J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders’ Stakes Day proved that a little rain was never going to dampen that Matamata spirit, with Saturday 14 February delivering a memorable raceday despite persistent weather threats.
While the forecast did its best to rain on the parade, the meeting went ahead without a hitch, a testament to the adaptability of all involved. A huge thank you goes to everyone who willingly rolled with Plan B, C and even D to ensure the day ran smoothly.
On the track, the racing delivered much excitement, with the day’s features providing compelling contests for those on course.
Track conditions played their part, with the G3 Fairview Matamata Slipper reduced to just four runners. While the field was small, the quality remained, and it was Justin Case who prevailed, carrying the famous Waikato Stud colours on their home track. Trained by Kris Shailer and ridden by Samantha Collett, the gelding proved too strong under testing conditions claiming the win by 5-3/4 lengths.
Te Akau Racing continued their remarkable dominance in the G2 J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders’ Stakes, recording a fifth consecutive victory in the race courtesy of Lara Antipova. Well-supported in her fresh-up run, Lara Antipova justified her $1.20 favouritism with an authoritative display. Jockey Opie Bosson allowed her to find her rhythm before surging to the lead near the 900m and accelerating sharply in the straight to score by an impressive 3-1/4 lengths.
A bold, front-running ride from Rory Hutchings saw My Lips Are Sealed return to winning form in the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes. Heavy rain in the lead-up left runners tackling a testing Heavy9 surface, and Hutchings took full advantage by sending the Ace High mare straight to the front for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson. Dictating terms throughout, she proved too strong in the straight, holding off late challengers Our Jumala, Mary Shan and Lux Libertas to secure her second stakes victory and fifth win overall.
Consistency was finally rewarded for Central Districts galloper Enrico, who landed the $350,000 Comag Wairere Falls Classic. Trained by Ilone Kelly, the Levin-based gelding arrived off a strong sequence of form and jockey Madan Singh was quietly confident with a perfectly judged ride. After settling behind the speed, Enrico reeled in leader Leroy Brown late to claim victory by a head.
As the weather closed in once more late in the afternoon, the final flourish in the days’ features came courtesy of the durable stayer Diamond Jak, who dominated the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes. The seven-year-old, trained by Mark Brosnan, relished the Heavy9 conditions, dictating the tempo throughout before surging clear in the straight under another confident ride from Rory Hutchings.
Further race winners on the day were:
Race 1 | Price Racing 1400
Bolli Belle
J: Hayley Hassman
T: Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson
Race 2 | Rich Hill Stud 1200
Scolera
J: Samantha Collett
T: Jim Collett
Race 4 | Gavelhouse.com 2000
Titled
J: Sam McNab
T: Leanne Elliot
Race 9 | Ancroft Developments 1600
Peerless
J: Craig Grylls
T: Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott
Resident Matamata trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson for Te Akau Racing once again stamped their authority on the programme, combining to train three winners across the afternoon, including victories in two of the day’s feature races, a fitting result on their home track and evidence of the stable’s impressive consistency.
Fashions on the Field was also a standout, attracting more than 40 entries and drawing plenty of attention throughout the afternoon. Congratulations to Ava Craig, crowned The Ned and Life Pharmacy Supreme Winner, who will now represent Matamata at the The Ned Prix de Fashion in March.
With a solid crowd streaming through the gates once the rain eased, it was a pleasing outcome for the Club - even if it’s not a scenario they’re keen to repeat anytime soon. Clear skies have already been firmly requested for 2027!
If you’d like to join us oncourse for what’s hopefully going to be a sunny day (!), we race again on Saturday 28 February with Comag Family Raceday. See you there.
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