Winning Waikato Double - Excitonic Exciting

Te Akau apprentice Niranjan Parmar recorded his first win on Monday at Te Rapa, when Excitonic  (5 g Savabeel - Bint Piavonic, by Encosta De Lago) delivered fresh-up in $30,000 Ardrosson @ Waikato Stud Rating 65 1200 metres.

Parmar (24) commenced his riding career for the stable in May at Ellerslie, finishing fifth aboard Burgundy Rose (Burgundy) and following a handful of rides gave indication that success was imminent when finishing third aboard Challa (Dissident) in September at Taupo. After seconds on Top Brass (Epaulette) and Aotea Lad (Savabeel) last weekend at Hastings and Rotorua respectively, the young man has his name on the board.

It was a good ride, too. Utilizing his four-kilo claim to carry 56kg, Parmar was positive in securing a midfield position, had Excitonic poised on the bridle at the 600m and once letting the brakes off, he sprinted quickly to lead a furlong out.

For a horse that had previously won twice second-up over 1400 metres, being set alight early over 1200 metres was a good option, as opposed to sitting back for the last run, and it worked to a nicety.

On Dead5 footing, Excitonic ran 1200 metres in 1:11.5 and returned handsomely: $10.90 & $3.60 on NZ TAB tote, notching his third victory from 15 starts.

“Horses like him that have had a heart issue in the past tend to race well fresh and he's also lacked physical maturity,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “He's needed time to strengthen and grow into himself and the owners have been very patient.

“I thought he raced really well and Parmar rode the horse particularly well. He followed the instructions to go back, get cover and relax, and at the 600m he seized an opportunity to start moving into the race.

“He was quite impressive when he let down, putting a space on them quickly, before pricking his ears near the winning post.

“It's nice to be racing here at Te Rapa, with decent stake money up for the owners, and great for Parmar to get his first race day win. He's been with us for a little while and like nearly all apprentices they improve with experience.

“We adopt a patient approach and try finding the most suitable rides, while also making use of his weight claim. He's learning to let it happen, rather than trying to force things, and he's a valuable asset in terms of riding track work and at the trials and helping to educate our young horses.

“He's doing everything really well - he's a dedicated young man and we're thrilled to give him his first winner.”

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM for $230,000 at 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Book1 Karaka Sale, draft of Brighthill Farm, Excitonic is owned by Te Akau Excitonic Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

“He's been a horse the owners have been very patient with,” Ellis said. “We've got a great group that race him, they've stuck with the ship and it's great that their patience is being rewarded.

“I bought the horse off Brighthill Farm, run by Nick King and his son Benji. We've bought some really nice horses from them and they turn them out in great condition. They're hard workers and Benji rides work every morning for us. He's a brilliant young horseman and does a fantastic job.

“I could see after Parmar rode Aotea Lad last Sunday that he wasn't far away from riding a winner and we were happy to have him on Excitonic today. Four kilos is a big weight relief. He rides lovely work, an important member of the team, and great to see him get his first win in the tangerine.”

Parmar joins a growing list of apprentices that Te Akau has provided their first winning ride, including Opie Bosson, Troy Harris, Daniel Stackhouse, Reese Jones, Jasmine Fawcett, Daniel Miller and Darryn Weatherley.

“I think Sam Weatherley's father Darryn was the first and I remember his first winning ride aboard Slice of Heaven (Star Way) during a night meeting at Avondale,” Ellis said.

“It's been a really good day for Reece (Trumper) and Sarah (West) and their team at the Colt Barn, winning with both Zeitaku and Excitonic.

By six-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), dam of Excitonic, Bint Piavonic, is the daughter of a terrific nine-time race winner Piavonic (Scenic), who defeated Sunline (Desert Sun) and Falvelon (Alannon) in the Manikato Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m).

Dam sire Encosta de Lago (Fairy King) is a Champion Sire and Broodmare Sire, setting an Australian record for progeny earnings (over $17m) in a single season. His influence in the pedigree is distinguished, along with that of breed shaping sire Northern Dancer.

Excitonic was strapped by Ellen Osbourne.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz