Qatar Bloodstock's Endless Drama Wins G2 Foxbridge Plate

Media Release - Saturday August 17

Fireworks were expected at Te Rapa on Saturday as several of last season's equine stars kicked off their new spring campaigns in the Group II US Navy Flag Foxbridge Plate (1200m) and it was recent Group I  Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) placegetter Endless Drama who delivered with a stunning victory.

Endless Drama - image Trish DunnellThe Tony Pike-trained eight-year-old had been given a short let-up after returning from his Brisbane exertions with Pike mindful of keeping weight off the giant frame of the Lope de Vega entire.

That decision paid off big time as the former Chris Waller-trained galloper paraded as a picture of health before the race with punters installing him an $8 fourth favourite behind the Te Akau Racing pair of Te Akau Shark and Melody Belle and up and comer Helena Baby.

Given an economical trip from an inside barrier, Endless Drama settled in midfield during the early stages of the contest as Malambo and Southern Icon duelled out in front.

Rider Leith Innes had his charge off the fence at the 600m and the combination glided into contention before Innes asked for an effort at the 300m. Endless Drama responded instantly and sprinted clear before holding out the late charge of Te Akau Shark who stormed home from second last to pip outsider Comeback for second.

Pike was delighted with the result as he prepares his charge for a tilt at the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings in a fortnight.

"He's become a real stable pet this horse," Pike said.

He came back from Brisbane in great order and trialled superbly here a couple of weeks ago.

"There was a big query on the track but it was a perfect ride from Leith. The biggest thing is just waiting as he has only got a short, sharp sprint but he waited and waited and got it right today.

"Thanks to Chris Waller for leaving him with me and to Qatar Bloodstock (owners) as they are big investors in the industry."

Pike had been confident of his chances during the race after the way he saw the horse was travelling during the running.

Advertisement

"He settles beautifully in his races although he got a bit further back than we thought.

"1200m is probably a touch short but he was electric late and now we're looking forward to going to Hawkes Bay over 1400m although I'm hoping he won't run into Te Akau Shark as hopefully he is heading to Australia and we don't have to have another crack at him."

Te Akau Racing trainer Jamie Richards was philosophical in defeat after Te Akau Shark produced the run of the race behind the winner, while Melody Belle fought on strongly for fourth after tackling the leaders at the top of the straight.

"He (Te Akau Shark) was beaten by the draw as he got back a long way but 1400m next time should be ideal," he said.

"He will go to Australia now as we have to back our judgement but we'll go home and lick our wounds and we'll be alright.

"She (Melody Belle) just needs 1400m now as she is a year older but she will be fine."

Te Akau Shark will now head to Sydney for the Gr.2 Tramway Stakes (1400) at Royal Randwick on September 7 with his main mission being the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at the same venue on October 5, while Melody Belle looks likely to clash with Endless Drama again in the Tarzino Trophy on August 31.

The victory represents win number five form 26 starts for Endless Drama who commenced his career in Ireland before joining Chris Waller's Australian stable in late 2016 where he won the Gr.2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) before transferring to Pike earlier this year following an unplaced run in the Gr.1 Haunui Farm WFA Classic (1600m). – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Jenni Lets Loose At The Valley
Smart staying mare Jennivamoose recorded her third victory at The Valley when winning the Simpson Construction Handicap (2500m) in similar fashion to her previous victory at the venue.
Third Black Type Win For Snitzel’s Lazzura
A member of the Waller team to hold a dual acceptance leading into Saturday’s Randwick meeting, it was the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) where 4yo Snitzel mare Lazzura came out on top, recording her third black type victory.
Winning Return for the Best in Australia - Via Sistina
Set to be crowned Australia’s Horse of the Year for last season, the mighty Fastnet Rock mare Via Sistina (IRE) returned on a rain soaked track at Randwick on Saturday to win the $1million Group I ATC Winx Stakes (1400m).
Wuddzz Caps Fine 24 Hours For Dwyer
Handy stayer Wuddzz came with a well-timed run under Tim Clark to land the Gold Coast Turf Club Trophy (2400m) at Randwick.
Lope De Vega's Phoenix Of Spain Romps in Irish 2000 Guineas
Australian breeders would love another chance with Shamardal (IRE) and his son Lope De Vega (IRE).
Lope De Vega Service Fee Rises to 100,000 euros
It seems a long time ago that French Derby winner Lope de Vega (IRE) shuttled to Patinack Farm in Australia, the top class son of Shamardal now one of Europe’s most desirable stallions with Ballylinch Stud lifting his fee for 2020 to 100,000 euros.
Carlyon Stakes To Baraqiel – Second SW For Snitzel
Successful in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) last time in, Sniztel’s 7yo son Baraqiel continued his outstanding record at the Moonee Valley circuit, resuming to win the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) first up, highlighting potential Group 1 spring aims.
Lope De Vega's Spanish Whisper Strikes in Let's Elope
Seymour Bloodstock’s Spanish Whisper has the race performance and pedigree to grace any broodmare paddock in the land but that has been put on hold as she strives for that elusive Group 1 victory.
First Black Type Victory For Nellie Leylax (IRE)
Not a bad way to break through for your first Australian victory as the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Nellie Leylax (IRE) cleared out by more than two lengths to claim the Group 3 ATC Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick.
Sires With Winners - Saturday August 23
Here is the full list of 106 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.