Success Story

The Informant reports:

Last weekend's feature Te Rapa sprint winner Royal Success will make his next start in a 1600-metre Group Two at Ellerslie.

Making just his 12th start in a career plagued by setbacks, the five-year-old son of Savabeel recorded his sixth win and his first at stakes level when he edged out his stablemate Chambord in the Gr. 3 J Swap Sprint at Te Rapa on Saturday.

“It was great for the owners, who have been so patient,” co-trainer Jamie Richards said. “It was a very rewarding result for our staff and the team at home as well, he's a horse who's had his fair share of issues and a lot of work has gone into him. It was great to see.

“At this stage he'll head to Ellerslie for the Rich Hill Mile on New Year's Day. Then we'll work it out from there.”

Royal Success is nominated for the Gr. 1 Thorndon Mile at Trentham on January 20, as well as the Gr. 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes - a 2000-metre weight-for-age event at Te Rapa on February 10.