Smart mare strikes at Ellerslie again

27 September 2014

Graham Richardson’s confidence in completing a significant family double with Queens Rose was boosted on Saturday with another Ellerslie success.

The Matamata trainer saddled the five-year-old to win the Ventell Limited 1200 off the back of a resuming victory on the track at her previous appearance.

“She was very impressive in her first time in open class, it couldn’t have gone any better,” Richardson said.

“Her next start will be at Hawera in the fillies and mares race. It will be a strong field there, but it’s a goal for the owners as the mother won that race.”

The event is question is the Gr.3 Rich Hill Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes on October 11 and a weight-for-age contest Queens Rose’s dam Rosetti Bay claimed in 2006.

“Longer-term, we’ll be looking at races in the autumn like the Easter Handicap,” Richardson said.

Queens Rose, whose younger half-sister Diamond Rose broke her maiden at Te Aroha on Friday, has now compiled a record of six wins – all under Noel Harris – from 13 starts.

“She just keeps improving and she’s always had a bit of class about her,” the jockey said.

Queens Rose came down the outside of the track on Saturday to comfortably account for Guevara and Magic Belle.

“When I cruised up to them I gave her a couple of decent ones and she put them away, that’s the sign of a good horse,” Harris said.

Savaglee crowned Champion Three-Year-Old of 2024/25

Savaglee, bred by Waikato Stud and trained by Pam Gerard, was crowned Champion Three-Year-Old at the NZ Horse of the Year Awards, capping a season highlighted by his Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas triumph.

9 September 2025

WS bred crowned Champion Two-Year-Old of 2024/25

Waikato Stud-bred La Dorada capped a brilliant juvenile season with Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ victory, securing Champion Two-Year-Old honours at the 2024/25 Horse of the Year Awards in Hamilton.