Bold Harness Million Win by Aussie Raider

Aussie raider Kyvalley Ray (NZ) (Bold Eagle) made a winning return to his place of birth when he took out the $75,000 Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million 2YO Mobile Trot (1980m) at Addington Raceway last Friday night.

Bred by trotting maestro Phil Williamson, Kyvalley Ray is by Champion French trotter Bold Eagle and out of Group Three winner and 2018-19 New Zealand 4YO Trotting Mare of the Year Kenny’s Dream.

He was offered at last year’s NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale at Christchurch where he was purchased by Kyvalley Racing for $100,000, and subsequently joined the Victorian barn of expat Kiwi trainer Brent Lilley.

He showed plenty of ability early on, winning two of his four starts in Australia, and secured his ticket back to New Zealand with victory at Shepparton in August.

“We knew he had a good motor and he wasn’t eligible for a lot of races back home,” Lilley said. “I think this is the first one that Jim Connolly (co-owner) has paid up for over here, so we thought we would throw the hat in the ring and come over.

“It was sort of the plan after we gelded him, he was naughty in his first couple of starts. It was always in the back of our mind that he was eligible for these races if he came up well. 

“After he won and behaved at Shepparton 10 days before the flight was going, we decided to go."

Kyvalley Ray was only met by three other rivals on Friday and was backed into $1.20 favouritism, and he duly delivered, running out a three-quarter of a length victor over Who’s Ya Daddy (NZ) (Elite Stride).

Lilley was pleased with the result and is looking forward to returning to Addington Raceway next month to tackle the Gr.1 NZ Sires’ Stakes 2YO Trotters Final (1980m). 

“He is still a bit wayward and has got a few quirks,” he said. “His manners are getting better and Hayden and Amanda Cullen (caretaker trainers) and their team out there are looking after him and doing a mighty job. They went 1:58 tonight, so they went a good trot.

“We have got the Sires’ Stakes here on Show Day, so I am looking forward to that. There will be a bigger field anyway, and a few nicer ones. Nothing will be easy but we have paid for expenses now anyway.”

Suttle (NZ) (Tactical Landing) was third for Diamond Racing, while Regal Summit (NZ) (What the Hill) was fourth for trainer Tom Bagrie. 
 

Vendor	Ms BA Williamson
Purchaser	Kyvalley Racing
Owner(s)	J W Connelly, S Maxwell
Breeding	Bold Eagle - Kenny's Dream
Sale	2024 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale, Christchurch ($100,000)
Breeder(s)	P M Williamson