Written by Richard Edmunds
Young Kiwi trainer Jamie Richards already had a long list of achievements on both sides of the Tasman before he headed to Randwick on Saturday, but the scintillating G1 TAB Chipping Norton S. victory by Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) capped a day that will live long in his memory.
At the helm of the powerful Te Akau Racing syndication team, Richards boasts premiership titles and more than a dozen Group 1 victories, along with four consecutive wins in the R.Listed Karaka Million 2YO. Last month he broke new ground as the first trainer to win the Karaka Million 2YO and Karaka Million 3YO Classic on the same day.
But Saturday took him to a new pinnacle, with Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) winning the G1 Heineken 3 Surround S. and Te Akau Shark adding the Chipping Norton just 40 minutes later.
Opie Bosson and Jamie Richards
“It would have to be my best ever day as a trainer,” Richards said. “I thought it couldn’t get much better than the Karaka Million double, but I think it just did.”
“I thought it couldn’t get much better than the Karaka Million double, but I think it just did.” - Jamie Richards
Te Akau Shark had already made a big impression in Australia. The flashy chestnut was narrowly beaten by Kolding (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) in the G1 Epsom H. in October, and he charged home for third in the Cox Plate later that month.
He broke through for his first Group 1 victory in the BCD Group Sprint on home soil earlier three weeks ago, and now he has won at the elite level on both sides of the Tasman.
It took a special performance to achieve that result on Saturday, dropping back to fourth-last behind what was only a moderate pace.
But with regular rider Opie Bosson in the saddle, he unleashed a massive finishing burst over the top of Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) to win by 0.5l.
“It’s hard enough to get a ride here, let alone win two Group 1 races, so it’s been an amazing day,” said Bosson, who was also aboard Probabeel.
“This horse is a lot stronger this time in. He’s so laid-back about things and probably doesn’t know how good he actually is – he’s still untapped. But once he balances up in the straight, he rises through those gears.
“It’s great for New Zealand racing. We’ve been struggling a little bit, but we’ve got a good bunch of horses at the moment who can come over here and be very competitive.”
“It’s great for New Zealand racing. We’ve been struggling a little bit, but we’ve got a good bunch of horses at the moment who can come over here and be very competitive.” - Opie Bosson
Bought for $230,000 at the 2016 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis, Te Akau Shark has now had 12 starts for seven wins, four placings and more than $1.38 million in stakes. He is raced by a big group of owners that includes Cronulla Sharks legend Paul Gallen.
“What a thrill,” he said. “I love a day at the races, but I don't know a real lot about horse racing. I'm just so thrilled to be here.”
Richards has two further Group 1 targets in mind for Te Akau Shark in this campaign – the George Ryder S. at Rosehill on March 21, and the Queen Elizabeth S. at Randwick three weeks later.
Te Akau Shark (NZ) wins the G1 TAB Chipping Norton S.
“The Queen Elizabeth is the big goal,” Richards said. “As long as he comes through this well, three weeks into the George Ryder looks like nice timing, and then on to Randwick after that.
“This horse is something special, isn’t he? They didn’t go overly quick – Blake Shinn slowed them in the early stages (aboard the eventual eighth placegetter Dreamforce (Fastnet Rock).
“He was back in a bit of a sticky spot, but gee, he was good late. When he gets to his outside leg and gets clear air, he can really charge. Full credit to the team at home that have sent him over in such good order, and Probabeel as well.
“David Ellis bought him at the Ready to Run Sale, and he got all of these wonderful owners involved.
Connections of Te Akau Shark (NZ) celebrate the win
“This horse has got a bit of arrogance about him. He can be a bit grumpy. He’s just one of those horses that knows he’s pretty good, and he’s got a big ticker.”
Saturday’s second placing was a step in the right direction for Verry Elleegant, who won the G1 Vinery Stud S. and Australian Oaks during last year’s autumn carnival.
“She ran really well and was gallant in defeat, but beaten by a better horse on the day,” jockey James McDonald said. “I wish these Kiwis would go home!”
Fierce Impact (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) finished third, 1.25l behind the first pair. The winner of the G1 Toorak H. and Cantala S. in the spring, the Matthew Smith-trained entire has picked up Group 1 placings in both starts in his new campaign.
