Three Winners in 24 Hours

Te Akau New Zealand trainer Jason Bridgman and Champion Jockey Matthew Cameron combined for yet another win on Thursday, their third in twenty four hours, at New Plymouth with Sir Darci taking out the Ekraar & Echoes of Heaven @ Linwood Park, a Rating 85 event over 1200m.

The four year old son of Darci Brahma and the Deputy Governor mare Dominant made it four wins from ten starts as he made easy work of the opposition under 58kgs for his owners the Fortuna Sir Darci Syndicate, managed by John Galvin.

“He was very much on the fresh side for today, so I expect good improvement going forward. It was great to get a run into him on a good track to kick off his campaign. It is a good starting point and I look forward to seeing him progress through to some nice handicap miles over the summer. John Galvin is having a superb start to the season with his Fortuna horses and I hope it continues,” said Jason.

As with the majority of the Fortuna horses, Sir Darci was selected and purchased by the keen eye of David Ellis. Bred by The Oaks Stud, Sir Darci was a $140,000 purchase from the 2012 Premier Session of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales at Karaka.

Syndicate manager John Galvin was pleased with the effort, saying “It was a lovely win today by Sir Darci. Despite a strong pace he pulled a bit early in the running. He seemed to hit a flat spot early in the straight, but found another gear under the big weight and finished the race off beautifully.”

Jockey Matthew Cameron echoed those thoughts after the race saying:

“Even with a bit of pace on, he pulled a bit in the race and with the 58 kilos on he hit a bit of a flat spot but kicked away and was too good. He's had a bit of a puff and will improve a heap.”

Sir Darci holds a nomination for the Group 2 Coupland's Mile (1600m) at Riccarton over Cup Week. With his affinity for Ellerslie, a race like the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) could be among possibilities if he improves as connections hope he will.

A winner against older horses as a three year old, Sir Darci looked progressive resuming as a four year old today. With further improvement, he will be one to watch this season.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz