Imelda Mary (NZ) Defends Filly of the Year Series Lead in Lowland

Media Release - Monday February 25
With two Group 2 wins and 16 points already to her name, Imelda Mary (NZ) (Ferlax) will attempt to maintain her New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series lead in Wednesday's eighth leg – the $100,000 Group 2 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Hastings.

Savvy Coup (NZ) claiming the 2018 Group 2 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes.Purchased for just $3,500 at the 2017 Festival Sale at Karaka, Imelda Mary has won the $100,000 Group 2 Royal Stakes (2000m) and Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic (2000m). She has earned $168,850 for Matamata trainer Wayne Hillis and his co-owners Chris Delamore and Ross Robertson.

Her 16 points give her a four-point lead in the Filly of the Year Series.

Second-placed Media Sensation (I Am Invincible) is not in Wednesday's race, but Queen Of Diamonds (NZ) (Savabeel) and Secret Allure (NZ) (Zacinto) are breathing down the table-topper's neck. They have each earned 10 points so far, and the 8 points available to Wednesday's winner would be enough to give either of them the lead if Imelda Mary is unplaced.

Adding further interest to the field, Sentimental Miss (NZ) (Reliable Man) and Jakkalbomb (NZ) (Jakkalberry) are recent black-type placegetters looking to make further progress up the Filly of the Year Series leaderboard.

The Lowland Stakes will be run as Race 7 on Wednesday with a start time of 5:56pm.


Advertisment
More Reading...
Records Tumble as Gingerbread Man Colt Tops Book Two
A colt by leading local sire Gingerbread Man topped Book Two when selling for $190,0000 as the 2026 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale rounded out with record breaking results.
Vale, Reliable Man
Westbury Stud today announced with great sadness the passing of high-class racehorse and outstanding sire Reliable Man, who was humanely euthanised on veterinary advice due to post-surgical complications following the removal of a melanoma.
First Winner for Ill-Fated Ferlax
G1 Australian Guineas-winner Ferlax (NZ) (Pentire) has sired his first winner, Rare Episode, who won as he liked on debut at Gosford on Thursday with a tilt at the Karaka Million 3YO Mile a possibility.
MRC Foundation pledges more than $50,000 to support Victorian bushfire recovery
The MRC Foundation will contribute more than $50,000 in direct financial and practical support to bushfire-affected communities across northeast Victoria, as regional racing families begin the long road to recovery following the recent Longwood fires.
Unbeaten Run Continues as Aristopolos Wins Gold Sovereign
Taking his record to five from five, outstanding St Mark’s Basilica (FR) colt Aristopolos gave nothing else a chance in Friday night’s Listed Gold Sovereign Stakes (1200m) at Launceston with John Blacker trained 2yo pulling clear to win by two lengths.
Breeding To Win - 2026 G1 Blue Diamond Stakes
The late withdrawal on Friday morning of unbeaten Bivouac colt Big Sky from the $2million Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) has taken a key contender from the mix, but with a full field of 16 it's a race packed with intrigue.
Super Seth Filly Adds to Te Akau NZB Kiwi Contenders
Te Akau Racing strengthened their representation in next month’s $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) following the announcement of their Group One winner La Dorada as ‘The People’s Horse’.
First Stakes-Winner for Ill-Fated Ferlax
Matamata filly Imelda Mary caused a minor upset when she dashed away from her age-group rivals to take out the Group II Valachi Downs Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on Tuesday.
Waters awarded 2026 Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship
Niamh Waters has been announced as the 2026 recipient of the Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship and will depart on Saturday to begin her 30-week international experience.
Sires With Winners - Friday February 20
Here is the full list of 61 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.