakes winning sister Grazia (Savabeel).

“I've felt for the owners on many occasions with this horse because she's been so unlucky not to have broken through,” Ellis said. “She's a mare with a great turn of foot, from a terrific family, and now that's she's won I think she could carry on winning and increasing her value.”

Spirit of Galway was strapped by Baghs Singh.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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