Princess Kereru flies high

MATAMATA raider Princess Kereru gained a well-deserved reward when she snatched victory in a thrilling finish to the Waikato Stud Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie yesterday.

The Ken and Bev Kelso and Mark Donoghue-trained mare had looked every inch the winner of the rich Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie on January 1, before succumbing to the late dive of Santa Monica that day.

The pair tangled again in the Concorde Handicap (1200m) at the same venue later that month, with Santa Monica again finishing ahead of her rival, when they placed fifth and seventh respectively.

The rivalry was renewed yesterday in dramatic fashion, with Princess Kereru coming out on top as she held out the late charge of outsider Ronchi by a nose, with Santa Monica a head back in third, as the trio fought it out over the final 150m.

Winning jockey Cameron Lammas wasn’t sure his charge had held on as the challengers came at him, but was delighted when informed of the final result.

‘‘She’s as tough as they come and a little warhorse,’’ he said.

‘‘She’s pretty quiet really and a lovely ride who gives everything in her races.

‘‘Normally she begins fair, but today she jumped good and I got three-back on the fence.

‘‘I went for a tight gap but she’s tough and puts her ears back and gives you everything.’’

Co-trainer Ken Kelso was also quick to pay tribute to the spirit of the five-year-old, who has now won six of her 23 career starts.

‘‘She’s just a little trooper,’’ he said. ‘‘Her form’s been great all year and she really deserved that.’’