NZ First Synthetic Track a Winner

Media Release - Wednesday May 19

It’s been a while coming for New Zealand to have its first raceday on a synthetic track, but for Darryn and Sam Weatherley it was well worth the wait.

The father-and-son team combined to win the first ever race on Cambridge Jockey Club’s newly developed polytrack on Wednesday courtesy of Champagne Princess in the Magnum Industries 1550.

Champagne Princess winning the inaugural race on Cambridge Jockey Club’s polytrack on Wednesday. Photo: Trish Dunell

Jumping from barrier 10, Champagne Princess settled three-wide with cover before jockey Sam Weatherley asked her to improve at the 600m mark. She swiftly looped the field and opened up several margins turning for home and ran away to a comfortable five-length victory over Jojakk.

Trainer Darryn Weatherley was ecstatic to team up with his son to take out the historic race.

“That is one record no one will ever take off me,” he said. “I am absolutely stoked and I am so thrilled for (owner) Pam Brindley who has been a great supporter of ours.

“I am thrilled to bits to have her and for Sam to ride her like he did and get the result was just huge.”

Weatherley said he discussed the daring tactics with his son prior to the race and he was delighted they paid off.

“I said to him before he went out that I think they will show more toe than a roman sandal and just to let her go through the gears and if she comes up underneath you, bring her into the clear and see what we have got. That is exactly how it unfolded,” Weatherley senior said.

Droves of local supporters flocked to the meeting and Weatherley said the atmosphere was electric on course.

“It’s a great atmosphere here,” he said. “I went and had a quiet beer with Rambo (Steven Ramsay, trainer) before we watched it, it was super.”

Advertisement

The winning jockey was just as animated with the result.

“It’s pretty special and all the more special that I can share it with Mum and Dad, and the whole family,” Sam Weatherley said.

He was also full of praise for his father’s tactics.

“Dad was spot on,” Weatherley said. “He said there is no point chasing her too much. We drew wide and I was able to get on the three-wide train and really put them to the sword before the corner.

“She won so well and I am so pleased for Pam, she puts so much into racing and she is here and she is so thrilled. It is great to get another winner for Dad and to create history.”

Having raced on Heavy11 grass tracks in the last week, Weatherley said it was a welcome change to return with clean riding breaches and silks after the race.

“It’s great, I have got no mud on me or anything. I can’t say a bad word about it,” he said.

Matamata-trained runners won the first two races, with Champagne Princess paying $23.50 and the Mark Brosnan-trained Pablo Casals ($36.20) winning race two, before Cambridge trainer Chris Wood struck in race three with the well-supported Funtonic ($3.60).  – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Highview Stud Announce 2025 Fees
With a host of quality performers from its proven lineup – Divine Prophet, Santos and Wrote – over the past 12 months, along with plenty of excitement about the pending arrival of Mr Mozart’s first foals, New Zealand’s Highview Stud has announced stallion fees for 2025.
Sires Pack Profitable Punch at Weanling Sale
There are many members of New Zealand’s stallion ranks whose progenies racetrack results far exceed their service fee.  Next month’s NZB National Weanling Sale at Karaka is an ideal opportunity for traders and end users to secure the progeny of these creditable sires.
Investing in Fillies Can Pay Big Dividends
We saw it earlier this month at Inglis Chairman’s Sale and we saw it again this week, purchasing yearling fillies that can perform to a high level has the potential to yield a big pay day in the sale ring, so let’s take a closer look.
King’s Legacy Filly Wins by Three
The Lindsay Park team produced an impressive juvenile winner at Pakenham on Thursday evening with King’s Legacy filly Bella Pietra winning as she pleased.
Verry Exciting Weekend Looms
New Zealand horseman Nicholas Bishara will cross the Tasman this weekend to watch his filly Belle Detelle, a three-quarter sister to his ill-fated 11-time Group One Verry Elleegant, contest the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m).
Sires With Winners - Tuesday May 27
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday May 28
Here is the full list of 44 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Breeding To Win - 2025 G1 Queensland Derby
It’s been 15 years since Dariana thumped the colts to win the Queensland Derby (2400m) in 2010 and maybe it’s time for another filly to triumph!
Sires With Winners - Thursday May 29
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Blue Gum Farm Announce 2025 Fees
Leading Victorian stud, Blue Gum Farm, is pleased to announce its 2025 stallion roster and service fees, headlined by exciting young sire Sejardan, who will stand at an unchanged fee of $13,750.