Rosehill success for Waikato Stud-bred Couples Retreat
Another Waikato Stud graduate was in the winner’s circle on Saturday, with Couples Retreat (NZ) (Super Seth ex Date Night) proving too strong in the Benchmark 72 (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday, 30 May.
The daughter of Super Seth enjoyed a sweet run for apprentice Molly Fitzgerald before being brought to the outside in the straight, where she dug in gamely to score by three-quarters of a length.
It was the fourth win from just 15 starts for the Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained mare, who has now banked more than A$235,000 in prizemoney.
Couples Retreat was offered through Waikato Stud’s draft at the 2023 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale, where she was secured by Mitchell Bloodstock (FBAA) and Annabel Neasham Racing for $280,000.
Bred on a pedigree stacked with proven Waikato Stud bloodlines, Couples Retreat is out of the Savabeel mare Date Night, a daughter of dual Group 3 winner Dating (O’Reilly). The family has consistently delivered, producing top performers including Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner Senator, along with black-type winners Mandate and Maritimo (Pins).
With Super Seth continuing to make his mark and Savabeel’s influence running deep through the page, Couples Retreat’s latest success was another pleasing result for the Matamata nursery.
The Corner with Garry Chittick
Well, I got a bit behind last week, with Friday slipping by without realising it; hence no Corner. I have said on too many occasions that negative messages are of no help to anyone, and yet there seems so often a reason to be concerned. Clearly, this week the well-constructed Guerin Report on the threatened downgrade of our Group 1 races demands our attention.
Read More
Vale Ohope Wins, Ocean Park’s tough, kind and courageous daughter
Long before her Oaks double, Ohope Wins’ greatest victory belonged to the Waikato Stud staff and Matamata Veterinary Services vets who saved her as a desperately sick foal. Taken far too soon at Caulfield, her remarkable story is theirs too.
Read More