Surpass takes out Waikato Times Gold Cup

It was a Ballymore team effort from all three stables to produce what was a magnificent feat when Australian returnee, Surpass (pictured), claimed honours in the Group 3 Waikato Times Gold Cup over 2400m on Saturday.

Gifted a classic Opie Bosson ride, who celebrated a great day in the saddle, Surpass always looked the main danger at the top of the straight after settling outside runners just in behind the speed.

Recording his seventh career victory for owners Paul & Shirlie Ryan and Ballymore Stables (Aust) Pty Ltd (Mgr: M Moroney), Surpass has now banked over A$270,000 in Prizemoney.

Surpass arrived from Ballymore’s Sydney stable a few weeks ago where the team there, led by Robbie Hewetson, had the horse in sensational order, leaving co-trainer Chad Ormsby to apply the polishing touches for his first of two planned starts here in NZ.

“Trainer Mike Moroney and Racing Manager, Anthony Feroce, hatched a plan to send Surpass here and they’ve pulled it off. I was very excited to get the horse and now you can see why,” co-trainer Chad Ormsby said.

“It was a real team effort by everyone involved and I have to thank our hard working staff in the stable who get the horses ready and present them in top order.”

Surpass will now be out to claim a Cups double as he looks to tackle the Group 3 City of Auckland Cup over 2400m on New Year’s Day.

Breeder/owners Paul and Shirlie Ryan have enjoyed a sterling week following the success of Surpass’s close relation, In Style, winning the Group 3 Concorde Handicap at Ellerslie the weekend prior.