MADAME LE FAY CONTINUES SUCCESS AT TAURANGA

Given a tactically perfect ride by Michael McNab, Madame Le Fay (6 m Smart Missile – Lady Le Fay, by Thorn Park) delivered in the $40,000 Rating 65 1600 metres on 11 February at Tauranga.

Strong course/distance winner in March last year, Madame Le Fay produced a notable fourth after leading in the Rating 75 2100 metres on 23 December at Te Rapa, before struggling on heavy ground in the Marton Cup (Listed, 2200m) on 6 January at Hastings, and back in grade where the main obstacle appeared the outside draw (14).

A swift beginning negated the potentially sticky situation as she crossed to lead, travelled well when given a breather at the 1000m, but the winning may have been when McNab throttled down to secure a two-length buffer turning for home and Madame Le Fay never flinched thereafter.

On footing that remained Soft5 throughout the day, but was by no means wet, Madame Le Fay ran 1600 metres in 1:37.4, last 600m in 35.6, and paid $7.40 & $3.10 on the NZ TAB tote.

A generously proportioned mare, Madame Le Fay paraded in grand order and raced accordingly.

“She’s held her condition right through this campaign and but for striking a few wet tracks and a jockey losing his stick at a vital stage, she probably should have won a couple more times,” said Pam Gerard, who trains in partnership with Mike Moroney.

It was the second win on the programme for Ballymore Stables, after Naxos (Harry Angel) showed professionalism beyond his debut status, while another debutante, Cintivee (Tivaci), would have taken benefit from finishing second.

By Todman Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) winning sire Smart Missile (Fastnet Rock), Madame Le Fay is out of a mare by Stradbroke Handicap (Gr. 1, 1400m) winning stallion Thorn Park (Spinning World).

Dam Lady Le Fay was a six-time winner from 1400m – 2100 metres, including the Anzac Mile (Listed, 1600m), while also finishing runner-up in a Group Three and fourth at Group One level, both at Randwick.

Recording her fourth win, Madame Le Fay was bred by Michael Hughes (Michael Hughes Bloodstock), who bought her dam Lady Le Fay as a yearling for $25,000, and owned by him and his parents Greg & Cheryl Hughes.

The win also provided a fitting birthday present for ‘Hughsey’ and he and his parents were on course to celebrate.

“She’s always shown ability and we’ve been patient with her,” Hughes said. “It’s good to have this mare because, unfortunately, Lady Le Fay passed away and this was her only foal.

“We were set to race last weekend, but a monsoon in Taranaki, so it all worked out well to come back here.

“Thank you to Racing Tauranga for presenting a track that raced very true right up to the last race.

“Pam, you’re doing a great job, thank you and it’s also nice to enjoy the moment with my parents being here too.”

Madame Le Fay was strapped by Naxos was strapped by Joe Nishizuka.