Zouluminous Zips Home

Given a terrific ride by Jason Laking, Zouluminous (5 m Zoustar - Luminous Harmony, by Fastnet Rock) rounded out good day of domestic racing for the Te Akau stable when winning the $35,000 Rating 74 1600 metres on Saturday at Wingatui.

After building nicely to win a Rating 74 1800 metres during Cup Week in November at Riccarton, she had been freshened and trialled, and finished just off the leading division when resuming on 30 December at Kurow.  She was suited to stepping to 1600 metres and was aided by a smart ride.

Out well to secure lovely trip fourth, on solid pace, Laking had Zouluminous ranging three wide on straightening, while race favourite Tyler Eight (Pure Champion) was pocketed in the trail. With plenty to offer, Zouluminous quickened to lead at the 200m and was resolute in scoring by one and a half lengths.

Sponsored by Otago Daily Times Southern Mile Series, Zouluminous ran 1600 metres in 1:36.9 on footing upgraded after race six to Good 3. Fixed at $12.00 & $3.80 on Friday, she drifted in betting to return whopping $19.50 & $5.10 on NZ TAB tote.

“It was a good win and quite a pleasant surprise,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “She never really fired at Kurow, fresh-up and improved for it, but was very well ridden today and stepping up to a mile suited her.

“Popping off from a trailing position at the 500m was good initiative and she quickened in nicely.

“She's a mare that has always been in and around it, and we are thrilled to see her win at Wingatui. I'd like to thank the team in the South Island: Lydia (Truesdale), Shane (McCann), and Maddie (Munro), working long hours and it's great to see them with another winner.”

It was her fourth win for owners in Te Akau Shining Light Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), after David Ellis CNZM purchased the mare from the draft of Rosemont Stud at 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Always consistent and continuing to improve with maturity, her dam Luminous Harmony (Fastnet Rock) won four races to 1400 metres in Australia.  She is a sister to the highly talented dual Group 3 winner Neena Rock, and has now left three individual winners.

“I remember her winning her Maiden over 1600 metres by a big margin at Wanganui, and she's just continued to get better,” Ellis said.

“It was a great thrill to see her win during Cup Week at Riccarton, and Lydia Truesdale has done a terrific job with our horses that remained stabled down there.

“Lydia is coming north with the horses after the meeting at Wingatui, and will be working for us at Matamata. She is a super young lady, with a huge amount of ability with horses, is a great asset and we are really looking forward to welcoming her.

“Jason (Laking) does a lot of riding for us down south, both track work and on race day, and he rode Noverre for us to win the War Decree Stakes before the recently retired colt's great win in the 2000 Guineas. He rode Camino Rocoso to win the Kumara Gold Nuggets last Saturday, and is in good form, - he's a great person, and gave Zouluminous a copybook ride.

Zouluminous was strapped by Lydia Truesdale and Madison Munro.

Photo - Zouluminous at a previous win