Trelawney Stud posted a winning double at Ellerslie on one of the biggest days of New Zealand racing - Derby Day.
While there were no contenders in the big race, Trelawney Stud were represented on the undercard by Samiam Seussie who won the Graeme Thomson Antique and Estate Jewellery 1600.
The Tony Pike-trained four-year-old has been in solid form and has finished in the top four of her previous five starts, including two wins.
Ridden by regular jockey Michael McNab, Samiam Seussie began smartly on Saturday and settled midfield, one off the rail.
She travelled sweetly for McNab who bided his time till they swung for home. On straightening they launched their challenge and raced past their rivals to score by .8L.
Raced by Brent and Cherry Taylor, Faith Taylor and Jane Taylor, Samiam Seussie was purchased out of the 2019 Inglis Easter Sale and is a daughter of Hinchinbrook.
Meanwhile Trelawney Stud's New Zealand Bloodstock graduate Prise de Fer prevailed to win the Brokerweb Risk Services Open (1500m), an event he had been successful in in 12 months prior.
“He was the class horse of the field and was given a nice ride by Niranjan Parmar,” said trainer Jamie Richards.
“We wanted to be positive and rode him like that in the trial. He’s an older horse and probably not that genuine some days, but it’s good to see him get some confidence and hopefully he can bounce on from it.”
Richards suggested Prise De Fer may target the Gr.2 Japan Trophy (1600m) on 26 March at Tauranga. In the corresponding race last year, he was fifth in a blanket finish.
“My gut feeling is that his best days are behind him, but if we place him right and use the boys’ claim, like that, we can still pick up some more prize money,” Richards added.
“Parmar is riding well. He got a couple of wins for us on Wednesday at Hastings. He’s a young guy that’s working hard, putting in plenty of hours, and we’re happy to back him and support him.”
On Dead4 footing, Prise De Fer ran 1500 metres in 1:29.6, last 600m in 33.5, and paid $4.80 & $1.60 on NZ TAB tote.
Three times Group One second and a Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile winner, he was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $100,000, from the draft of Trelawney Stud, at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale. He has now won eight races and recorded seven second’s, with $479,125 in prize money.
“It’s so good to see him back in winning form,” Ellis said. “He tries so hard and has gone such good races in Group ones and I’m very pleased for his owners. -Trelawney Stud, Te Akau Racing