News In Brief
Avadane winning at Matamata on Wednesday Photo: Kenton Wright, Race Images
Matamata double for Noble
Karaka trainer Lance Noble scored the perfect result at Matamata on Wednesday, taking two horses south for the Waikato club’s meeting and recording victories with both.
Two-year-old Savabeel filly Avadane cleared maiden company when taking out the J P Wills Bloodstock 1200.
She jumped well from barrier three and took the trail behind early leaders Divine Dive and Qiji Melody.
Jockey Leith Innes bided his time before unleashing his charge down the straight where Avadane took the lead at the 150m mark and saw off the fast-finishing Long Jack to win by a short-neck.
“The draw obviously helped and she did get away well and had a lovely ride from Leith. It was really pleasing,” Noble said.
Her win extends her dam J’Adane’s impressive record, with Avadane becoming her sixth winner, which includes Group Three winners Von Tunzelman, Prince Jabeel and Sherrif.
“It was the sixth individual winner out of Brendan and Jo’s (Lindsay) foundation mare J’Adane, so it’s pretty special for them,” Noble said.
“The mare just keeps producing. There is a nice Tavistock colt at home and I look forward to getting my hands on him.”
Earlier in the card four-year-old mare Vera Drake won the Luminateone 1600.
It was the first win in New Zealand for the half-sister to dual Group Three winner and Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) runner-up Vengeur Masque.
The four-year-old mare was purchased by Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay in England last year and is destined to join their broodmare band at their Waikato farm.
Peters to open May Sale
New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Racing will open New Zealand Bloodstock’s May Sale at their Karaka complex on May 17.
The Sale will offer 240 of the country’s best mixed bloodstock and New Zealand Bloodstock Managing Director is looking forward to having Peters open the sale.
“We are very pleased that Racing Minister Winston Peters will be opening the Sale for us,” he said.
“To have him address participants of the thoroughbred industry after his announcement to revitalise domestic racing is indicative of his support and commitment to racing and breeding in New Zealand.”
