WINNER: Sibling Beats Rivals

A mare with a big heart, Sibling Rivalry (4 m Satono Aladdin – Justlikeyasister, by Gold Centre) returned to winning form in the $40,000 Rating 65 1200 metres on Saturday at Te Rapa.

A back-to-back winner during her three-year-old season, Sibling Rivalry had a glitch in the Rating 65 1000 metres on 25 October at Trentham, but bounced back with a performance much more fitting of her courage.

Ridden by Te Akau apprentice Hayley Hassman (a1), Sibling Rivalry found a nice spot in fourth, was clear to challenge in the home straight and relentlessly reeled in the leader to gain a narrow margin victory.

After plenty of recent rain in the Waikato, runners were confronted with unseasonal Heavy8 footing. Sibling Rivalry ran 1200 metres in 1:13.1, last 600m in 35.1 (approx.), in the SkyCty Hamilton Waikato Cup Day 12 December, and paid $6.80 & $2.90 on the NZ TAB tote.

“Her form had been a little frustrating, but a really good ride by Hayley (Hassman) and she timed the run to perfection,” said Mark Walker, training partner with Sam Bergerson.

“Sam and I both looked at her this morning and thought she trotted out well, so it was good to see her back in the winner’s circle. She’s shown previously that she can hold form and hopefully the win will give her confidence to do that again.”

On course, assistant trainer Reece Trumper said: “Hayley put her in a perfect position and they ran along at good tempo, which suited her. She followed the favourite, presented, and did the job well.

“We’d had a frustrating day to that point, with seven runners for six seconds and a third, but it’s great to get another win with her because she tries so hard.

“She’ll be back up to Rating 75 grade, which is never easy, but one thing in her favour is that she has a big heart.”

Owned by the Te Akau No Love Lost Racing Partnership, Sibling Rivalry was purchased by Sir David Ellis for $220,000 at the 2024 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Kaha Nui Farm.

“I was really pleased to see her win again and she’s established a good record, winning three of her nine starts,” Sir David said. 

“She’s developed into a lovely type of mare and she’s a great horse for her owners to have shares in, because she has plenty of determination and a will to win.”

Japanese based shuttle sire Satono Aladdin (Deep Impact), who stands at Rich Hill Stud, has made a great impact in New Zealand, leaving versatile horses like Karaka Millions 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winner and Champion Two-Year-Old Tokyo Tycoon, whom Sir David also bought as a yearling at Karaka, and NZ Champion Staying Filly Pennyweka, winner of both the NZ Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m). 

Satono Aladdin has left some gorgeous looking progeny, and Sibling Rivalry fits the bill with her striking markings and beautiful physique. 

Her dam Justlikeyasister was a hardy mare that won five races to 1600 metres and now left three individual winners of 12 races, including brother Hokkaido (Satono Aladdin). 

Sibling Rivalry carries a cross of immortal sire Northern Dancer. 

Sibling Rivalry was strapped by Riley Lovet.  

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