ZAFAR

Well bred Snitzel colt rolled the dice in a stakes' race on debut and delivered a wonderful result for his ownership team in May 2026.

After making a very good impression at three Avondale trial appearances - 3rd in February 2026, 1st by 2.75L in March 2026 and a neck 2nd in April - the decision was made by Te Akau trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson to attack black type at his first start.

Sent to Te Akau's South Island stable in Christchurch for the $80,000 Listed Berkley Stud Champagne Stakes 2YO SW 1200m staged on 2 May 2026, the young colt took everything in his stride.  From the major trip south, to the build up to race day, he was a model of professionalism, making everyone proud!

In the hands of Opie Bosson ONZM, whilst being slow away, the master rider naturally delivered his trademark no-panic ride, and the colt banked valuable black type at his first ever race day appearance.  He has an exciting future ahead of him for his owners, the Fortuna Zafar Syndicate (Mgr: J Galvin).

Purchased by David Ellis and Fortuna Racing for $165,000 from Kilgravin Lodge at the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale (Lot 204), Zafar is by Snitzel out of Zasorceress. Through 29 August 2026, his New Zealand record stood at two starts for one win and $48,000 in stakes.