Empire State (NZ) (Tavistock) has grown in confidence throughout the season and he put that on display at Te Rapa on Saturday, breaking through for an impressive maiden success in the Irwin’s Truck and Bus Hurdle (2800m).
The six-year-old by Tavistock was having his eighth attempt over the smaller fences, having shown improvement at each start this campaign. He put the writing on the wall when finishing into third behind Jerricoop last month at Te Aroha, but was still slightly underrated in the market on Saturday, closing at $8.20 with Te Akau stakes winner Fierce Flight on top.
In a field of 11, Zee Heights came out full of running and took the early lead, before Gingee took over passing the winning post for the first time. Meanwhile, Empire State had settled just worse than midfield under jockey Will Featherstone, jumping professionally in the trail of Mr Fahrenheit.
Ember Attack dislodged jockey Toni Moki at the fence nearing the 1200m, which subsequently inconvenienced a couple of runners along the rail, but Featherstone had veered into the centre and was swiftly making up ground, as was the favourite Fierce Flight, who jogged into contention around the outside.
The pair pulled clear and jumped the third to last fence in unison, and despite drifting out into the penultimate hurdle, Empire State was corrected by his rider and skipped over the last, having the momentum over Fierce Flight to draw away and score by 2 – ¼ lengths.
The victory was Featherstone’s second over fences since arriving in New Zealand in May, and was grateful to trainers Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal for the opportunity.
“He’s run an absolute cracker there for me,” he said. “I’m very happy, and it was very kind of Paul to give me the ride.
“He started to veer out a little bit to the right coming into the second-last fence, but after correcting him, he ran on strongly in that ground.
“I’m getting a few more rides and getting to ride for a few of the top trainers, it’s a very good feeling. I’ve been here for two months or so, and it’s been really good.”
Bred by Gerry Harvey. Empire State was initially trained by Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, who gifted the gelding to the Hastings trainers after five runs on the flat. Nelson and McDougal race him alongside Nelson’s son Angus Nelson, and staff member Grace Stewart.
He was the first foal out of a one-win High Chapparal mare Midtown Manhattan.