In conjunction with their partners, Newhaven Park have decided that their hugely exciting stallion prospect Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel) will remain in training for another year.
Mo’unga produced yet another incredible finish to place second in last weekend’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, beating Anamoe for the second time at 2000m, and is evidently at the top of his game.
After consulting with his trainer Annabel Neasham, Mo’unga’s incredible consistency was a key factor in the decision. All but one of his last 22 starts have been at Group 1 level, and he has shown himself as one of the most consistent horses in training.
In all, he is Group 1-placed 12 times, not to mention his brilliant victories in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas and Group 1 Winx Stakes in his Classic year.
“People often quickly rush stallions off to stud today, and we just feel that he’s got plenty left to offer on the racetrack,” said Newhaven proprietor John Kelly.
“He puts in everytime, and we feel that he’s actually still improving. He’s racing with great heart and we’re going to continue on and see what he’s got left to offer.
“He’ll go to the paddock on Tuesday morning and he’ll come back in the spring and go towards the Cox Plate.
“We’re confident that he’ll come back and could be an even better horse in the spring - not that he has a lot left to prove!”
Having already earned over $3.8m in prizemoney, Mo’unga is described by his trainer as “one of the most consistent weight-for-age horses around,” with Neasham pointing to his ability to sustain his form at the elite level throughout his preparations as one of the qualities which sets Mo’unga apart from his peers.
“Obviously, from a trainer’s point of view we get more out of them racing than being at stud, so I’m delighted that they want to race him on for another year,” Neasham added.
“He’s beaten Anamoe twice at 2000m now, which I don’t think he gets enough credit for. His run on Saturday was unbelievable - he’s won two Group 1s but I’d nearly mark that as one of the best runs he’s had.”
Whilst the Cox Plate will be Mo’unga’s first big target in the spring, options such as the Group 1 Mackinnon and another tilt at the Queen Elizabeth are all on the cards, with the ownership group delighted to have such a remarkable campaigner continue his racing career.
