Mapperley Stud sire Puccini sired his first winner at Rotorua when the Peter McKay trained Giacomo won impressively over 1560m.
Trainer Peter McKay had a long association with Puccini over his illustrious career so it was entirely fitting that he was also responsible for training the stallion’s first race day winner.
Giacomo lining up in his 3rd career start relished the step up in distance and also appreciated the firmer track on offer at Rotorua.
“It was good tough win, he switched off throughout the race beautifully, when he hit the front he looked around and waited for them a bit, but was strong through the line” said Peter McKay
“I think he will stick at a mile next time out, but I would like to see him in better company over Christmas time in those 2000m 3 year-old races, he still holds a nomination for the Derby”
Puccini himself really came of age during the summer of his 3 year-old campaign when he won 3 Guineas races on the way to his famous Derby victory. He was the dominant colt of his generation which saw him crowned Champion 3 year-old Horse of The Year.
He became a dual Gr.1 winner at 4 after winning the Thorndon Mile and closed out his career a winner of 7 individual Group races and earnings of $1,098,562.
“We are thrilled to see Puccini get his first winner, and the fact Peter trained it makes the win even better. He’s always had a decent opinion of the Puccini’s in his stable” said Stud Master Simms Davison
“We always knew that they were going to be 3 year-olds that would only get better later in the season. Puccini was most effective on a good track and we really saw him at his best over the mile plus trip”
Puccini stands at Mapperley Stud in 2021 for a fee of $3,000+gst
