Te Aroha Winning Treble - Feelin' Fancy - 1000 Career Wins for Danielle

Danielle Johnson (29) notched her 1000^th career victory in the first race on Wednesday at Te Aroha, winning aboard Feelin' Fancy (4 m Rip Van Winkle - Frivolous, by Black Minnaloushe) in the $10,000 Apparelmaster Waikato Maiden 1400 metres.

Johnson, who has a lead of 70 in the Jockey Premiership, raced to 100 wins this season aboard stable-mate Quattro Quinta (Darci Brahma) in the Wellesley Stakes (Listed, 1000m) on 16 January at Trentham, and been a commanding presence in the ranks since beginning her career in 2007.

Not one to be rushed early, Feelin' Fancy settled second last as the field jostled for positions. She tracked race favourite Side Eye (Sidestep) into contention from the 800m and had his measure at the 200m.

It was a beautiful riding exhibition to record such a milestone and cut a pretty picture as Feelin' Fancy drew clear to score by two lengths. On Dead6 footing, she ran the 1400 metres in 1:25.1 and drifted on the tote to return $6.50 & $2.30.

“That was a great way to start the day, with Danielle winning her 1000^th race on a horse from the stable,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “She's done a lot of riding for us this season and continued to ride in really good form throughout.

“Feelin' Fancy has needed a bit of time and she's a filly that we've always liked. She's got over a few little issues along the way, hence doing her best now as a four-year-old, but I think she can go on with it. It was a good strong win and should enable her to compete up in grade.

“The team at the Middle Barn have done a good job with her, as she's not the most straightforward mare to work with.”

In training for Windsor Park Stud, Feelin' Fancy was given a chance to freshen-up in November following two fourths from three starts. She indicated the benefits of a break when flashing into third at the trials on 12 January at Matamata, got home in similar fashion on the same in the Maiden 1400 metres on 25 January, and won in stylish manner at her fifth start.

By Rip Van Winkle (Galileo), the sire of dual Group One winner Te Akau Shark, her dam, Frivolous (Black Minnaloushe), possessed a turn-of-foot when winning four times to 1400 metres.

Owned and bred by Alan Burnet CBE and Windsor Park Stud, Frivolous hails from a family rich in both bloodlines and success. Her dam, Greta Hall (Kaapstad - Lovenvain), the talented and beautifully bred race-mare, won five times from only nine starts, with three of those at listed level, including one apiece at Randwick and Rosehill.

From grand producer Lovenvain (Vain), who left winners of 44 races, Greta Hall is a sister to dual Group One winner Golden Sword and other key Group performers Balmoral Keep (Balmerino) and Madam Valeta (Palace Music).

Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM said: “It's a real honour to provide Danielle with her 1000^th win. She's so dedicated and professional in what she does and her competitiveness is of the highest order.

“To have averaged over 75 wins a season since she started riding is an incredible effort, and what we've seen from her this season is nothing short of unbelievable.”

“I was thrilled to win the race for Rodney Schick and his team at Windsor Park. They've been big supporters of Te Akau Racing and they do a fantastic job on what is a brilliant property.

“They breed from some terrific families, none more so than this one, and we've bought progeny from them that have gone on to become good racehorses.

“I remember, what must be 40 years ago, being at the sales in Sydney, and Nelson (Schick) buying Lovenvain. He and Alan Burnet raced her together. She had a lot of speed and was a stakes quality filly. But, at stud she's been sensational and we're still seeing it coming through in the fourth generation.

“Lovenvain left Madam Valeta, who in turn produced the very fast racehorse and stallion Falkirk (Tale of the Cat), so it really is some family.”

From a half-sister to Frivolous, Angelica Hall (Guillotine), Ellis purchased promising galloper Supreme Khan (Mongolian Khan), from Windsor Park, at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale. He has recorded two wins and two seconds from five starts. Trained by Te Akau, Angelica Hall impressed with a superb turn of foot to win twice over 1200 metres and lightly raced she retired to stud after a stakes placing in the Flying Handicap (Listed, 1400m).

Feelin' Fancy was strapped by Reece Trumper.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz