Two Tauherenikau Wins - No.1 Pokuru's Gift

Bred and owned by Ian Farrelly, Pokuru's Gift  (4 g Rock ‘n' Pop - Pokuru Boxer, by Stravinsky) resumed with a consummate victory in the $10,000 PGG Wrightson Maiden 1000 metres on 10 October at Tauherenikau.

Overcoming a wide draw (9) to work forward and lead over a sprint trip, he strode along boldly, yet within himself, for rider Rosie Myers and pulled away to score untroubled by two and a half lengths.

Commentator Tony Lee said: “He's too big and strong. He is a very, very big horse, but collects himself nicely, and Rosie kept the big fellow going.”

Installed favourite ($2.30 & $1.20) following a fifth and second, respectively, when first campaigned, Pokuru's Gift had fought out a close finish when second at the trials on 23 September at Cambridge, and justified his support to win in 58.3 for the 1000 metres on Dead6 footing.

Following wins by Kylie Bax (Pentire), Top Brass (Epaulette), and Burgundy Rose (Burgundy), a day earlier at Taupo, the win continued a roll for Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards.

“He travelled well and he's got a lot of speed for a big horse,” Richards said. “Everybody thinks he's a big, dour, staying horse, but he's got a heap of speed. He's an absolute giant that had a wind op and his breathing is better now.

“Ian (Farrelly) has been a really good supporter of the stable. He's a friend of Dave's (Ellis) and Sir Peter's (Vela). He has a large calf rearing business in Te Awamutu, and sat on a number of boards, including Fonterra and was a senior executive for ASB Rural. 

“He's had a couple of horses with Mark (Walker) in Singapore, and left this horse here in New Zealand. He's been really patient and given him the time that he's needed. Hopefully that won't be his last win.”

From the second crop of Waikato Stud stallion Rock ‘N' Pop (Fastnet Rock), who was purchased by David Ellis and won the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) for the Te Akau Rock ‘N' Pop Syndicate, Pokuru's Gift is the second foal from a Stravinsky (Nureyev) mare, while his grand-dam, Pokuru Star (O'Reilly), has left three individual winners of six races. 

Although contemplating at trip to the races, Farrelly instead watched the race at home and spent the day working on his farm in Te Awamutu.

“It's a good Waikato Stud family of Diademe, Sacred Star, and more recently the stallion Embellish, so there's a lot of Group horses in the pedigree,” Farrelly said. “I'm pretty passionate and hopefully I can carry the family on.

“I've got a beautiful two-year-old Pins colt from the mare with Jamie (Richards) and she's been served by Darci Brahma this season.

“I'm a small time breeder and I've had a lot of wins with Te Akau, but I think he's the first one I've owned outright. 

“No training comes cheaply, but at Te Akau they get top care and attention and the communications is brilliant. And like David (Ellis), I'm also keen to back young people. Jamie is a rising star and it's a thrill to have a horse with him.

“He's a big horse, but a nice mover and always run good time. He's bred to get further, but with having the wind op we'll just have to see. He might stretch out to 1400 metres. Any wins are good for the mare and who knows, he might get a couple more.

“I was going to make the trip, but we're at the peak with our calf rearing and I've got 22 staff on. It's almost 10,000 calves, so I stayed home and I'll put 12 hours into the calves. 

“It's awesome because I've got three boys that are all doing trades, but they help me on the farm at the weekends, so I gave them half the horse, and my oldest son, his partner is in as well. They all backed him and I want them to be interested in racing, so there's no better way than having a winner. 

“They've got a pretty good deal because they don't pay any costs and get paid 100 percent of the prize money. And, I even have to supply the celebratory drinks tonight. He's the first I've raced them, so it's pretty special.”

Te Akau principal David Ellis said: “I've just been to Japan with Ian and he's a close personal friend, so I'm thrilled he and the family had a win with Pokuru's Gift. He's a very good farmer and a terrific supporter of Te Akau Racing, and even more of a thrill with the stallion being Rock ‘N' Pop.”

Pokuru's Gift was strapped by Tom Harrison.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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