Te Rapa Treble - Win No.3 Mai Tai

Not only did the Hawkins family breed and own Mai Tai  (4 m Atlante - Tropical Punch, by Faltaat), winner of the $30,000 Wentwood Grange Rating 65 1400 metres on Waikato Cup Day at Te Rapa, but they also sponsored the race. 

It was the ultimate outcome for a mare, being owned by commercial breeders, that certainly shapes to prove competitive at stakes level. 

Mai Tai had looked good finishing fourth on debut over 1200 metres in March at Matamata, before resuming with a big effort for second in the Pearl Series 1200 metres on 17 September at Te Rapa, and she stormed home to win comprehensively in the Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1200 metres on 14 October at Tauranga. 

She continued good form when finishing strongly for fourth in the Rating 65 1400 metres on 21 November at Awapuni, and given a great ride by Opie Bosson - recording his fourth win on the programme.

Utilizing barrier four to position off the rail in fifth, Mai Tai travelled on the bridle, became held up before clearing traffic at the 200m and she was classy late in the piece to win by one and a quarter lengths.

Race favourite ($2.80 & $1.40) and touted as the best bet of the day, Mai Tai ran the 1400 metres in a respectable 1:23.2, last 600m 34.8, and provided leading trainer Jamie Richards with his 68^thwin for the season.

“We were happy with her coming into the race and she is probably a bit better left-handed,” Richards said.

“It's awesome for all of the Hawkins family to breed and own the winner and win the race they sponsor - they must have jacked that up and it's a very special day for them. But, to be fair, it was a lovely ride by Opie (Bosson), she's progressive and it won't be the last time you see her in the winner's circle. 

“Up to a mile should be no problem and hopefully we can get some black type with her for the Hawkins boys. 

“They've been good supporters, with Our Abbadean (Lookin' at Lucky), the dual Group 2 winner and Group 1 placed, and now Mai Tai.”

Her dam, Tropical Punch (Faltaat), was Group 3 and Listed placed to 1600 metres, and Mai Tai carries a Mr. Prospector cross - used to good effect in breeding strategies by Wentwood Grange - as the sire of Faltaat and through the dam-lines of Atlante.

While Richards trained three winners on the day, it could have been substantially bolstered as three of the team finished second. Prise De Fer (Savabeel) was a long head from winning the J Swap Sprint (Gr. 3, 1400m), and Savy Yong Blonk (Savabeel) half a length away in the SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup (Gr. 3, 2400m), both at Te Rapa, and Romantic Lady (Power) a neck back in the Open 1200 metres at Awapuni.

Mai Tai was strapped by Tracy Collis. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

Back