Winner: Bright Stripes Perfect NZ Debut

Having his first start in New Zealand, Bright Stripes (5 g Starspangledbanner – Dutch Rose, by Dutch Art) recorded a strong victory in the $40,000 Open Handicap 1400 metres on Saturday at Te Rapa. 

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM in the UK from the Tattersalls' Autumn Horses in Training Sale, Bright Stripes won as a two and three-year-old, including the Listed Tetrach Stakes (1600m). He first transferred to the Te Akau stable in Melbourne, before coming to New Zealand when he had kissing spine surgery, and was first seen at a quiet trial on 19 May at Taupo. 

With weight relief to 53kg, courtesy of Te Akau apprentice Hayley Hassman (a2), Bright Stripes situated nicely in fourth, was clear to challenge early in the home straight, and found plenty to win comfortably by one and a quarter-lengths. 

In the race sponsored by Fleet Image Celebrating 50 years in Business, Bright Stripes ran 1400 metres in 1:23.4, last 600m in 35.6 (approx.), and paid $8.50 & $2.70 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was really good to get that win first-up in New Zealand, and he was well ridden by Hayley, she’s riding in great form,” said Mark Walker, training partner with Sam Bergerson.

“We sent him home from Melbourne and did a surgery on him for Kissing Spine at Waikato Equine Vet Clinic, so it’s great to see him bounce back from that and win so well.

“We knew he was capable, but just with his back problems we needed to get that sorted. So well done to our vet team -  he’s just a different horse now.”

On course, assistant trainer Reece Trumper said: “We’re so glad to have a horse like this in the stable.

"Dave (Ellis) purchased one horse out of that sale. We don’t often go to the Tattersalls' Sale and buy them.

“But things didn’t go to plan for him in Melbourne, we got him back to New Zealand, he did some dressage at Prima Park with Rylee Sheehan, and we’ve taken him along quietly. 

“He won a Listed race in Europe, so he’s a pretty good horse and it’s good to see him do that today.

“Sam (Bergerson) and I went back and had a look at his replays. They were riding him very quiet and having one last shot at them, but we thought we’d be positive today, and Hayley is riding terrifically well.

“She’s an apprentice that is on the way up. She’s got a really good work ethic and works hard for the team.

“But full credit to the boss (David Ellis), he bought the horse in Europe, and we’ve got some really good owners involved, so hopefully he can get to stakes assignments. 

“He clearly enjoys a good track, Te Rapa always put on a good surface, so we’ll get him home, have a good look at him - he’s got to build his way through the ratings before we look at anything really high, but hopefully he can get to the elite level next season.”

Owned by the Te Akau 2024 European Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Bright Stripes was purchased by Ellis for 145,000 guineas (NZ$316,000 approx.) at the 2024 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale at Newmarket, consigned by Stragrane House Stables.

Bright Stripes is not the first horse obtained by Ellis in Europe, after buying very successful galloper Torcedor (Fastnet Rock) in France.

Ellis purchased Torcedor for 70,000 Euro (NZ$115,000) at the 2013 Deauville Yearling Sales in France and, racing in the Te Akau colours, he was owned by Sir Patrick Hogan, Sir Peter Vela, Mohammed Moussa and Laurie Laxon.

His dam, Magnolia Lane (Sadler’s Wells), is a sister to British superstar Yeats (Sadler’s Wells) who won the Ascot Gold Cup on four consecutive occasions (2006 – 09).

Torcedor won five races, including the Group 3 Coolmore Vintage Crop Stakes (2800m) and Group 3 Longines Sagaro Stakes (3208m), while also finishing second in both the Group 1 Goodwood Cup (3218m) and Group 1 Irish St Leger (2816m), and second in the Group 2 British Champions Long Distance Cup (3208m).  He was also third and fifth in his two attempts at the Ascot Gold Cup during Royal Week.

Torcedor had 23 starts for five wins, eight places, and just shy of NZ$1 million in prize money. 

Bright Stripes was strapped by Rhiannon Smith. 

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz