Te Akau Saturday Success - Part 1

Te Akau New Zealand trainer Jason Bridgman and the team celebrated THREE winners today - what a great weekend!

Although a wee while between drinks, Bronte Lass (6 m Stravinsky - Little Dorrit, by Sadler's Wells) bounced back to win stylishly on the first day of the New Zealand Cup and Show Week, Saturday November 8 at Riccarton.

Bronte Lass (known as Abby) was purchased by David Ellis from the Karaka Premier Sale for $90,000.  Impressive winning in November last year, Bronte Lass indicated when making up many lengths for third here on October 25 in the Rating 85 1600 metres that she was continuing to improve and she presented in outstanding order prior to winning the corresponding event under a nice ride by Matt Cameron.

From a position one away from the rail in fifth, on a steady tempo, Bronte Lass ranged full of running into the straight and once let go at the 250 metres she raced clear over the concluding stages to win by one and three-quarter lengths in a time of 1:38.7 and last 600m in 34.1.

“It was obvious before the turn that she was going better than all of them and she's always been a very good mare,” said Te Akau principal David Ellis.

“We were unfortunate to have one of her owners pass away recently, Dave Hanrahan,” said Ellis. “Dave had a lot of horses with us; he was a paraplegic and lived for his racing. His children decided to keep his share this filly and they've been very astute because within six weeks she's won and Dave would have been so proud of his family for wanting to be involved."

Jockey Matt Cameron said: “She was in a good position and I just sat and held on to her. I was a bit guilty of getting too far back in a big field last time and today she was a little bit closer, with the second favourite just in front of her, and she sprinted home nicely.

“She's honest and I don't think she's ever gone a bad race. Jason (Bridgman) and Pam (Gerard) and team have really sussed her out. They know how she races and know what she can and can't do. They've made her click and the wins can keep flowing,” said Cameron.

In the care of Te Akau assistant trainer Pam Gerard, stabled on course at Riccarton, Bronte Lass was recording her fifth win for the Te Akau Bronte Lass Syndicate and her fourth at a mile.

“She has just continued to thrive,” said Gerard. “If anything it's been hard not to have her do too well, but she's done plenty of trotting, swimming and light work that she likes. She has a few little issues, but so far so good and it's up to us to keep her as sound as possible.

“She's been great really and I've been very happy with her,” said Gerard.

Picture credit - www.raceimages.net.nz