A promising future over fences awaits Malborough Bay (NZ) (Darci Brahma), who showcased his ability on rain-affected tracks with a gritty victory in Saturday’s John F Grylls Memorial Classic (1400m) at Te Rapa.
The son of Darci Brahma had four previous wins to his credit, all on soft or heavy ground, and indicated he was ready to strike again with a narrow second to Joshua Brown at the venue last month.
Among the better-backed runners in an even Rating 75 contest, Malborough Bay found cover three-wide in a compact field under Te Akau apprentice Hayley Hassman, with Electric Time setting a solid tempo in the testing ground.
Malborough Bay powered into contention turning for home to draw level with Lotus, and the pair, alongside Charmer, would end up in a dogged fight in the closing stages. Lotus looked to have the upper hand and had the weight swing in her favour, but Malborough Bay found an extra kick over his younger rival to score by a short head.
Hassman collected her 17th win of the season in the race and was full of praise for her mount, who carries the colours of syndicators Fortuna Racing.
“He was amazing, he slid right through them on the bend when they opened up and he fought to the line so hard,” she said.
“It’s great to win a race for Fortuna Racing, they’re a great supporter of Te Akau’s and a good supporter of me, too.”
Mark Walker, who trains the gelding in partnership with Sam Bergerson, put a lot of Saturday’s success down to recent schooling, as well as a jumping trial in mid-June.
“It was a tough effort and great to see him back in the winner’s circle,” Walker said.
“He will be at the hurdle trials on Monday at Cambridge, and I think all the schooling and added fitness from his first hurdle trial is what won him the race.
“It was a nice ride of Hayley’s. She’s riding in great form and with a lot of maturity considering she’s only been a jockey for a short time.”
Bred by Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM and Glenn & Cathie Holmes, Malborough Bay was the final foal out of a Spinning World mare Spin ‘N Grin, who was a Group One performer during her racing career. Spin ‘N Grin’s talent shone through in her progeny, producing Group One placegetters Burgundy Belle and Éclair Lightning.