Winning Treble - Akenehi Admirable

Capping very consistent form, Akenehi (3 f Fastnet Rock – Igraine, by Galileo) won the $17,000 Thank You Vaughn Nowell Maiden Fillies & Mares 1400 metres on 5 June at Matamata. 

Placed in three of four starts during her first campaign, Akenehi had closed from back in the field for fourth when resuming in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 8 May at Matamata, and duly obliged in the hands of Te Akau stable rider Opie Bosson ONZM. 

Given a lovely trip in fourth, Akenehi levelled with leader One More Dance mid-straight and had her measure inside the final furlong as the pair drew clear of their rivals.  

On Heavy8 footing, Akenehi justified favouritism ($1.90) and ran 1400 metres in 1:28.3, last 600m in 36.5. 

“She had strung together some nice performances and it was nice to get a win with her,” said Mark Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson. 

“Once she gets older and matures more, I’m sure there will be more wins for her. She wasn’t entirely happy in the (heavy) ground today, so she’ll now head home for a spell at Trelawney Stud, and we can prepare her for a spring campaign.

“Obviously she is very well bred and I think with more time and maturity she could end up being a nice addition to their amazing broodmare band. Gee, they’ve really got some depth there and they continue to turn out Group winner’s season after season.”

Bred and shared in ownership by Brent and Cherry Taylor (Trelawney Stud), along with Robert and Karen Priscott, Akenehi is from impressive winner Igraine, who was trained by Robert Priscott. 

The Taylor family experienced terrific success with Igraine, a race winning mare sourced for them by Paul Moroney Bloodstock from Europe, who won four of her first six starts in New Zealand, finishing with a total of five wins including the Counties Cup (Gr. 3, 2100m) and Caloundra Cup (Listed, 2400m). 

Akenehi carries a bloodline cross of Danehill (Danzig), as the sire of Fastnet Rock and sire line of grand-dam Iota (Tiger Hill). 

Akenehi was strapped by Rasheed Alam. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz