Nothing Accidental About Him

Like a horse going places, Accidental Tourist (3 g Telperion - Megara, by Encosta de Lago) recorded an easy fresh-up victory in the $14,000 Maiden 1200 metres on 7 August at Hawera.

In the race sponsored by MJ Concept & Construction, Accident Tourist began well to position handily in fifth for jockey Craig Grylls, travelled sweetly, and once clear in the straight he unleashed a big finish to win by a length and a quarter.

Commentator Tony Lee said: “It appeared Badgeringdawitness (Reliable Man) had them shot to bits, but Accidental Tourist was coming with a full head of steam, got to it, and got the win pretty easily as well.

“He accelerated up a bit quickly for his own good, when he laid in a bit, but no problem and Craig Grylls knew he had it parcelled up.”

Blowing out from a $3.00 fixed odds quote to pay $4.30 & $1.80 on the TAB tote, Accidental Tourist coped admirably with heavy track conditions and ran the 1200 metres in 1:19.0.

Given his lead-up trial form, Accidental Tourist certainly warranted genuine respect but much depended on his adaptability in quite testing ground. Footing and appreciation of it, whether it is good, heavy, or otherwise, remains one of the most important variables in horse racing.

In his sole two-year-old outing, Accidental Tourist completed a Te Akau trifecta, finishing third to subsequent dual Group Two placed I Choose You (I Am Invincible) and winner Grace ‘N' Grey (Spirit of Boom) over 1100 metres in November at Te Aroha.

He produced a smart trial win on 28 June at Te Rapa, was on heels when fourth at the trials on 19 July at Cambridge (poly-track), and trainer Mark Walker had him ready to go.

“It was a nice ride by Craig Grylls and he got him relaxed and settled,” Walker said. “I think the trip away will help him grow up mentally, too, as he's always been a bit fragile.

“He got through the ground really well and providing he pulls up in good order we could look to the Wanganui Guineas with him.”

The $65,000 Wanganui Guineas (Listed, 1340m) on Saturday 3 September at Wanganui, has also been earmarked for stable-mate Stonybreck (Tavistock) who won on debut in track record time last Wednesday at Cambridge.

Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $80,000 at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Westbury Stud, Accidental Tourist is owned by Shaw's Property Holdings (Nelson and Jonathon Schick) and raced in their Windsor Park Stud colours.

From the first crop of beautifully bred young stallion Telperion (Street Cry), standing at Westbury Stud, Accidental Tourist is out of a mare by Champion Broodmare Sire Encosta de Lago that has left stakes winner Red Striker (Red Giant), also twice Group Three placed, and three-time winner Mega Bourbon (El Roca).

Grand-dam Make Me Strong (Danehill) was a very well bred mare that left 10 to race, including eight winners, and Te Akau experienced success with the family having trained stakes' placed filly Dreamer (More Than Ready).

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “We have a couple in the stable by the sire (Telperion) and really like them.

“He's a very nice type of colt, walked well, and is a half brother to a couple of promising horses, including the above average Mega Bourbon (El Roca).

“We thought he was really good value, and you can't ask for more than having Encosta de Lago and Danehill as sires on the dam side.”

Accidental Tourist was strapped by Reece Trumper.

“His work at home had been good, but he can be tough work and all credit to Troy Harris who does all the work with him and he's done a good job.

“He's got a few immature habits, can be unpredictable, but Troy seems to sort him out. It was a good team effort, actually, because he's taken a little bit of time. He's still doing a few things wrong, but learning.”

Photo credit - www.race images.co.nz