Te Akau Also Claims Karaka Million 3YO Classic

It was a no go for her owner from Australia, as Pin Me Up (3 f Pins - Brampton Loco, by O'Reilly) brought curtain down on another big Karaka Million night for Te Akau on Saturday at Ellerslie.

Winning earlier with Champion Two-Year-Old Sword of State (Snitzel) in the Almanzor Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m) and having Dynastic (Almanzor) notching Te Akau's sixth consecutive Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m), the deal was sealed by a super performance from Pin Me Up in the $1 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic (Restricted Listed, 1600m).

While stable-mate and race favourite On the Bubbles (Brazen Beau) had no luck at every turn, Pin Me Up, a big strong filly with an impeccable brief history, came from beyond midfield (12^th), nine lengths off the leaders at the 600m, and quickened home terrifically well down the outside.

Having run the fastest last 600m when second in each of her first two starts, before justifying favouritism in a Maiden 3YO 1400 metres on 18 December at Te Rapa, and a notable fourth in a 3YO 1500 metres on 9 January at Ellerslie, Pin Me Up handled the rise in class with aplomb.

“I came here today with two very nice rides (earlier finishing third on stable-mate Fellini in Karaka 2YO Million) and I'm very grateful to Jamie Richards and David (Ellis) & Karyn (Fenton-Ellis) for the opportunity,” said jockey Sam Weatherley.

“They've put me on and I'm just glad I could deliver and gee she won with a bit in hand as well. Jamie was tipping her out as a big top three chance and that filled me with confidence, and he was spot on.

“I was travelling nicely, in my own little world, and cruised around them. I couldn't believe how easily I got there, and thought: 'oh no, I've gone a bit soon'. But fortunately she's a good filly, on the way up and she hasn't had many starts.

“I love being a jockey. I live and breathe it and have since young age (David Ellis CNZM gave his father, Darryn Weatherley, first winning ride). I was dreaming last night; imagine if I could get one (Karaka Million) it would be pretty special. I'm bloody rapt.”

Pin Me Up was purchased by Sydney based bloodstock agent Andy Williams, who has worked in conjunction buying horses with David Ellis, for owner Peter Collier, outlaying $270,000 at 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from draft of Waikato Stud.

“He's a good man, Peter, an absolute gentleman and we're thrilled,” Williams said.

“Peter wanted a filly that could target a race like this and ideally to breed long-term. She stood out to us and we were very strong on her. Credit to Jamie Richards, he's a freak in training and managing these horses, and is going to be a massive loss to the Australasian industry. What's he's done there again tonight, winning three races on such a strong card, is exemplary and just shows how good he is.

“Credit too to Sam Weatherley, whom Peter said gave it a ride 100 out of 10, so it was a great result, but we are just gutting we can't be over there. Its madness what Jacinda (Ardern) is up to and such a shame we can't be there to enjoy it and celebrate. It's criminal.

“Mum, Maree, was there to accept the accolades on our behalf. She knows Peter well, too, having met him at a number of our lunches. She took great pride in going up on the dais to represent us and thanked everyone involved.

“It's terrific for Peter and having this success on the back of Yearning's Thousand Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) in the spring, I'd say he's pretty happy about the season.”

By award winning stallion Pins (twice NZ leading sire for global progeny earnings), her dam Brampton Loco (O'Reilly), is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Pimms Time (Pins). Both are out of the Zabeel (Sir Tristram) mare Brampton Legs.

A terrific family, fourth dam Emancipation (Bletchingly) was Australian Horse of the Year, and third dam La Suffragette (Palace Music) left Caulfield Cup (Gr. 1, 2400m) and Metropolitan Handicap (Gr. 1, 2400m) winner Railings (Zabeel).

Pin Me Up secured the 11^thKaraka Million crown for Te Akau, after running the 1600 metres in a smart 1:34.3, last 600m in 35.4, and paid a whopping $24.10 & $4.70 on NZ TAB tote.

“Bought by Andy Williams, we've experienced so much success with the WS (Waikato Stud) brand and have become good friends,” Richards said.

“I'd like to extend a big thank you to NZB (New Zealand Bloodstock) for the night they've put on. We've been saying all week, that in our opinion it's the biggest night of the year, not only for racing participants but also for the general public.

“People come from far and wide, and what a night it's developing into to. And also, thank you to the Auckland Racing Club, and our team of staff who work long hours looking after these horses and help enable these results.

“In particular, I'd like to thank Hunter Durrant and Laura Macnab, in the Uni Barn, for the wonderful job they've done with Pin Me Up.

“Andy (Williams) and Peter (Collier) left her here for us to train, so I can't thank them enough for their vote of support.

“A bit like Dynastic, who won today and will be better as a three-year-old, I think Pin Me Up will be lengths better next season as a four-year-old. It's all in front of her.

“Also, big thanks to Sam Weatherley, as the next generation of riders like him are coming through. He's been to Sydney (to ride), learnt his craft, ridden against the best and came back to ride with such great maturity here on New Year's Day and we were happy to give him the opportunity.”

Pin Me Up was strapped by Laura Macnab.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz