Street Cry Stayer Wins NZ St Leger

Media Release - Saturday March 19

Enigmatic performer Leaderboard (USA)  put his best foot forward when he produced a superior staying effort to take out the Listed Barneswood Farm New Zealand St Leger (2600m) at Trentham.

Leaderboard takes out the Listed Barneswood Farm New Zealand St Leger (2600m) at Trentham Photo Credit: Race Images – Grant Matthew

The former European stayer, who won once in his homeland before being purchased out of a UK sale for owners the Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate, had won on four occasions in New Zealand before his victory on Saturday, but had largely failed to deliver on his early promise.

The seven-year-old son of Street Cry showed all his fighting qualities and a penchant for the roomy Trentham surface as he refused to yield in the home straight after being given a soft trip in transit by replacement rider Michael McNab, who took over for Ryan Elliot who was stood down from his first two rides on the day.

Richards, who will soon hand over the reins at Te Akau Racing to Mark Walker before he prepares to head up to Hong Kong in the second week of May, was delighted to see his charge show his true worth over ground.

“He just out-stayed them after they went along at a genuine tempo,” Richards said.

“He is a horse who has always promised a lot, the best-looking horse in the birdcage with the best walk, but he has just had a few problems with his feet.

“The team at home have done a great job with him and he was given a lovely ride by Michael and just toughed it out.

“I thought he might need a little more easing in the ground and it’s just a shame we couldn’t get him right for the Wellington Cup (Gr.3, 3200m) as I thought he would have been a big chance in a race like that.”

Advertisement

Richards also predicted that the horse could excel in a different role in the future.

“I think he has a very bright future as a jumper, as he is very good at that,” he said.

“We will see what happens as he is going well and he is a nice one for Mark and the team to kick on with next season.”

Out of the Dynaformer mare Flower Fairy, Leaderboard has now won six of his 32 starts and over $140,00 in prizemoney. The win was his first at stakes level while he was also placed third in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton last November.

Richards was back in the limelight later in the programme when he produced the first four home in the Gr.1 Wellington Seamarket Levin Classic (1600m) which was taken out by three-year-old filly Imperatriz ahead of stablemates On The Bubbles, I Wish I Win and Mohawk Brave.

He went agonisingly close to landing the trifecta in the other feature event on the day, the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m), as Belle En Rouge defeated Self Obsession with The Perfect Pink close up in fourth.  – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Yulong Purchase into Enriched - Inglis October (Early) Sale
Three individual shares in the G2-winning entire Enriched sold for a combined $440,000 in a highly successful Inglis Digital October (Early) Online Sale today.
Sejardan Fits 2YO Speed Profile
There were three feature juvenile contests held at Flemington and Randwick last weekend and as usually is the case with such races, they were won by horses whose pedigrees suggested that good early form was on the cards.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday October 7
Here is the full list of 25 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Hot Lots Day 3 - Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1
The Tattersalls October Yearling Sale third and final session kicks off tonight our time and for those interested in the number one yearling sale in Europe we are taking a look at some of the yearlings tipped to top each day.
RAM Racing Join Forces with Newgate and GPI Racing for Everest
Western Australia’s RAM Racing have joined forces with Newgate and GPI Racing in their 2025 TAB Everest slot, reuniting with Group 1-winning sprinter Overpass and are set to bring a wave of loyal supporters from the west.
Metro Winner Adds to Yes Yes Yes Spring Surge
October is shaping as a great month for Gooree Stud’s new addition Yes Yes Yes with the 2019 Everest hero reeling off four winners in the past week including Maybe Moet, who saluted at Randwick on Wednesday.
Cambridge Stud Mare Primed for Return
Patience has been a key factor in the rise of Jaarffi to the elite level and she’s in good order to open her six-year-old campaign at Rotorua.
Three 2.2million Guineas Colts Top Second Day of Tattersalls Book 1 - Two by Wootton Bassett
The second day of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale saw a further six lots realise seven-figure prices headed by a trio of colts, two by the late WOOTTON BASSETT, both bought by Amo Racing, and one by FRANKEL, at 2,200,000 guineas. The average was an impressive 352,672 guineas.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Joe Pride has already prepared a stakes-winner for Godolphin in blue-blood Lonhro colt Attica and he unleashed a debut winner for them by I Am Invincible at Hawkesbury on Thursday.
Les Young Scholarship sets Miriam on track for industry leadership
Miriam Drinnan’s vision for a big, bold career in the Thoroughbred industry has just been turbo-charged thanks to the Les Young Scholarship, an award supported by the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program.