Festival Sale Graduate Scoops Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks

Wharite Princess (His Royal Highness x Regal Visit) proved too smart in Saturday's Gr.1 ING Life New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at the Wellington Racing Club meeting at Trentham.

Trained by Lisa Latta of Awapuni, Wharite Princess took the win by one length over Filante Etoile (Soviet Star x Georgiana) with Midnight Kiss (Groom Dancer x Midnight Assembly) a further � length away in third.

Wharite Princess was purchased by her trainer Lisa Latta at New Zealand Bloodstock's Festival Yearling Sale for $20,000 from the draft of her breeder Greg Lambert of Lambourn Stud. Her win on Saturday has placed her third on the points table for the prestigious title of New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year.

Her win comes as a timely bonus for Lambourn Stud who has Lot 1178 in the 2004 Festival Yearling Sale, a filly by Woodborough x Maghera. Wharite Princess is a � sister to Maghera, who was also a stakes performer having been placed second in the Listed Marton Cup.

The 2004 National Yearling Sales Series is set to kick off next Monday 26 January with the Festival Sale taking place on Sunday 1 February and Monday 2 February.

For information on New Zealand Bloodstock Sales or for sales catalogues please call New Zealand Bloodstock on +64 9 298 0055, Email: [email protected] or see the New Zealand Bloodstock website www.nzb.co.nz