Superstar Millwood Nike Defies All Odds In Stunning Group One Win

Millwood Nike (NZ) (Captaintreacherous) had harness racing fans searching for superlatives following her jaw-dropping victory in the $140,000 Group One Nevele R Fillies Series Final (1980m) on New Zealand Cup day.

The NZB Standardbred graduate produced a performance that would rival any in the rich history of the Addington track on New Zealand’s harness racing’s biggest day.

Despite having everything against her, from a tough draw and an even tougher three-wide trip, the star filly showed her champion qualities to beat a star-studded field of fillies.

Already known as a champion with her fifteen from fifteen record, her legions of fans were searching for new words to describe the incredible equine athlete that is Millwood Nike when she made it 16 wins from 16 starts.

Even champion trainer-driver Mark Purdon, who trains the three-year-old with his son Nathan, was left in awe of the incredible filly.

When asked whether she was the best filly he has put a bridle on during his illustrious career, Purdon said Millwood Nike is no inferior to any other.

“Adore Me is the one I compare her to and she is no inferior to her,” Purdon said.

“It is very hard to compare horses from different eras, so it isn’t fair to say one horse is better than the other.”
“Adore Me was good enough to start in a derby and I would start this filly in a derby but both of them this year are on the same day as the Oaks.”

“She is good enough to race the boys.”
“She is just a class filly and her racing manners make her the perfect racehorse, she takes nothing out of herself.”
Millwood Nike was secured by the All Stars Racing Stables for $75,000 from Millwood Farm’s draft at the 2021 National Yearling Sale in Christchurch.

Millwood Nike is raced by rugby league identities Frank and Shane Endacott, as well as Stephen Byrne, Steve Thompson and Bruce Irvine.

The ownership group were clearly elated when greeting their superstar filly in the Addington’s winner’s circle following her stunning win.

Frank Endacott who has enjoyed many highlights during his rugby league career rated Millwood Nike’s as a huge thrill.

“That is right up there.”

“I think that is her best win out of the 16.”

The owners of Millwood Nike graciously donated part of their winnings in Tuesday’s Group One to the appeal to support harness racing trainer-driver Katie Cox’s battle with cancer. 

Photo: Race Images