Mr Bombasa gives Banquo another winner

Easter Monday provided another highlight for Banquo when his three-year-old son, Mr Bombasa, produced an eye-catching performance to win at just his third start at Wanganui over 1200m.

Owned and trained by John Barry, the progressive colt overcame the widest gate in the nine-horse field and settled near the rear for apprentice Jim Chung. Asked to improve approaching the home turn, Mr Bombasa weaved through the middle of the field before taking a narrowing gap with confidence. Hugging the rail, he charged to the line to hold off the late finish of Gitano.

Mr Bombasa was bred by Alan Galbraith KC and is the first foal out of the Swiss Ace mare Miss Labasa, who was later exported to Australia.

Banquo’s small first crop has enjoyed a watershed season, headed by Group 3 winner Justin Case, who finished fourth in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes. Justin Case is out of the mare Do Ra Mi and is raced by Waikato Stud and Jamie Beatson.