Samhara Speeds to First Stakes Race Success
25 May 2021
Samhara (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) continued his brilliant progression winning his first stakes race in the $40,000 Listed Garrard’s Sires Stakes Sophomore Classic (1980m) at Addington on Friday 21 May.
Following Friday night’s feature, the exciting performer has now claimed four wins and a second placing from just eight starts, including three consecutive victories for his trainer Hayden Cullen and driver Natalie Rasmussen.
Bred by Paul and Pauline Renwick, Samhara was consigned by Broadfield Lodge at NZB Standardbred’s 2019 National Yearling Sale in Christchurch, where leading owners Phil and Glenys Kennard purchased him for $60,000.
The Renwicks enjoyed a standout night at Addington as breeders of both the Sires Stakes Sophomore Classic winner Samhara and the $140,000 Group One Garrard’s Sires Stakes Series Final (1980m) winner, Akuta (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight).
Samhara may sit out next month’s Harness Jewels with Cullen looking to freshen the pacer before setting him for a spring campaign.
Regardless of what is decided, the pacer looks to have a huge future.
“Over the next few days I will speak to the owners about the Jewels,” Cullen said.
“He is a horse with a lot of ability and I think with one more break under his belt he will come back in a really good space.”
Natalie Rasmussen produced a typically cool drive in Samhara’s stakes race success.
The star reinswoman kept her charge out of the early rush with the pair settling last.
Rasumssen eased Samhara three-wide at the 700 metre mark and after sweeping up on the home turn, the three-year-old powered to a big victory.
Arden’s Ace (NZ) (Art Major) ran second to Samhara to secure a quinella for NZB Standardbred graduates in the Sires Stakes Sophomore Classic.
Consigned by Arden Lodge, Arden’s Ace was also purchased by Phil and Glenys Kennard for $90,000 at the 2019 Christchurch National Yearling Sale.
The Kennards syndicated their quinella-makers among the same group of owners, including Phil and Margaret Creighton, Gavin Douglas and Kevin Riseley.
The Regan Todd trained colt enjoyed a good run in a handy position for driver John Morrison before winding up strongly in the home straight to get within a length and a half of the winner at the line.
Four of the Listed feature’s six starters went through the ring NZB Standardbred’s National Yearling Sale.
Alta Sensation (NZ) (Somebeachsomewhere) and Got You Covered (NZ) (Art Major) also competed in the lucrative feature.
| Consignor | Broadfield Lodge |
| Purchaser | PI & GJ Kennard Bloodstock |
| Breeding | Bettor’s Delight x Solandra |
| Sale | 2019 Christchurch Yearling Sale, $60,000 |
| Bred by | P I Renwick, Mrs P M Renwick |