The Beacon Shines

Beacon of Hope travelled down to Woodville yesterday morning under the care of very capable young horseman, Te Akau apprentice Daniel Miller who rides him in the majority of his faster work. Daniel also well known as a leading young jumps' jockey and strapper of our Group 1 2000 Guineas winner Xtravagant - interestingly both Xtravagant and Beacon of Hope are raced by the same syndicate, the Te Akau 2014 Breeding Syndicate, managed by David Ellis.

Dan was ecstatic following Beacon of Hope's last win at Rotorua on 8 January and appeared all smiles at Woodville to see the horse make it two in a row. Well ridden by top Central Districts' rider Johnathon Parkes, Beacon of Hope jumped well from the barriers and secured a nice trip in front. He kicked clear at the top of the straight, putting two lengths on the field and managed to hold on at the post by a short head.

Johnathon Parkes reported: “He began very well and travelled nicely to the top of the straight. I gave him a couple behind the saddle and he really quickened nicely but the last 200 metres of the race, he started pricking his ears a bit. As soon as the others came up beside him he has kicked again. He's still green but he's one to look out for in racing to come”.

Beacon of Hope has most certainly shown that he can go through the grades, today carrying a hefty 60 kilos - making it a very tough win under the weight conditions on a Good2 track. He closed off as the $2.70 and $1.40 favourite on the tote.  Simply too strong in the finish, he extended the lead for Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards on the Trainers' Premiership to nine.

Co-trainer Jamie Richards was thrilled by the win of the gelding - "it was a really tough effort by the horse. He was obviously stepping up in grade from a maiden to a Rating 65. He led and was attacked. but he really stuck to his guns and held the others off nicely. A great ride from Johnathon Parkes and he's a horse that is only going to improve with more time. It is just lovely to notch another win for the owners, especially while we are up at Karaka looking for our next Xtravagant”.

Still green and learning more everyday, Beacon of Hope is now starting to understand the racing game, putting together two wins in a row from only five starts. He certainly is a force to watch out for in the Te Akau tangerine.