Te Akau's "Season That Was" continues ...

It's time to reflect on stakes' win number 11 for the season - where Jamie Richards and our New Zealand team notched up a total of 18 Group and Listed successes for our owners. This time our sweetheart was again the "Belle of the Ball" ...

A race formerly known as the Waikato International Stakes, won by horses the calibre of Veandercross, Sunline, Darci Brahma, Seachange and Mufhasa, the $200,000 BCD Group Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m) added another champion to the honour roll when Melody Belle(4 m Commands - Meleka Belle, by Iffraaj) scored in cliffhanging fashion on Legends Day, 2 February, at Te Rapa.

Champion Two-Year-Old, Melody Belle notched her fourth Group One Victory for the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin) and provided trainer Jamie Richards with his 50^thGroup and Listed race winner - an incredible achievement by a young man 29 years of age. 

Te Akau principal David Ellis purchased the stellar filly for $57,500 at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of Haunui Farm, and her record stands at nine wins from 18 starts, with earnings of $1,380,406.

“It's been a great day for Te Akau Racing with another two-year-old (Harlow) winning the first (race) and now Melody Belle,” Ellis said. “She's an incredible mare that was bred by Marie Leicester, from the famous Belle family started by her parents, James and Annie Sarten, and she just keeps raising the bar.

“For Jamie to win his 50^thstakes race on this wonderful day of racing is unbelievable. He's leading the premiership in prize money, has trained 11 stakes winners this season, and his strike rate is amazing (4.8).” 

Although the win was far from plain sailing, a no panic ride by former Te Akau apprentice Troy Harris saw the treasured mare get her nose in front where it mattered.

“Top of the straight I gave her away a bit,” Richards said. “But full credit to the horse, she's so tough, never gives up and it was a lovely ride from Troy. 

“She's another good horse that Dave (Ellis) bought from Karaka, so a pretty special one I think. John (Galvin) has played quite a part in my success. He and (wife) Jessica support Te Akau wholeheartedly. We've bought some lovely yearlings for them and hopefully there's plenty more success to come.”

Fortuna manager John Galvin said: “I was on the podium winning this race as an owner in Darci Brahma and we're back with another lovely horse, scoring her fourth Group One win. She's done you proud, David (Ellis), and as principal of Te Akau Racing it must be a special thrill. 

“Jamie winning 50 Group races is a fantastic performance for such a young guy and I'm not sure if it's been done (by anyone younger) in New Zealand, or even the global stage.”

 Melody Belle was strapped by Teina Walters. 

“Class is permanent and she just proved it,” said Walters, following the win. “It shows how tough she really is and she had to dig right down and find every ounce of champion she's got in her. She's the consummate professional at home, quiet and goes about her day job, but when it comes to race day she pumps herself right up and she's ready to go. But, at home she's a sweetheart.”

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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