Flashback Friday - Hamlet's Ghost
Date: 1 Jul 2016
Today we look back at one of David’s favourite Te Akau victories. It is Hamlet's Ghost’s (Danasinga - Principation) spectacular win at Matamata on April 26, 2007. It was a performance that to be seen to be believed. As commentator George Simon said at the 600m mark ‘the favourite would have to be something extra to win from there, its stone motherless last’, he then repeats after the field has entered the straight. He is quickly identified to be making ground quickly through the field before bursting through and running away to win by two lengths.
Hamlet's Ghost was purchased by David Ellis from the 2005 Karaka Premier Sale for $55,000 from the draft of Waikato Stud.
The grey geldings record says six starts, five victories. But in fact he was never beaten past the post in New Zealand, at his first race day start at Taupo he was relegated from first to fourth for running greenly and causing interference.
Interestingly, Hamlet's Ghost is the first horse to be on Te Akau’s Roll of Honour who didn't win a stakes’ race however the manner in which he scored each of his victories was scintillating and he quickly became a public talking point, especially the breathtaking win at Matamata. He was sold to Hong Kong in May 2007 where he has performed with credit winning the Sha Tin Mile and finishing second in both the Group 1 Hong Kong Derby and the Chairman’s Stakes (named Jackpot Delight).
When his racing career concluded he returned to New Zealand to retire at the property of his former part owners Aussie and Leslie Browne of Christchurch.
