Storming on Home

Storm Trooper (5 g Tavistock - Shock, by Keeper) continued the winning groove for premiership leading trainer Mark Walker when taking out the $60,000 Class 4 1600 metres on 2 June at Kranji racecourse in Singapore.

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $70,000 at the 2013 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park, he is owned by the Te Akau Storm Trooper Syndicate (pictured as a yearling).

“He's another really good horse that Tavistock has sired,” said Ellis, of the Cambridge Stud stallion who is currently fourth in progeny earnings on the Singapore sires' list.

“He's a very good sire and we just can't buy enough of them. His colts and fillies both win and Storm Trooper is an example of a typical Tavistock; they are tough and they keep on winning races.”

Earmarked to race in Singapore, Storm Trooper indicated his galloping ability from the outset when winning his first trial as a two-year-old at Waipa, following with an eye-catching second as an August three-year-old at Te Teko, before transferring to Singapore.

Now the winner of five races and $230,697 in prize money, Storm Trooper was given a lovely ride by Shafiq Rusof who continues to cement himself amongst the international rider ranks. Shafiq had Storm Trooper cruising along sweetly in sixth, opting to save ground nearer the rail when straightening with 500m to run on the long course. His patience was rewarded when a gap appeared in the final 100m and he rocketed home to nab stable-mate Show Far Show Good (Showcasing).

On good footing, Storm Trooper ran the 1600 metres in 1:36.1 and paid $8.60 & $2.60 on the NZ TAB.

“He's a typical New Zealand bred that has taken a bit of time, but the owners have been lovely and patient and they're now starting to get the rewards,” Walker said.

“He's a lot stronger and mature now and the sort that could become a decent Class 3 horse and win four or five hundred thousand (dollars).

“It was a clever ride by Shafiq and that was the winning of the race. The stable-mate (Show Far Show Good) looked like he had the race shot to bits.”

Ellis also had some kind words for Shafiq: “(Suppy) came to work for us in New Zealand. He's a top young rider and you know that when he gets on your horse he's always trying his best. He's always been a natural talent, very hard working and he is only going to keep getting better.”