Record-breaking colt makes pleasing start for Te Akau
Last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale topper Hostility made a pleasing start to his career for Te Akau Racing on Tuesday when winning his 800m trial at Ellerslie.
Bred by Christopher and Susanna Grace out of their dual Group 1-winning mare Shillelagh, the son of I Am Invincible was initially offered for sale as a yearling in Sydney last year where he failed to meet his A$420,000 reserve.
He was then offered through Kiltannon Stables’ New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale draft at Karaka in November where he set a new record for a two-year-old sold at public auction in the southern hemisphere when knocked down to the $1.65 million bid of Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis.
He had his first public appearance for Te Akau trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson at Ellerslie on Tuesday where he was given a quiet trip at the rear of the five-horse field by jockey Craig Grylls, before powering over the top of his rivals late to win by nearly a length.
Walker was pleased with Hostility’s trial, indicating that his raceday debut is looming if he pulls up well from the trial.
“He had his first trial today and Craig Grylls was happy with him,” he said.
“He liked the way he relaxed and quickened up nicely in the straight. He cornered well going right-handed, and the interesting thing will be how he pulls up out of the trial.
“He’s certainly a nice horse, (has a) lovely action, and he’s coping with everything really well.
“Obviously, when they cost that much money there is always a high profile and a lot of attention focusses on these sorts of horses, but he’s certainly done everything right in what we’ve asked of him at this stage of his career.”
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