WINNER: Off & Gone

Named after a James Brown major hit, Getupoffathatthing (3 g Farnan – Majestueux, by Snitzel) recorded an impressive debut victory in the $18,500 Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary Maiden 3YO 1100 metres on 11 September at Taupo.

Having steadied back and quickened appreciably down the outside for a smart trial win on 25 August at Waipa, Getupoffathatthing had displayed ability in each of two trials and rated a top three chance.

Patiently ridden by design, Michael McNab improved to three back inner aboard Getupoffathatthing nearing the 600m, worked up behind leaders rounding the bend, and once angled widest at the 250m he stormed home to win. 

“He was really good and certainly got gears,” McNab said. “It worked out well, I was able to get up behind them, peel across heels and when I let him go, he was explosive.

“He’s got a good future and looks exciting for what lies ahead for the season, especially being a three-year-old. 

“He’s in good hands with the boys at Te Akau and he’s made a great start.”

On Soft7 footing that played fair across the track, Getupoffathatthing ran 1100 metres in 1:07.6, last 600m in 35.2 (approx.), and paid $3.20 & $1.60 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“It was a really impressive debut win in what was a strong Maiden field and it was a very confident ride of Michael’s, letting him relax and settle and showed a very good turn of foot,” said Mark Walker, training partner with Sam Bergerson.

“He’s a horse that had trialled up well and obviously has plenty of ability and talent. 

“It’s great for the owners to have another promising horse and our assistant trainer Reece Trumper has been instrumental in introducing them to Te Akau and looking after them as stable clients. 

“Off the back of that win, we think he is well and truly up to black type level.”

By Group 1 Golden Slipper winner and Australian Champion 2YO Farnan (Not A Single Doubt), out of  a mare by four-time Champion Sire Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice), Getupoffathatthing was purchased for $75,000 by the Cliff Matson Bluestone Trust at the 2025 NZB Ready To Run Sale, from the draft of Regal Farm, and is owned by him and Katrina Dansted. 

The owners presentation was made by Wairakei general manager Wayne Collett, a former horse trainer whose grandson Kohen Collett is foreman in the Middle Barn for Te Akau at Matamata.

“Congratulations on the win and we have vested interests with horses in the Te Akau stable and a grandson that works there as well. 

“It was a very smart win and looks like he’s one that can go on and win more races, so good luck for the future.”

In reply, Katrina Dansted, on course with daughter Isobelle, said: “I’d like to thank the sponsors, Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary, Taupo Racing Club for putting on the race meeting, and our trainers who are doing a fantastic job for us. 

“It’s really good to a have a Maiden three-year-old win so early in the season, which opens up the doors, and we’re excited for his future.”

Getupoffathatthing has a Redoute’s Choice (Danehill) bloodline cross on the sire-lines of Farnan and Majestueux, while having a very strong line-up of sires on his dam side: Snitzel, Montjeu, Royal Academy, and Mill Reef. 

Getupoffathatthing was strapped by Syafiq Hussin. 

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