ROCH-ING ELLERSLIE

Cheers from the Wairarapa rang out on 1 January at Ellerslie, largely from Little Avondale Stud proprietor Sam Williams, as Roch ‘N’ Horse (4 m Per Incanto – Rochfort, by Cecconi) snuck through for victory in the $50,000 Rating 65 1200 metres.

“It’s good to win anywhere, but especially nice to win at headquarters,” said Williams, as he joined his fellow owners to celebrate.

Utilizing barrier one to trail for rider Lisa Allpress ONZM, fresh from receiving deserved recognition in the New Year’s Honours List, Roch ‘N’ Horse travelled sweetly before piercing through a gap one off the rail near home.

“I just waited and when I was confident I had enough horse under me I let her go, and she fought really hard,” Allpress said. “It was great.

“I think she’ll keep stepping up and Pam (Gerard) said she was definitely one (gallop) short today, after having a few troubles with her shins. Going forward, I’m sure she’s a nice horse and she’s got a great bunch of owners and any horse from Little Avondale is good to get on.”

In the race sponsored by Mainstream Plumbing & Gas Fitting, on footing upgraded to Good3, Roch ‘N’ Horse ran the 1200 metres in a quality time: 1:09.7, last 600m in 33.8, and paid $8.10 & $2.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

“She’s had a few little issues with her shins, but she’s a very fast mare,” Gerard said. “I would have liked another gallop under her belt, but she’s all class and done a huge job.”

By resident Little Avondale Stud stallion Per Incanto (Street Cry), sire of 639 winners, including 26 stakes wins and three at Group 1 level, 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.

Roch ‘N’ Horse was strapped by Michael Thompson.