Melody Belle equals record
WELLINGTON: Dual New Zealand Horse of the Year Melody Belle equalled the record of mighty mare Sunline after completing her 13th career group 1 win in the Thorndon Mile at Trentham on Saturday.
The Jamie Richardstrained mare was having her first start since finishing a game third in the McKinnon Stakes during the Melbourne spring carnival in November but was confidently expected to dispose of her seven rivals after a sparkling run at the Matamata trials earlier in the month.
With regular rider Opie Bosson in the saddle, the 6yrold mare had too much class as she cruised home by just over a length at the post.
Richards was all smiles as the appreciative crowd welcomed his charge back to the birdcage with a standing ovation.
“She didn’t win by a big space, but she still got the job done relatively comfortably,” he said.
“The good thing is we know she still has some improvement to come with her fitness.
“I can remember Sunline racing and the race she won in Hong Kong more so than anything else.
“To equal her record is wonderful as she was the mare of the world and while we’ve done it mainly in New Zealand, it is still very good to equal it.
Melody Belle has now won 18 of her 36 starts, 13 of those at group 1 level, for more than $4.1 million in prize money. — NZ Racing Desk