Karaka Million: Sister Havana High Flying
1 February 2010
The third running of the $1,000,000 Karaka Million (1200m) provided a wonderful result for Liam Birchley and Aquanita Racing when their flying Karaka machine Sister Havana gave an Australian-trained runner their first victory in the race.
Birchley and Aquanita have targeted the race since its inception with Sarge in Charge (Golan) running second last year, and this year, with Sister Havana (General Nediym x Ultima Vita, by Canny Lad), they represented the only competitor to cross the Tasman.
Drawn 1 her jockey Stathi Katsidis gave her the perfect run on the rail just off the pace set by Hoofit (Mossman) and Sirrio (Captain Rio). On straightening Katsidis lit up the liver chestnut and she scorched to a popular victory with the large crowd gathered at Ellerslie.
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�Sister Havana leads home the 2010 Karaka Million field at Ellerslie last night. |
Results will show that two $40,000 Karaka �graduates quinellaed the race with Mark Walker's Icepin (Pins) running second a length and three quarters away, while Banchee (Oratorio) was superb in running third from the widest barrier.
With Australian buyers providing 32% of last year's Karaka buying bench, the win was just reward for Liam Birchley and his team while providing more fuel for the great Trans-Tasman rivalry.
Their victory and celebrations took place in front of many of the who's who in international thoroughbred racing with New Zealand Bloodstock's Cocktail Party welcoming over 500 international guests who enjoyed an evening of the finest kiwi hospitality.
Sister Havana now has amassed over $550,000 in the 12 months since her shrewd purchase and is owned by Tony Carroll, a schoolmate and friend of Liam Birchley for over 30 years.
Bob and Glenda Skinner's Shelby Park provided two of the fourteen 2010 Karaka Million starters and for their part in the Sister Havana story will recieve a $10,000 bonus cheque from New Zealand Bloodstock. Over the next five days at Karaka Shelby Park will offer 24 yearlings (Premier�& Select)�through the ring.
New Zealand Bloodstock's National Yearling Sales Series (1-8 February) begins at 11am today. Click here to view the live webcast of of the sale.
For more information contact +64 (0) 9 298 0055 or email [email protected].