Laking turns back time with old mate as Belle En Rouge upsets in NZ Oaks
With three premierships, Jamie Richards has come a long way since taking out his training licence in 2015 – but it was a nod to his southern roots that played a big part in landing the $400K New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham yesterday with Belle En Rouge ($26).
The least-fancied of three runners in the prestigious classic for Richards and the allconquering Te Akau Racing team, Belle En Rouge was ridden by Jason Laking, whose last Group One victory came almost 20 years ago when The Jewel won the 2002 running of the 1000 Guineas. At that stage Laking was an apprentice based at Wingatui, where Richards was growing up nearby.
‘‘I’ve known Jason for a long time and he’s been a quality jockey all the way through. He gave that filly a great ride today,’’ said Richards.
The Oaks had previously been a frustrating race for Laking, who was second on The Jewel in 2003 and was declared a non-runner on favourite Justine Coup a year later.
‘‘It means a lot to win the
Oaks,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m just happy to have another ride in the race, but to win it is bloody awesome.’’
Favourite Self Obsession responded gamely along the inside, with Aspen Colorado flashing home late for third after struggling to find clear running, but Belle En Rouge was too strong and scored by halfa-length after looming on the turn and forging clear.
Richards saddled the first four placegetters in the $260K Levin Classic (1600m).
Richards – who will head to Hong Kong later in the autumn to join their red-hot training ranks – had five runners in the 3-year-old feature and dominated the finish with Imperatriz, On The Bubbles, I Wish I Win and Mohawk Brave, a $146 first four.
Imperatriz had also featured in Richards’ previous G1 first-four, chasing home stablemates The Perfect Pink, Shepherd’s Delight and Belle En Rouge in the New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November. But she was the undisputed star of the show yesterday at $2.
Aussie star Zaaki and rider Jamie Kah took the $5.4m All Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington for trainer Annabel Neasham in dashing style, easing clear of the strong-finishing I’m Thunderstruck.
In Sydney, Montefilia and exKiwi jockey Jason Collett held out Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant in the $760K Ranvet (2000m) at Rosehill.
And flying filly Fireburn ($13) captured the $5.4m Golden Slipper (1200m) for 2yos.