Written by Paul Vettise
Bill Pomare was on cloud nine after Ocean Billy (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) proved too tough for his rivals in the G1 Auckland Cup and is now giving serious consideration to a trip to Australia.
The hardy 5-year-old settled well beyond midfield for rider Johnathan Parkes and tracked into the race 800 metres from home. They dashed clear on straightening and stayed on strongly to land the Barfoot & Thompson-sponsored feature from Charles Road (Myboycharlie {Ire}).
Ocean Billy’s performance has Pomare mulling over paying a late entry fee for the G1 Sydney Cup at Randwick on April 10, but celebrations will come before a decision is made.
“My family is here while old Pete Ludgate, his part-owner who is 90-odd, is back in Rotorua so I’m just hoping his heart handles it,” said trainer Bill Pomare, who also co-bred and part-owns the gelding.
“For me, a young Maori boy who came out of nowhere, who slept under bridges and in cars, to suddenly have an Auckland Cup winner is incredible.
“This is the dream race to win and to think that he has come out of a sprinting mare is amazing.”
“This is the dream race to win and to think that he has come out of a sprinting mare is amazing.” – Bill Pomare
Ocean Billy’s dam is Cool Storm (NZ) (One Cool Cat {USA}), who won three races up to 1200 metres including the Listed Newmarket H. and she is out of Flying Free (NZ) (Heroicity), successful up to 1600 metres.
“I have to mention Justine Sclater as we both bred him and it was her vision to go to Ocean Park as I couldn’t afford it. I also owe my wife Suzi who rides him every day,” Pomare said.
“She has been riding since she can walk and just loves horses to pieces. We will definitely be celebrating this. Everyone around this horse just loves him as he is the kindest horse you could get.”
Johnathan Parkes
Successful rider Jonathan Parkes doubled his Cup tallying after partnering Ladies First (NZ) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}) to win in 2018.
“Bill presented the horse very, very well as he looked outstanding when I went to mount up on him. He had instilled plenty of confidence in me and the horse has put in a terrific staying effort,” he said.
“I’d watched a number of his race replays and he’d never really gone a bad race. I had to use him up a little to put him the race, but he’s that sort of horse who likes to keep rolling so I wasn’t too concerned.”
