5 WIN WEEKEND: Chica Pure Gold

Given a beautiful ride by Te Akau apprentice Hayley Hassman (a1), Chica De Oro (4 m Medaglia d’Oro – Channeled’s Lady, by Channeled) resumed with a strong victory in the $25,000 Maiden 1600 metres on Saturday at Matamata.

Having raced well in three starts to 2100 metres last season, and placed on the course, Chica De Oro rolled home solidly for fourth in a trial on 8 September at Rotorua, and looks poised to commence her campaign with a solid showing from barrier two.

Capitalising on the draw to secure a lovely trip in the trail, Chica De Oro quickened to challenge two off the rail turning for home, established a winning advantage inside the 200m and was particularly strong through the line.

It was a smooth performance by both Chica De Oro and Hassman, who recently won the North Apprentice Awards 'Most Dedicated to Success' Award, having also won the Most Promising First Year Apprentice, and Champion Apprentice at the Matamata Racing Club Awards.

It was also a good performance by third placed stable-mate Arrazola (Almanzor), recording her third placing from three starts in this campaign.

“It was very exciting to kick off the day like that and obviously wouldn’t be able to do it without Te Akau as my supporters,” Hassman said. 

“She’s not quite a trial horse, but when she comes to the races, she really puts it together. 

“She liked the deck, travelled nicely, dropped her shoulder and made a path for herself, which was game of her, and she let down with more intent. There was a lot more in the tank.”

In the race sponsored by Colliers Waikato Rural Real Estate, Chica De Oro ran 1600 metres in 1:36.4, last 600m in 36.5 (approx.), and paid $6.30 & $2.10 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“It was a really good resumption to win like that and a lovely ride of Hayley’s to get into the right position,” said Mark Walker, training partner with Sam Bergerson.

“It’s good to see her physically improve for a spell and back stronger in this preparation. The owners have been patient and it was nice to see her quit Maidens the way she did. 

“She’ll get up over more distance again, as she did in her first campaign, and it’s certainly encouraging going forward.”

On course, assistant trainer Reece Trumper added: “It was a great ride and she was a dominant winner.

“She’s come back more mature as a four-year-old and a bit of time has certainly been her friend.

“Also, a big shout out to Mark Pilkington (Seymour Bloodstock). Dave (Sir David Ellis) purchased the filly off him and he kept fifty percent, so a good Aussie stud is in involved in her too.”

Bred by Seymour Bloodstock and owned by Te Akau Golden Girl Racing Partnership (Mgr: Lady Karyn Ellis MNZM), Chica De Oro was purchased by Sir David Ellis for $240,000 at the 2024 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Phoenix Park. 

By a truly successful international stallion, Medaglia d’Oro (El Prado), in turn by Sadler’s Wells (Northern Dancer), is the sire of impressive Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) winner now stallion Vancouver (Medaglia d’Oro), alongside nearly 200 individual stakes' winners worldwide including 28 Group One's.

Not only has he sired a Golden Slipper winner, but his colts have won Derbies and his fillies have won Oaks’ and Guineas’ races while Astern, his sire son, was a brilliant racehorse and highest rated sprinter now making his mark as a stallion. 

The sire line of Sadler’s Wells is legendary and Medaglia d’Oro carries it to the highest degree.

Her dam Channeled’s Lady is a half-sister to Group One winners Grace And Power (More Than Ready) and Delectation (Shamardal), while another half-sister, Gracie’s Lass, has left dual Group One winner Artorius (Flying Artie).

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “It’s not often we get the opportunity to buy fillies in this part of the world with the type of internationally proven blood that this filly has.

“She’s a magnificent filly in every way, from her overall conformation and size, balance, fluid walk, well-muscled, and just a standout.

Chica De Oro was strapped by Laura Macnab. 

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz