Brosnans quinella Pakuranga Hunt Hurdle
Matamata trainers Peter and Jessica Brosnan scored the perfect result at Te Aroha on Thursday when they quinellaed the Vet Associates Equine Pakuranga Hunt Open Hurdle (3100m) with Squire (NZ) (Savile Row) and Jake (NZ) (War Decree).
Squire, who finished runner-up in the race last year behind Hill Of Kings (NZ) (Time Test), had been unplaced since winning an open hurdle at Te Rapa in June, but he had the respect of punters, who backed him into a $4.40 second favourite, alongside Dictation (NZ) (Tavistock), in a market headed by Wanganui visitor Happy Star (NZ) (Fabulous) at $3.40.
Australian-based French jockey Luca Remondet was having his first ride in New Zealand aboard Squire, and he ensured he kept his charge handy throughout, sitting on the flank of pacemaker Dictation.
The pair continued their duel into the home straight, however, Squire leapt the second to last fence beautifully and began to build an advantage on his foe, eventually running out a comfortable victor, 4-1/2 lengths to the better of his stablemate Jake, who closed well late, with a further 3-3/4 lengths back to Dictation in third.
Remondet was rapt with his perfect start in New Zealand, and he was full of praise for his mount.
“He is a lovely horse and I can’t wait to ride him again,” he said.
Jessica Brosnan was confident of a bold showing from Squire, with the heavy track conditions being her only concern.
“We were pretty confident for today, but we were a bit worried about this track a few days later (after Heavy rain), but we didn’t have to worry about it,” she said.
“He (Squire) got a bit of a freshen-up and he doesn’t like Woodville (where he finished sixth in the Hawke’s Bay Hurdle in July). He comes right at this time of year.”
Brosnan was also pleased with Jake’s runner-up result.
“Jake loves Te Aroha and he has been getting plenty of farm work,” she said.
Squire has now won four of his nine hurdle starts, adding to his two victories on the flat, and he has earned just shy of $165,000 in prizemoney.
The Brosnans were back in the winner’s stall two races later when Remondet partnered Rocem (NZ) (El Roca) to victory in The Great New Zealand Jumps Carnival 18 & 20 September Maiden Steeplechase (3600m).
“We chucked her in to give Luca a ride around the course before the next chase (Pakuranga Hunt Cup),” Jessica Brosnan said. “She has been going alright races, she has just been a little bit unlucky.
“She got put in the race today and we thought she was pretty bang on. I think Luca rode a good race.”
