Te Aroha-based trainer Peter Lock celebrated his gavelhouse purchase Happy Hitter breaking maiden ranks at Matamata Racing's meeting yesterday.
Taking advantage of an inside draw in the
Brooks Racing 1200m, the daughter of Swiss Ace was ridden forward by jockey Michael
Coleman to get the run of the race. Coming out of the corner and into the
straight Happy Hitter took advantage of an opening off the rail to run on and
win by a length and a half.
Bought online in May from vendors Westbury Stud for $1,700 the five-year-old mare has now had three starts for the stable to return $7,000 and looks capable of providing further returns.
"We are very, very happy with her and she came home and licked her bowl clean," Lock said.
"Michael was very happy with her and we will continue to step her up slowly and see how she goes."
"Before we decide her next start we will look to see how she is at the end of the week but there could be a nice Rating 65 race for her at Trentham over 2200m at the end of the month."
Happy Hitter is among 25 horses Lock has in training at Royal Oak Lodge.
"We have a few nice ones coming through and in particular there are a couple of colts we are really excited about."
Happy Hitter is out of the winning Royal Academy mare I'mhighlydelighted who has produced five other winners with this the family of one of Swiss Ace's best performers in Swissta.
Currently online is the latest gavelhouse.com Australia auction featuring seven unreserved Lots with bidding set to close from 7pm AEDT Monday.
Off the back of 100% clearance in the last gavelhouse.com New Zealand auction, entries are due for the next one at 7pm on Monday 14 January. Contact Haylie@gavelhouse.comor Laura@gavelhouse.comfor more information on using gavelhouse.com or call +64 9 296 4436.
