Statesman Wins

Te Akau's senior statesman Stanica Star, or “Tiger” as he is known, won his seventh race today at Counties in the $7,000 Counties Garden Bags 1600 for jumpers. The victory was enhanced by the fact that our own apprentice Daniel Miller was in the saddle to notch his first win in the famous stable colours.

The seven year old gelding by Danzero from the Zabeel mare Stanica jumped well from a wide gate, sat outside the leader, and pounced in the straight for a comprehensive win as he clocked a slick 35.2 for the final 600m. The effort was his third win since returning north this season, having previously raced solely in the South Island.

Trainer Jason Bridgman said after the win, “It was another good win off the back of an outing at Hastings, showing he had the fitness advantage. Even so, he had his weight to carry and it was a very game effort under our promising jumps apprentice Daniel Miller. It was a real team effort out there today. The good old boy has been kind to our apprentices this season, Mick Dee won the first two this season on him.”

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $140,000, from the draft of Pencarrow Stud at the 2008 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, Stanica Star was freshened in January after a fruitful spring campaign with a view to a new career direction.

“It was fantastic to see Daniel win in the Te Akau tangerine, one of what will be many in the coming months. We have a small, select team for the impending jumps' season and Tiger has shown he has promise over jumps. As the season unwinds, he may have a start over hurdles but for now will continue racing on the flat,” says his trainer.