Contributer Mare Wins G3 King's Plate

Media Release - Saturday March 2

Underrated mare Maria Farina outsprinted several of the country’s top gallopers to secure Saturday’s Gr.3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie.

Sam Weatherley drives Maria Farina to victory in the Gr.3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie.  Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)

The daughter of Contributer has flown relatively under the radar this season, despite having accumulated six career victories, including the Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m), and Listed Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) during New Zealand Cup Week in November.

Maria Farina lined up in both the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) and Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) over the summer months with regular pilot Sam Weatherley aboard, and despite finishing sixth and fifth respectively, her sizzling sectionals in the latter indicated the best was yet to come.

Prepared by Weatherley’s father Darryn and sister Briar, the mare contested a quality six-horse line-up in the King’s Plate, which included Telegraph winner Mercurial, as well as Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) victor Bonny Lass, who started a warm $2.50 TAB favourite.

Jumping from barrier three, Weatherley settled Maria Farina near the tail of the field, avoiding early carnage up-front as Mercurial was badly checked when trying to slot inside of pacemaker Not Guilty. Weatherley sat ice-cold in behind Bonny Lass as the field descended down the straight, and when the gap came at the 150m, Maria Farina showed a devastating turn-of-foot to the post, though not without a few nervous moments for connections as Dragon Leap scorched down the outside to force a photo-finish.

The unorthodox mare pulled herself up shortly after the line, delight soon appearing on Weatherley’s face as the judge confirmed Maria Farina had triumphed in the $150,000 event by the narrowest of margins.

The 24-year-old hoop had won the previous race aboard Dame Lilibic, and indicated quiet confidence in Maria Farina, that was duly rewarded.

“I have no doubt in saying it, she should’ve won the Telegraph, and on her day, I think she’s nearly the fastest horse in the country,” Sam Weatherley said.

“She’s just so difficult to ride, you’ve got to hold and hold her up. It didn’t go to plan early, but it was probably the right way to ride her, just sit back and bide my time. When we burst through, on any other horse you’d think you’re home and hosed, but she has a bit of a tendency to pull up.

“I’m just so thrilled for the family, she really deserves a big one and if we can keep going, there’s a chance she might.”

Darryn was full of compliments for his son post-race.

“I think Sam’s been watching the tapes, that was a 10 out of 10 ride,” he said.

Advertisement

“She’s been consistent all year round and really deserves it, we own half of her which is really good, just a beautiful result.

“My feed merchant will sleep well tonight I’m picking.”

The Weatherley’s bred the mare alongside part-owner Barry Wright, the combination also breeding her half-brother, last-season’s Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner Pier, both being out of La Vitesse.

Darryn indicated Wright was hoping to test Maria Farina over 1600m, with the ultimate goal being the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha on March 30.

“We were looking at going to a 1400m at Tauranga in a few weeks’ time, and just hoping to throw the anchor out to get her to a mile in the fillies’ and mares’ weight-for-age,” he said.

“My partner (owner, Barry Wright) has always wanted to try her at a mile, whether he’s right I’m not sure but we’ll have a crack.”

Daughter Briar also painted an emotional picture in the birdcage.

“This mare means everything to me, sometimes you just need that one horse that gets you out of bed in the morning, and for me, that’s her,” she said.

“She’s been unlucky all preparation, and she so deserved this win. I’m absolutely thrilled.”

Maria Farina has now earned more than $386,000 in stakes, and has a pedigree the Weatherleys hope can continue to perform after purchasing a closely-related Hello Youmzain colt out of Jamieson’s Book 1 draft at Karaka 2024. LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Aussie Globetrotting Mare Now Calls Woodside Home
Woodside Park have released a list of their quality mares set to visit new recruit Celestial Legend this spring and one of them is Aussie bred Group II winner Nafaayes, who produced a promising 2YO winner overnight in the UK.
Sires With Winners - Monday August 4
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Zoustar 7YO on Comeback Trail
Joliestar is not the only good Zoustar carrying the colours of Cambridge Stud as Lance Noble has his eye on a major early season prize with one of the few older members of his stable.
New SW for Contributer
A weaving run from near last on the home turn by enigmatic mare Maria Farina to claim the Listed Jennian Homes Wellington Lightning Handicap (1200m), provided the Weatherley family with a stunning stakes double on a day of high drama for their small team.
Te Akau Stars Warm Up at Taupo Trials
Perennial bridesmaid Qali Al Farrasha headlined a strong contingent of trialists out of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson’s stable at Taupo on Monday.
One to Watch – Ballarat
Last seen contesting the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes, newly gelded three year-old Olatunde bolted in at Ballarat on Monday continuing the fast start to the new season for his sire Farnan.
Elite Broodmare Band Booked to Celestial Legend
Woodside Park Stud is proud to announce they are sending an outstanding group of broodmares to visit their exciting young sire Celestial Legend. 
G2 Winning Mare chasing G1 Success
Classy mare Val Di Zoldo will have the opportunity to test her talents at the highest level this term after resuming with a tidy trial at Taupo on Monday.
Blue Gum Farm Welcome First Foal of the Season
Victorian nursery Blue Gum Farm announced on Monday the arrival of their first foal of the season and there is no mistaking the sire of this gorgeous filly.
Nominees Announced for Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards
The nominees for the prestigious 2024/2025 Australian Racehorse of the Year awards have been announced today by Racing Queensland in association with Racing Australia.