Winning Hat-Trick for Pride of Dubai Mare

Media Release - Monday August 11

A decision to bypass the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) a fortnight ago paid dividends for the connections of Pride Of Aspen on Sunday, as the mare went three in a row in the Free Court (2100m) at Hawera.

The seven-year-old was prepared for the majority of her career by training partners Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard, and when the former took a step back from training last term, she moved north to Cambridge with Wynyard.

Pride Of Aspen winning at Hawera on Sunday.  Photo: Jane Davidson (Race Images Palmerston North)

Wynyard identified suitable races for her in the Central Districts through this winter, and after placing and winning in her first two attempts at Otaki, she remained at the course in Benner’s care, and added another victory prior to Sunday’s contest.

Benner had considered heading to Christchurch seven days later for the National Week feature, but after opting to stay closer to home, Pride Of Aspen looked beautifully placed in a five-horse field, where she was a deserved favourite in the hands of apprentice Amber Riddell.

The mare jumped positively to sit outside leader Rua Rocks, who ensured the compact field would stream along at a decent tempo. Riddell pressed on to get on terms with Rua Rocks turning for home and Pride Of Aspen was in front a long way out, but she showed her tenacity to fend off the late challenge of a game Verry Flash and Dancin In The Dark.

Benner was pleased to get the result he’d expected of his charge.

“It was probably a bit of a nothing race really, but we went there expecting to win and she won, so it was good,” he said. “There wasn’t much around for her, so it was a nice race to fill the hole.

“It was a big ask for a seven-day back-up and rising in class again (in the Winter Cup), and we think she’s probably better suited to the 2000m, so opted to keep her up here and get a few more runs out of her, rather than going down there and that be the last run.

Advertisement

“She’s an eight-win mare now, so she’s done a good job and we’re very happy.

“We’ll possibly go to Wanganui in two or three weeks’ time for an Open 2100 there.”

A daughter of Pride Of Dubai, Pride Of Aspen was bred by Millburn Creek Stud in New South Wales and purchased for A$120,000 at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale by Aspen Bloodstock. She has now accumulated more than $177,000, with eight wins from 35 appearances.

The mare was one of four winners for Benner last term, having presented just 11 starters to the races. He enjoyed having some time away from the demands of full-time training, but ultimately, the love of the sport kept him involved.

“It was good to have a break, I needed to take a step back for a few reasons, but the love for the game never goes,” he said. “Once you’re in racing, you’re stuck in it for life I think.

“I’ve got an awesome little team of horses, I’m planning on training around 10 or 12 this year. I’ve been very selective, just having a small operation and keeping that work-life balance.

“That’s my plan going forward.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Catch Me If You Can Tactics Sees Changingoftheguard Break Aussie Duck
Having not won since June 2024 at Group 2 level at Ascot, a front running ride by James McDonald aboard the Kris Lees trained Changingoftheguard (IRE) saw the son of Galileo win the $200,000 Listed ATC City Tattersalls Club Cup (2400m).
Sires With Winners - Friday September 5
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Zoustar 5YO Showing Promise
Promising gelding Have A Crack retained his unbeaten New Zealand record with a gritty performance to take out the Rich Hill Stud (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.
Ole Kirk share headlines strong September (Early) Online Sale
A share in - and mares in foal to - reigning Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk are joined by a bevy of quality racing and breeding stock in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.
Exciting Stakes-Winner for Yes Yes Yes
Relocated to Gooree Park Stud this year, Everest hero Yes Yes Yes produced an exciting stakes-winner in New Zealand on Saturday with promising three year-old Affirmative Action taking out the $100,000 Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) at his second race start.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.
Justify Mare Wins $250,000 Wyong Mona Lisa Stakes
A big field of 14 mares went around in the $250,000 Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong on Friday and the race produced a thrilling finish with less than two lengths separating  the first eight over the line with Just Feelin’ Lucky taking the prize.
Expensive Super Seth 3YO Bolts in by Five!
Smart three-year-old Street Artist notched his first victory in impressive style when leading throughout to defeat a strong maiden field over 1000m at Mornington on Friday by nearly five lengths.
Birdsville Kicks Off with Record Fields on Friday
The 143rd Birdsville Races roared to life today with a burst of trackside colour and red desert dust, as a record crowd of punters converged on the edge of Queensland’s Simpson Desert for the iconic two-day meet.
Aussie Connection with Impressive St Mark’s Basilica Debut Winner
2021 European Horse of the Year St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) is at Coolmore Australia this spring and had an impressive debut winner at Ascot overnight with El Vamos powering clear of her rivals to win as she pleased.