Te Akau Head Trainer Richards has eight elite level victories in 2020/21 to his credit and will defy the old adage that there are no certainties in racing with the National Trainers’ Premiership already in the bag.
He currently sits on 109 winners, more than double that of the closest challenge of Stephen Marsh, and 24 domestic black-type victories in his commanding tally.
While delighted with Avantage’s commanding victory in the G1 BCD Group Sprint, Richards was brought down to earth with Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) finishing out of the money in the G1 Herbie Dyke S., in which she was chasing her 14th win at the highest level.
He was philosophical in the wake of her performance, but most importantly the crack mare had come through unscathed.
“She’s fine and just didn’t have a great run in the race. She didn’t really get her chance and was eased down,” he said. “We’ll live to do battle again, racing is a great leveller.”
“We’ll live to do battle again, racing is a great leveller.” – Jamie Richards
Even with Melody Belle missing out, it was still a top day at the office for Richards with Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) appropriately claiming the G2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic and stablemate Festivity (I Am Invincible) fittingly winning the Te Akau Shark – Farewell A Legend earlier in the program.
Avantage jumped quickly from the outside gate to sit in second spot and she strode to the front 350 metres from the post and from that point it was game, set and match. She strolled home to win untested from Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) and Mascarpone (Shooting To Win).
While Avantage broke quickly, second favourite Levante (NZ) (Proisir) blew the start by at least 6l and did well to finish fifth.
“You don’t like to see that happen and we’re all racing enthusiasts and want to see a level playing field, but sometimes those things happen,” Richards said.
“Avantage was able to put herself in the race and she had them in trouble a long way from home. She’s getting more and more professional and I was pleased with the way she paraded. It’s been a great team effort and I can’t thank everybody enough.”
Avantage may make her next appearance in the G1 WFA Classic at Otaki at the end of the month and Richards is also casting an eye farther afield.
“I think she has a Group 1 in her in Australia and I would love to give her that opportunity,” he said.
Jamie Richards
Bosson said the plan had been to ride the mare aggressively out of the barrier and that was instrumental in their success.
“I knew she would be hard to peg back, she’s such a gutsy racehorse. You can ride her back or forward and up in distance, she’s just a gem.”
Royal performance
While the rub of the green went against Melody Belle in the Herbie Dyke, the stars aligned for Royal Performer (GB) (Medicean {GB}) to give former top jockey and co-trainer Bob Vance, who trains with wife Jenny, his first Group 1 success.
“I just can’t believe it, I knew he was a good horse and he had the perfect run. Jenny has trained a couple so it’s fantastic for me to get one as a trainer,” he said.
“I didn’t win this race as a jockey and it’s great to win it as a trainer.”
Royal Performer was a winner in England and in Hong Kong before he made his way to New Zealand where he has added a further four victories to his record.
“I ride him and he’s such a lovely horse. He’s been in good form and he’s got a good turn of foot and showed it today,” Vance said.
Royal Performer sat in behind the pace on the fence and he rounded off strongly in the run home to account for The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel), who heads to Australia next week, and On The Rocks (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}).
“Gate one always helps and we were able to lob up there and he put them away quickly,” winning rider, Jonathan Riddell, said.
