5 Matamata Wins - Exciting Eridor Salutes

Seeking retribution for a narrow defeat when resuming on the course in March, Eridor (3 g Telperion - Fille de France, by Mossman) won the $12,000 MBS Advisors' Maiden 1200 metres on 13 May at Matamata.

Before racing, Eridor easily won when trialling in November at Matamata. He was freshened after two starts, had more to offer at the trials on 14 March at Ellerslie, before being beaten by a nose fresh-up, and impressively broke through at his fifth start.

Beginning smartly to lead off the rail, Eridor appeared to travel best under Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin at the 400m and he proceeded to race clear in straight before easing down with a five and a quarter lengths buffer.

“He'd been knocking on the door and seems to have benefitted and switched on after we schooled him over the big hurdles,” said trainer Mark Walker, after saddling his fourth winner on the card.

“He's left them to it today and won like a horse that should win more races. We are delighted to win a race for Gerry (Harvey).”

On Soft5 footing, Eridor ran 1200 metres in a polished 1:10.2, last 600m in 36.5, and paid $6.20 & $2.30 on the NZ TAB tote.

From the first crop of beautifully bred young stallion Telperion (Street Cry), and out of a mare by former Champion Two-Year-Old Sire and multiple Group One producer Mossman (Success Express), Eridor is bred and owned by Gerry Harvey (Westbury Stud).

Without representation, Matamata Club President Dennis Ryan accepted on the owner's behalf.

“He's an extremely affable chap is Gerry, hugely successful businessman, he and his wife Kate together, and it's good to see his colours carried to victory.

“Gerry has a philosophy that everybody that scratches his back, he's prepared to scratch it back, and he certainly supports those that buy from the Westbury drafts at the sales.

“Gerry bought Westbury Stud, including the former Bloomsbury (stud) on Hopkins Road in Matamata, and he's got a big operation managed by Russell Warwick, who also has a long association with the Matamata Racing Club.

“We certainly wish them as much luck as they get, when they've invested at that level.”

Eridor was strapped Arjun Singh.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz