Te Akau NZ - Season Win 50

Today it was WIN 50 for the season for Te Akau Racing in New Zealand.

Beacon of Hope (3 g Fastnet Rock - Randaroo, by Gold Case) delivered on the promise, with a dominant victory in the Robin Pharmaceuticals Maiden 1400 metres on January 8 at Rotorua.

A stunning specimen, with plenty of quality about him, Beacon of Hope had displayed good attributes winning two trials and broke through at his fourth race day start.

In the words of commentator Bruce Sherwin: “No worries for the favourite, dominated from the front, controlled the tempo after a very good getaway, kicked off the corner and looked safe when he did."

He paid $3.30 & $1.20 on the NZ TAB.

Given the rain-affected Dead4 footing, downgraded a race later to Dead6, Beacon of Hope ran the 1400 metres in a very respectable 1:23.4 and 34.8 for the final 600m.

Owned by the 2014 Te Akau Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: David Ellis) that also races Xtravagant, Beacon of Hope was purchased by Ellis from the Curraghmore Stud draft for $680,000 at the 2014 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale.

At the time of purchase, Curraghmore Stud boss Gordon Cunningham said: “He has maturity, quality, out of a top US mare that was a six time group winner and I loved him from the time I saw him. I have never offered a horse as mature as him.

Now with a win under his belt, in the manner that it was achieved, Beacon of Hope certainly appears the type to go through the grades.

Beacon of Hope was the 50^th win this season for trainers Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards, and sees them eight wins clear at the top of the premiership.

Following the win, Autridge said: “Once he jumped out and went to the front, it was pretty easy going. He's got plenty of ability, and a few problems, but he should grow up a bit and grow out of them.

“He's got the ability, just needs to use his brain properly and let the ability show how good he is”.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz