The outstanding Jamie Richards-trained mare didn’t have it easy either with the obstacle of an outside gate to overcome, but she did it with aplomb to claim her 10th top-flight title and much to the delight of her extensive support crew.
Melody Belle also leads the racing world with seven Group 1 wins in 2019 for her 37-strong ownership group managed by Fortuna syndication principal John Galvin. Twenty of them were at Flemington to see their pride and joy carry on the form that saw her complete a first-ever clean sweep of the Hawke’s Bay Triple Crown series.
Melody Belle (NZ) takes out the Empire Rose S.
“It’s a great personal thrill for me and my wife, Jessica, to host such a large contingent of our syndicate members at what is one of the great race courses of the world on what is one of the greatest race days on the global calendar,” Galvin said.
“The New Zealand-based members of the Melody Belle syndicate are ordinary, everyday New Zealanders who are spread from near the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island and this wonderful mare is taking them on the ride of their lives.
“The VRC has bent over backwards to accommodate our big group at very short notice.”
“It doesn’t get any better than this, she’s amazing. She won the Karaka Million as a 2-year-old and she’s now five and trains on year after year.
“She won the Karaka Million as a 2-year-old and she’s now five and trains on year after year.” – John Galvin
“She’s a perfect horse and can handle any track conditions. She’s as sound as a bell, just a wonderful mare.”
Galvin’s sentiments were echoed by Richards and regular rider Opie Bosson, who kept the mare well back in the field before coming wide on the turn.
She thundered home to sail beyond Aristia (Lonhro), who had gone clear 300 metres from the post, and Spanish Reef (Lope De Vega {Ire}).
“It just goes to show what a super star she is, every time she goes out she gives 110 per cent,” Bosson said. “She was always travelling beautifully and we were three deep the whole trip so she didn’t do it the easy way.
“She relaxed well and turning for home she was revelling in the going and was too good. Her wet track form is excellent so we weren’t worried about the rain.”
“Her wet track form is excellent so we weren’t worried about the rain.” – Opie Bosson
For Richards, Melody Belle has been his flagship performer since he assumed the role of head trainer at the powerful Te Akau Racing establishment and he has managed her brilliantly.
Trainer Jamie Richards
“She’s a great mare and some of the opposition she has beaten in New Zealand might be a bit questionable, but you can only beat what’s in front of you,” he said.
“She’s so versatile and can go back and relax or she can use a barrier if she draws well. I could see at the half mile that she was travelling well.
“We’re proud New Zealanders representing our country. Gingernuts winning the Rosehill Guineas was great, but to come to the Melbourne spring carnival and win is something else.
“We’re proud New Zealanders representing our country.” – Jamie Richards
“We’ve had a few second and bits and pieces so to get the monkey off the back is great. The team at home do a great job and, as I’ve said before, I’m very lucky to train these wonderful horses that David Ellis buys.”
Te Akau has also again set its sights on the Sydney autumn carnival with Melody Belle to make the trip along with stablemate Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}), who is now home after a meritorious run for third in last weekend’s G1 Cox Plate.
Melody Belle (NZ) as a yearling
In the short-term, Richards will monitor Melody Belle's progress with the option of backing her up in next Saturday's G1 Mackinnon S.
Bred by Marie Leicester, Melody Belle was purchased out of Haunui Farm’s draft at Karaka by Ellis on behalf of Galvin for NZ$57,500.
She is a daughter of Meleka Belle (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) and she’s from a prolific family whose numerous big race performers include the G1 Golden Slipper winners Dance Hero (Danzero) and Belle Du Jour (Dehere {USA}).
