Polly Grey returns home to New Zealand
Group One performer Polly Grey has returned to her native New Zealand to conclude her racing career under the care of part-owner Kylie Fawcett.
Polly Grey, sired by Azamour, initially won six races for Matamata horsewoman Kylie Fawcett, including the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m).
She also achieved placings in the Group 2 Japan Trophy (1600m) and Group 3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) before being transferred to Chris Waller’s stable in Sydney.
Under Waller’s guidance, Polly Grey added five more victories to her record, notably triumphing in the Group 3 Epona Stakes (1900m), Listed Gosford Cup (2100m), Listed Lord Mayors Cup (2000m), Listed ATC Cup (2000m), and the Group 3 JRA Plate (2000m).
She also had several notable Group placings, including a third-place finish in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) at Pukekohe.
With plans to breed her with Champion New Zealand Sire Proisir in the upcoming breeding season, Polly Grey has returned to New Zealand to conclude her racing career where it began.
Kylie Fawcett expressed her delight at having Polly Grey back in her stable and mentioned plans to race her in New Plymouth, although the final decision would depend on track conditions.
Fawcett said, “I am thrilled to have her home. It is nice for both of us that she has come back to end her racing career where she started it.”
Regarding future races, Fawcett explained, “We are really waiting to see what the tracks end up. Obviously, we want a bit of rain around, and I feel like Te Rapa is going to dry out a bit, so it is more than likely going to be New Plymouth.”
Polly Grey has a successful history at the Taranaki racecourse, and this influenced the decision to consider New Plymouth for her next race.
While initially entered for both the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m), Fawcett has ruled out the latter due to track conditions and hopes for rain ahead of the Livamol next month.
Fawcett mentioned plans to scan Polly Grey after her upcoming race to determine when she will be served and to make decisions about her remaining races based on weather conditions and her pregnancy.