ROCKING, ROCH 'N' HORSE WINS ON DEBUT

Little Avondale Stud proprietor Sam Williams syndicated three horses and Roch ‘N’ Horse (4 m Per Incanto – Rochfort, by Cecconi) ensured all three became debut winners when bolting in on 28 October at Te Aroha.

Having scored by four lengths at her only trial on the course in September, Roch ‘N’ Horse hustled through to co-lead a line of three after being tardily away from barrier one and she gave nothing else a chance after sprinting clear at the 200 metres.

Those behind would have had to be super, given she ran the 1000 metres in 57.9 and last 600m 33.5 to win by two and a quarter lengths. On the strength of her impressive solitary trial win, she paid $7.30 & $2.10 on the NZ TAB tote.

Roch ‘N’ Horse was ridden by apprentice jockey Taiki Yanagida, who replaced Ryan Elliot. The race was sponsored by Donaghy’s Pure Flush.

“It was very good and not too much of a surprise because she has plenty of natural ability,” said co-trainer Pam Gerard.

“We had been happy with the way she’d worked up after winning a trial here, hardened in fitness and she was starting to look like a racehorse.

“I thought she could be a place chance from barrier one if she did everything right and even after missing the start she was able to recover and won really well.

“She has been shin sore and probably not quite able to work her as we would like to, so we’d never really let her go to find out what she was capable of. I was a bit worried going in with only the one trial under her belt. She could have quite easily been having another trial yesterday at Taupo, so I’m pleased for Sam (Williams) and his owners that she’s won on debut.

“She was a bit sore as a three-year-old, but in good condition after pre-training with Chris Rutten. I knew what she did at the trials was pretty spectacular and Ryan (Elliot) was keen to stick with her after the trial, so he’ll be a bit disappointed.”

Roch ‘N’ Horse is from the family of well performed gallopers Travolta and Weissmuller, both by Handsome Ransom. Travolta, a dual listed winner and Group 3 placed, won six races from 1300m to 2400m and Weissmuller, a Group 3 winner, won eight races from 1200m – 2100m.

“It was a really nice win,” Williams said. “The syndicate has been patient. We had Keke Star win first-up, Belluci Babe did the same and now won three out of four, and now Pam’s (Gerard) horse wins first-up. So, Roch ‘N’ Horse has completed the trifecta for us.

“I leased the mare from Tommy Hepinstall and she’s a half-sister to Travolta and Weissmuller. Twice we put her Gavelhouse because we weren’t going to use her, but she didn’t sell and I gave her to my broodmare manager, with the first right of refusal to breed from her again, and she’s put her in foal to a sport horse.

“Patience has been a virtue with these mares and all good things come to those that wait. All three had little injuries early in their careers, have all been given time, it has been great for all of them and they’ve all proved they can win.”

Roch ‘N’ Horse was strapped by Scott Magee.