First Winner for Lucky Vega at Tauranga

Media Release - Saturday October 5

Trainers Ben and Ryan Foote collected an early winning double at Tauranga on Saturday with a pair of gallopers that look destined for bigger things including a two year-old that is the first winner for Yulong based sire Lucky Vega (IRE).

While he may have only had two rivals in the opening event on the card, two-year-old colt Vega For Luck put on a confident front-running display to take the victory on debut, backing up an impressive win at the Te Rapa trials last month.

Vega For Luck created a good impression with a debut victory at Tauranga - Kenton Wright Race Images

Ben Foote had noted before the race that he had opted to start his charge primarily to capitalise on an opportunity to put enough prizemoney in the bin to secure a start in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie in February.

It was quickly mission accomplished as rider Vinnie Colgan dictated proceedings from the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared Dare To Proisir throughout in the 950m contest before easing clear at the 150m to capture the $14,375 winning stake.

“He is a true little professional and his trials had been good,” Foote said.

“I did expect him to show a bit today and the reason we were lining him up today was to try and win which would put us a long way ahead in terms of getting him to the Karaka Million.

“I think he is going to improve a bit with some racing and maybe a set of blinkers on what he showed.

“He will learn from this and now we have the money in the bank we can relax a little bit and do the right thing by the horse.”

Advertisement

Two races later the stable made it two wins for the day with impressive three-year-old filly Myakkabelle, who holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Barnswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton next month, winning stylishly over 1400m.

The daughter of Inglewood Stud-based stallion War Decree had finished runner-up at her last two starts but made no mistake this time as she took full advantage of a perfect run in the trail before bursting through an inside gap at the 300m to race to a clear-cut victory.

“She is a real improving filly and it was a good ride by Jasmine (Fawcett) as we had talked about maybe getting off the fence but she stuck there and Plan B worked,” Foote said.

“I think she has a good future and I have always thought she might be an Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m) filly so once she gets over ground she will grow another leg.

“We will see how she comes through this and map out a plan.

“She’s not as sharp as those top fillies over 1400m but once she goes over further she will measure up.”

The victory saw Myakkabelle shorten to $18 on the TAB Fixed Odds market for the 1000 Guineas where Alabama Lass and Captured By Love sit at the head of affairs at a quote of $3.  Trackside.co.nz

Advertisment

Race Result - BOP Equine Vets Mdn 950m

Tauranga Track: Heavy(8) Time: 0:58.09
1
Vega For Luck
- 2c Lucky Vega (IRE) x Badea (NZ) (Darci Brahma (NZ))
Tnr: Ben & Ryan Foote Rdr: V A Colgan 57.5
NZB Karaka Book 1 $60,000
Seller: Inglewood Stud
Buyer: Sammy Ma
2
1.3
Luminance
- 2f Time Test (GB) x Brilliant Glow (GB) (Oasis Dream (GB))
Tnr: P Pertab Rdr: L H Satherley 55.5
3
1.3
Dare To Proisir
- 2g Proisir (AUS) x Hayle Bay (NZ) (Pentire (GB))
Tnr: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson Rdr: O P Bosson 57.5
NZB Karaka Book 1 $230,000
Seller: Rich Hill Stud
Buyer: Mr DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ)
More Reading...
$190,000 Per Incanto Colt Heads Vibrant Weanling Sale
The  2025 National Weanling Sale saw its first dual-code weanling session in play at Karaka, with a total aggregate of $2,410,000 outlaid across 84 lots by a strong domestic buying bench plus international support from Australia, Hong Kong and China.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 Tatts Tiara
With Royal Ascot done and dusted for another year, let's turn our attention to the final G1 of the Australian racing season as some very expensive mares seek to land that elusive G1 and three runners will carry the Yulong colours!
Flying Artie 2YO Wins by Four!
Blue Gum Farm have an appealing roster of three sires for this spring and while it’s all in front of Sejardan and Oxley Road, proven favourite Flying Artie remains unbeatable value and the G1 sire produced a four length 2YO winner on Thursday.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Randwick
Trial action was at Randwick on Friday and there were six heats for juveniles that included some interesting unraced youngsters highlighted by the full brother to a promising young sire, a well bred son of Farnan and an Extreme Choice filly.
Red Right Out Wins MM Queensland Qualifier
The 2026 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping will feature the third annual Queensland Off-The-Track Cup (QOTT) final on Sunday, 11 January 2026 at Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast. 
Cambridge Stud to Sell Entire Draft at Karaka 2026
Leading thoroughbred nursery Cambridge Stud have committed their full support for NZB’s 2026 National Yearling Sales Series, with the announcement they will be selling 100% of their yearling stock at Karaka. 
Sires With Winners - Friday June 27
Here is the full list of 48 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Vinery Stud Announce Adam White as Interim Manager
From the 1st of July, Vinery Stud is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam White as Interim General Manager, following the resignation of Peter Orton. A dedicated and long-standing member of the Vinery team, Adam brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of both the business and the industry to this pivotal role.
National Online Breeding Stock Sale online now
The National Online Breeding Stock Sale has launched on Gavelhouse Plus with bidding open on the 87 Lots sale which is set to end from 7pm on Wednesday 9th July.
Promising 2YOs for Pike
Tony Pike found it difficult to split his juvenile charges the last time they took each other on and it’s the same story at Ruakaka.