WS dominates group one outcome

WS went so close to the perfect Group One result in Saturday’s New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. Only a neck separated the home-breds Diademe and Sports Illustrated at the end of the Te Aroha feature.

A $50,000 yearling purchase for Scott Richardson at Karaka in 2010, Diademe broke through for her first top-flight success and yet another for her sire Savabeel. She had previously been a dual Group One placegetter. “It’s well deserved for her, a lot of very good mares end up going to stud without a Group One, and Scott has been a great supporter of the stable,” said Andrew Forsman, who with senior partner Murray Baker celebrated a stable quinella. “She had been flying in trackwork, but I thought the track may have been a touch firm as she’s been feeling her joints. It speaks volumes for her and just how tough she is.”

Diademe was posted out three wide early before rider Jonathan Riddell allowed the six-year-old to stride up outside the leader. He kicked clear soon after straightening and she had enough in reserve to hold Sports Illustrated out by a narrow margin. “I had to do a little work, but she was travelling a treat around the bend,” Riddell said.

Sports Illustrated’s effort was full of merit as she had an interrupted preparation after being galloped on two starts back. Rider Craig Grylls reported the Fast ‘N’ Famous mare would improve with the outing.